The title of highest grossing film actress of all time is currently held by Scarlett Johansson, whose films have collectively grossed over $14.3 billion worldwide. Her enduring popularity, strategic film choices, and involvement in highly successful franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe have cemented her place at the top.
The Reign of Black Widow: How Johansson Achieved Her Status
Scarlett Johansson’s journey to becoming the highest grossing actress is a testament to both her talent and shrewd career decisions. It’s not simply about appearing in a lot of movies, but rather choosing the right movies.
Early Successes and Rising Star Power
Johansson began acting at a young age, gaining critical acclaim for roles in films like “Manny & Lo” (1996) and “The Horse Whisperer” (1998). These early roles showcased her considerable talent and established her as a serious actress to watch. Moving into the 2000s, she solidified her position with roles in independent films like “Lost in Translation” (2003) and more mainstream fare like “Match Point” (2005). This blend of artistic and commercial projects allowed her to cultivate a broad audience.
The Marvel Effect: A Game Changer
The turning point came with her casting as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). First appearing in “Iron Man 2” (2010), Johansson embodied the character with both strength and vulnerability, quickly becoming a fan favorite. The success of the Avengers films, as well as her appearances in other MCU movies like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Captain America: Civil War,” significantly contributed to her box office total. “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) alone grossed nearly $2.8 billion worldwide. The dedicated Black Widow solo film in 2021 further solidified her standing.
Beyond Marvel: Diverse Roles and Continued Box Office Success
While the MCU undoubtedly played a crucial role, Johansson’s success isn’t solely reliant on superhero films. She continues to take on diverse roles in films like “Lucy” (2014), “Ghost in the Shell” (2017), and “Jojo Rabbit” (2019), demonstrating her range and attracting audiences outside of the superhero genre. Her willingness to experiment with different genres and filmmakers contributes to her sustained relevance and box office appeal.
Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Box Office Gross
It’s important to understand what “highest grossing” actually means. It simply refers to the total revenue generated by the films an actress has starred in throughout their career.
What “Highest Grossing” Doesn’t Tell Us
This metric doesn’t account for several factors:
- Inflation: The cost of tickets has increased significantly over time. A film that grossed $100 million in 1980 would be equivalent to a much larger sum today.
- Budget: The profitability of a film is determined by the difference between its budget and its gross. A film with a low budget that grosses a modest amount can be more profitable than a high-budget film that grosses significantly more.
- Screen Time: An actress with a brief cameo in a high-grossing film contributes to the overall total, even if their role was minimal.
- Star Power vs. Franchise Power: Sometimes, a film’s success is more attributable to the franchise it belongs to (like the MCU) than the individual actors involved.
Alternate Metrics for Measuring Success
While box office gross is a significant indicator, other metrics can offer a more nuanced understanding of an actress’s success:
- Average Gross Per Film: This metric provides a better indication of an actress’s consistent box office draw.
- Awards and Recognition: Critical acclaim and awards like Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs are important indicators of an actress’s talent and contribution to the film industry.
- Cultural Impact: The lasting influence of an actress’s work on popular culture is an important but difficult-to-quantify factor.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the World of Highest-Grossing Actresses
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the landscape of highest-grossing film actresses:
FAQ 1: Who are some of the other top-grossing actresses besides Scarlett Johansson?
Other actresses consistently near the top of the list include Zoe Saldana (known for her roles in “Avatar” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Emma Watson (primarily recognized for her part in the “Harry Potter” film series), and Cameron Diaz (who has starred in a variety of successful comedies and action films).
FAQ 2: Does voice acting count toward an actress’s total gross?
Yes, generally, voice acting performances are included in the calculation of an actress’s total gross earnings. For instance, Johansson’s work in “The Jungle Book” (2016) and Saldana’s role in “Guardians of the Galaxy” contribute to their respective totals.
FAQ 3: How often does the list of highest-grossing actresses change?
The list is dynamic and can change quite frequently, especially with the release of major blockbuster films. A single successful movie, especially one with a large global audience, can dramatically shift an actress’s ranking. Therefore, the standings are constantly in flux.
FAQ 4: How reliable are the publicly available box office figures?
Generally, publicly available box office figures from reputable sources like Box Office Mojo and The Numbers are considered reliable. However, there can be minor discrepancies due to different reporting methods and data collection practices. These differences are usually minimal.
FAQ 5: What role does international box office play in determining the highest-grossing actresses?
The international box office plays a crucial role. In fact, for many blockbuster films, the majority of their revenue comes from overseas markets. This means that actresses with international appeal often have a significant advantage in accumulating box office gross.
FAQ 6: Are there any actresses who are likely to overtake Scarlett Johansson in the near future?
It is difficult to predict with certainty. However, actresses starring in upcoming major franchise films, particularly within the superhero genre, have the potential to climb the ranks quickly. Look to stars appearing in new Marvel, DC, and Avatar films.
FAQ 7: How does streaming affect box office success and these rankings?
While streaming is revolutionizing the entertainment industry, theatrical box office revenue still contributes significantly to an actress’s total gross. While a star’s streaming appeal certainly matters, it does not (currently) directly impact these calculations.
FAQ 8: Do special editions or re-releases of films impact an actress’s total gross?
Yes, any revenue generated from special editions or re-releases of films is typically added to the film’s overall gross and, therefore, can affect an actress’s total. However, the impact is generally smaller than the release of a new film.
FAQ 9: Are there any controversies surrounding the calculation of highest-grossing actress lists?
Some argue that the inclusion of films where an actress has a minor role can be misleading, as it doesn’t accurately reflect their individual box office draw. There is ongoing debate about refining the methodology to provide a more accurate picture.
FAQ 10: How do actors’ salaries impact the profitability of their films?
Actors’ salaries are a significant expense for film production and, thus, affect the profitability of a movie. Overly inflated salaries can sometimes hinder a film’s chances of being profitable, even if it grosses a substantial amount.
FAQ 11: What are some emerging trends in the film industry that might impact future rankings of highest-grossing actresses?
The increasing globalization of the film industry, the growing popularity of streaming platforms, and the continued dominance of franchise films are all trends that are likely to shape future rankings. Also, increased representation in film is important.
FAQ 12: Where can I find up-to-date rankings of highest-grossing actors and actresses?
Reputable websites like Box Office Mojo, The Numbers, and IMDb regularly update their box office figures and provide rankings of highest-grossing actors and actresses. Be sure to check them for the latest data.