Acting is an art that requires exceptional talent and skill. With so many great actors currently working, it can be challenging to pick the very best. However, based on popularity, critical acclaim, box office success, and talent, there are several names that stand out as the top actors in the world right now.

• Dwayne Johnson tops the list thanks to his charisma, blockbuster hits, and $10.5 billion in global box office earnings.
• Veterans like Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. remain hugely popular for their iconic roles and consistent success.
• Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have massive worldwide followings.
• Diverse young talents like Tom Holland, Chris Hemsworth, and Zendaya are rising quickly in popularity.
• Critical darlings like Joaquin Phoenix and Daniel Day-Lewis deliver powerful performances.
• Jackie Chan’s comedic action skills keep him a global draw after decades in the business.

1. Dwayne Johnson

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• Born: May 2, 1972 (age 51 years), Hayward, CA
• Spouse: Lauren Hashian (m. 2019), Dany Garcia (m. 1997–2008)
• Children: Ava Raine
• Height: 6′ 5″
• Parents: Rocky Johnson, Ata Johnson
• Siblings: Curtis Bowles, Wanda Bowles

Without a doubt, Dwayne Johnson stands on top as the most popular actor in the world right now. Also known as “The Rock,” Johnson has the magical combination of charisma, looks, and acting talent that has made him a massive global superstar.

After conquering the WWE wrestling world as “The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment,” Johnson made a smooth transition to acting. He soon became a major force at the box office thanks to hits like The Scorpion King, The Game Plan, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and the Fast and Furious franchise.

In fact, Johnson’s films have grossed over $10.5 billion worldwide, making him the highest-grossing actor of all time. On top of that, he has remained one of the most likable and Down-to-earth celebrities despite his enormous success.

With upcoming blockbusters like Black Adam and Red One in the works, Johnson’s popularity only continues to grow. His famous work ethic, sense of humor, and dedication to fans solidify The Rock’s spot as the number one actor in the world right now.

2. Tom Cruise

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• Born: July 3, 1962 (age 61 years), Syracuse, NY
• Spouse: Katie Holmes (m. 2006–2012), Nicole Kidman (m. 1990–2001), Mimi Rogers (m. 1987–1990)
• Upcoming movie: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two
• Height: 5′ 7″
• Children: Suri Cruise, Connor Cruise, Isabella Jane Cruise
• Parents: Thomas Mapother III, Mary Lee Pfeiffer

Decades into his career, Tom Cruise remains one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. He’s built up an untouchable reputation for doing his own stunts and delivering non-stop thrills through franchises like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun.

Cruise’s films have grossed over $4 billion domestically and $10.1 billion worldwide. Even in his late 50s, Cruise has maintained his heartthrob status and daredevil image. Fan excitement for long-awaited sequels like Top Gun: Maverick proves his enduring popularity.

On top of his action roles, Cruise has proven to be a versatile actor through dramas like Rain Man, Jerry Maguire, and Born on the Fourth of July, which earned him three Oscar nominations. After over 40 years in the spotlight, Cruise remains one of the most globally recognized faces in the world.

3. Robert Downey Jr.

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• Born: April 4, 1965 (age 58 years), Manhattan, New York, NY
• Spouse: Susan Downey (m. 2005), Deborah Falconer (m. 1992–2004)
• Children: Indio Falconer Downey
• Height: 5′ 8″
• Parents: Robert Downey Sr., Elsie Ford
• Siblings: Allyson Downey

The entire Marvel Cinematic Universe was built on Robert Downey Jr.’s wit, charm, and emotional range as Tony Stark/Iron Man. His natural charisma made him the perfect leading man to launch the MCU’s success.

Thanks largely to playing Iron Man over the past 14 years, Downey Jr. has become one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. His films have grossed over $14.4 billion globally.

Yet Downey Jr.’s popularity comes not just from Iron Man, but from his natural charisma. His quick wit, emotional acting skills, and flair for comedy have earned him acclaim since the 1980s in films like Chaplin and Tropic Thunder, for which he received Oscar nominations. Though his time as Iron Man has ended, Downey Jr. remains an actor at the peak of his powers whose popularity is sure to continue.

4. Shah Rukh Khan

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• Born: November 2, 1965 (age 57 years), New Delhi, India
• Upcoming movies: Dunki, Tiger 3, The Archies, Noorani Chehra
• Spouse: Gauri Khan (m. 1991)
• Children: Aryan Khan, Suhana Khan
• Parents: Meer Taj Mohammed Khan, Lateef Fatima Khan

Known as the “King of Bollywood,” Shah Rukh Khan is undoubtedly one of the most famous and beloved actors in the world today. With his trademark charisma and romantic roles, Khan has starred in over 80 Hindi films that have collectively grossed over $7 billion worldwide.

Khan is a cultural icon in India, where huge crowds of fans gather wherever he goes. He’s considered one of India’s most popular and high-profile celebrities, with an estimated net worth around $740 million.

Beyond Bollywood, Khan has gained international fame through hits like Devdas, Chennai Express, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and the critically praised My Name Is Khan. His recent blockbuster Pathaan broke box office records, proving Khan’s staying power. Now 56 years old, Shah Rukh Khan remains the undisputed king of Indian cinema.

5. Salman Khan

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• Born: December 27, 1965 (age 57 years), Indore, India
• Upcoming movie: Tiger 3
• Height: 5′ 7″
• Siblings: Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Arpita Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri
• Parents: Salim Khan, Sushila Charak

Alongside Shah Rukh Khan stands Salman Khan as one of the most popular film stars in India today. Called the “Heart of Bollywood Cinema,” Salman Khan has been delighting fans for over 30 years with his muscular physique, action films, and romantic comedies.

With over 100 Hindi films under his belt, Khan’s movies have grossed over $2 billion worldwide. Some of his most popular hits include Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, the Dabangg series, Sultan, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which ranks among the highest-grossing Indian films ever made.

Khan’s dashing good looks, physique, charisma, and bad boy image have made him an idol for millions of fans in India and around the world. Despite controversies off-screen, Khan’s star power remains undiminished in his late 50s. He continues churning out major hits that cement his spot among the most famous actors in the world today.

6. Tom Holland

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• Born: June 1, 1996 (age 27 years), Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
• Height: 5′ 7″
• Parents: Dominic Holland, Nikki Holland
• Siblings: Harry Holland, Paddy Holland, Sam Holland
• Education: BRIT School

As the star of the current Spider-Man films, 25-year-old Tom Holland has quickly skyrocketed to become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actors. With his charm, comedic timing, dance skills, and gymnastic flair, Holland has won over legions of new fans as a reinvented Peter Parker.

Holland first burst onto the scene in 2016 with Captain America: Civil War, instantly impressing critics with his take on Spider-Man. He went on to anchor two wildly successful standalone Spider-Man films that have grossed over $2 billion combined globally.

Beyond Spider-Man, Holland has starred in acclaimed films like The Impossible, The Devil All The Time, and most recently Uncharted, proving his versatility. With his boyish good looks, immense talent, and box office draw, Tom Holland has cemented himself as a rising A-list star with one of the brightest futures in Hollywood.

7. Chris Hemsworth

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• Born: August 11, 1983 (age 40 years), Melbourne, Australia
• Spouse: Elsa Pataky (m. 2010)
• Upcoming movies: Furiosa, Avengers: Secret Wars, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty
• Height: 6′ 3″
• Parents: Craig Hemsworth, Leonie Hemsworth
• Siblings: Liam Hemsworth, Luke Hemsworth

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth rocketed to worldwide fame in 2011 when he first stepped into the role of the Norse god Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With his imposing height and physique combined with charm and humor, Hemsworth was perfectly cast as the hammer-wielding Avenger.

Since then, Hemsworth has reprised Thor in seven more MCU films, each of which grossed over $700 million globally. His natural comedic timing was highlighted in Thor: Ragnarok, allowing Hemsworth to reveal more of his talents.

Outside the MCU, Hemsworth has proven his versatility through acclaimed roles in Rush, Ghostbusters, Extraction, and Spiderhead. He remains one of the most likable and bankable movie stars today. Now entering his prime at 39 years old, Hemsworth shows no signs of relinquishing his spot among the world’s top actors.

8. Joaquin Phoenix

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• Born: October 28, 1974 (age 48 years), Río Piedras
• Upcoming movies: Napoleon, Joker: Folie à Deux
• Siblings: River Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, Summer Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, Jodean Bottom
• Partner: Rooney Mara (2016–)
• Parents: Arlyn Phoenix, John Lee Bottom
• Height: 5′ 8″

Known for intensely physical, transformative performances, Joaquin Phoenix is widely considered one of the most talented actors of his generation. After getting his start as a child actor in the 1980s, Phoenix has delivered an array of critically praised roles ranging from loners like Johnny Cash in Walk the Line to the villainous Joker in the psychological thriller Joker.

Phoenix has been nominated for four Academy Awards over his career, finally winning Best Actor in 2020 for his unhinged portrayal of the Joker. He’s also won a Golden Globe and numerous critics’ awards for films like Gladiator, The Master, and Her.

While lacking the box office power and mainstream popularity of bigger stars, Phoenix is universally praised for his complete immersion into every role he takes on. His daring choices and sheer intensity on-screen have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest actors working today.

9. Jack Nicholson

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• Born: April 22, 1937 (age 86 years), Neptune City, NJ
• Children: Ray Nicholson, Lorraine Nicholson, Jennifer Nicholson, Caleb James Goddard, Honey Hollman, Tessa Gourin
• Spouse: Sandra Knight (m. 1962–1968)
• Nominations: Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, MORE
• Height: 5′ 10″
• Grandchildren: Duke Nicholson, Sean Norfleet

Jack Nicholson is an American retired actor and filmmaker who received numerous accolades throughout his five-decade-spanning career, including three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was born John Joseph Nicholson on April 22, 1937, in Neptune City, New Jersey, and attended Manasquan High School. Nicholson’s career spanned from 1955 to 2010, during which he appeared in numerous films, including Chinatown, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Shining.

In recent years, Nicholson has made few public appearances. In April 2023, he was seen on a balcony in California, looking unrecognizable and frail ahead of his 86th birthday. Despite his absence from the public eye, Nicholson remains a beloved Hollywood celebrity and a touchstone for many people

10. Jackie Chan

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• Born: April 7, 1954 (age 69 years), Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
• Upcoming movie: Kung Fu Panda 4
• Children: Etta Ng Chok Lam, Jaycee Chan
• Spouse: Joan Lin (m. 1982)
• Height: 5′ 9″
• Parents: Charles Chan, Lee-Lee Chan

For over 50 years, Jackie Chan has awed global audiences with his outrageous blend of death-defying stuntwork and physical comedy. Starting off as a stuntman and martial arts star in Hong Kong, Chan broke through to international fame with hits like the Rush Hour series, Shanghai Noon, and Kung Fu Panda.

Now 68 years old, Chan remains one of the most popular Chinese actors ever with a net worth around $400 million. His films have grossed nearly $2 billion in the U.S. alone. Chan has also become a successful entrepreneur with businesses spanning gyms, restaurants, clothing, and more.

While Chan’s daredevil stunts may get the most attention, his universal appeal comes from his humor, warmth, and charm. He remains one of the most likable and enduring actors in the world.

Other Top Performers Gaining Recognition:

Beyond just the top ten, plenty of other great actors are making their mark right now through consistently acclaimed performances and rising popularity:

• Daniel Day-Lewis – The only male actor ever to win three Best Actor Oscars, for roles in films like Lincoln and There Will Be Blood, Day-Lewis is considered one of the all-time greats.
• Leonardo DiCaprio – With six Oscar nominations and a win for The Revenant, DiCaprio remains an iconic movie star thanks to acclaimed films like The Wolf of Wall Street, Inception, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
• Denzel Washington – Two-time Oscar winner known for intense performances in dramas and thrillers ranging from Training Day to Fences.
• Brad Pitt – Equally adept at drama (12 Monkeys, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), action (Fury, Mr. & Mrs. Smith), and comedy (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood).
• Christian Bale – Transformative actor with incredible intensity famous for roles in The Dark Knight, The Fighter, Ford v Ferrari, and more.

Conclusion: Something For All Movie Fans

This diverse range of top actors showcases how many options there are right now for moviegoers to see some of the finest performances. Veterans like Robert Downey Jr. and Jackie Chan show no signs of slowing down. Young talents like Zendaya and Tom Holland are proving breakout stars.

Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh and Salman Khan have massive worldwide popularity. And proven masters like Joaquin Phoenix and Daniel Day-Lewis keep delivering powerhouse performances. But right now, Dwayne Johnson stands atop them all as the most popular actor on the planet.

For fans of compelling characters and brilliant acting, there are plenty of great options to choose from among today’s top actors. The variety of genres, styles, and backgrounds on display gives audiences a myriad of great films and performances to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who was the highest paid actor of 2022?

According to Forbes, Dwayne Johnson was the highest paid actor of 2022, earning $270 million between June 2021 and June 2022.

Who has won the most Oscars for acting?

Katharine Hepburn holds the record for the most acting Oscars, winning 4 Academy Awards for Best Actress over her career. Daniel Day-Lewis has the most Best Actor wins by a male, with 3 victories.

Who was the top grossing actor of the 1990s?

Harrison Ford was the top grossing actor of the 1990s worldwide thanks to major hits like The Fugitive, Air Force One, and What Lies Beneath.

Who is the richest actor in the world?

According to Forbes, Jerry Seinfeld is currently the richest actor worldwide, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.

Who has the most Instagram followers as an actor?

Dwayne Johnson