Hollywood boasts of many glittering stars, though such gems around the world rarely keep shining when it comes to the box office. Some may deliver a flop every now and then, but a few proved to have done the opposite, giving way to consecutive hits after two after another and eventually crowned as the best bankable names from Hollywood.
From the high-stakes action spectacles of Tom Cruise to Margot Robbie's billion-dollar success with Barbie, these stars have been proven capable of putting butts in seats more than once. Some actors have managed to build a world-conquering box-office franchise exploiting their star presence, like Robert Downey Jr. and Ryan Reynolds. Others, like Leonardo DiCaprio and Keanu Reeves, have persisted by carving out roles that have caught the fancy of critics and audiences alike.
In this age of streaming services fighting it out with releases in theatres, it might not be an easy task to stay on top. Yet, time and again, these 10 actors have shown that they are the most ultimate crowd movers, be it through action-packed blockbusters, through touching dramas, or through career-defining performances. Consistent success, however, sets them apart in an industry where remaining relevant is the biggest challenge.
Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.
1. Tom Cruise

For decades now, Tom Cruise has been a box-office magnet, and his streak these past few years has been nothing short of legendary. Top Gun: Maverick (2022) has plummeted into the ranks of all-time highest grossers, demonstrating Cruise's unparalleled star power. The Mission: Impossible franchise is still refusing to die, with Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) serving up riveting action and lead-in for an even bigger sequel. His focus on practical stunts has the spectators enthralled, and he tops off the excitement with the forthcoming Mission: Impossible 8. Few, if any, Hollywood actors can boast his level of consistency.
2. Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. has had almost uninterrupted blockbuster streaks from the massive return with Iron Man (2008) to chart-breaking heights through the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His roles in Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021, through archive material) have helped him attain legendary status. Yet he did much more than the superhero movie with Oppenheimer (2023), which won many Academy Awards. The upcoming projects of Downey Jr.'s shotgun blast, including Sherlock Holmes 3, are still commercial but critically acclaimed.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio has hardly any misses. His streak of hits includes The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), The Revenant (2015), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), with nominations for Oscars for each. Now his latest, Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), proved yet again why he sits on the top as one of the best in the field as he horses; once again the multiple award nominations and critical acclaim would take anyone back to both it and for the fact that it is recently released. Unlike many actors, he does not go to many franchises using his art but rather pours forth original ideas that send the public into a thinkpiece frenzy.
4. Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has transformed himself into one of the biggest box-office draws of Hollywood. His two back-to-back hit releases of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), and Red Notice (2021) set box-office tallies. While his last, Black Adam (2022), bombed at the box office, Moana 2 (2025) and his planned live-action Moana remake promise to lead the show. His capacity to direct action-packed, family-oriented, and comedy-based movies keeps him in great demand, demonstrating his amazing box office stability.
5. Will Smith

In spite of controversies, Will Smith continues to be a box office giant. His success list boasts Aladdin (2019), which surpassed $1 billion, and King Richard (2021), which earned him an Oscar. His next Bad Boys 4 is creating hype, as the series has been a steady success. Although Emancipation (2022) received mixed reviews, Smith's resilience to come back and remain relevant is unquestionable. His career has experienced several hit streaks, from Men in Black to I Am Legend, testifying to his universal appeal that transcends generations.
6. Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth's capacity to transition between franchises and standalone projects cemented his dominance at the box office. From the Thor series to Extraction (2020) and its sequel Extraction 2 (2023), he keeps pulling in crowds. His role in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) is already gaining traction, demonstrating his capability to succeed outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What's Hemsworth's next step? Back to Avengers: Secret Wars and other high-profile projects that will continue his winning streak.
7. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves seems to be doing great. The John Wick series has garnered its share of success, and the most recent John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) went on to become the biggest hit of the franchise, sealing him as an action icon. His John Wick legacy has not limited his resurgence, with roles in The Matrix Resurrections (2021) and Cyberpunk 2077, showcasing how relevant he is culturally today. The man is clearly unstoppable-ramping up for more projects with John Wick 5 and Ballerina (a spin-off) - as if the actor needs any reminding.
8. Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie has transitioned from breakthrough star to box office queen, churning out back-to-back hits across genres. I, Tonya (2017), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), and The Suicide Squad (2021) testified to her range. And then there is Barbie (2023), which broke all records, earning over $1.4 billion and recharting her career. With an Ocean's 11 prequel in the works and a Barbie sequel supposedly in the pipeline, Robbie is on a career-altering winning streak that refuses to slow down.
9. Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds is a master of consecutive hits, going from Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018) to Free Guy (2021) and The Adam Project (2022). Red Notice (2021) and Spirited (2022) continued the spree, and his next, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), proved to be one of the year's largest films. Reynolds' skill at juggling humor, action, and heart has established him as a consistent box office attraction, solidifying his spot in Hollywood's upper echelon.
10. Gal Gadot

Felicitous indeed is the swift elevation of Gal Gadot to the heights of fame after Wonder Woman (2017), which was shortly followed by innumerable hits-Justice League (2021) and Red Notice (2021). After Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), which drew mixed critical reception, Gadot, in a spectacular manner, rebounded in Heart of Stone (2023) and then stole scenes from other cast members in Fast X (2023). The global phenomenon Gadot is indeed here to stay, with a forthcoming Cleopatra movie and rumors of her return as Wonder Woman.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!

Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation