Hollywood is known for producing cinematic masterpieces that captivate audiences worldwide. For many of its biggest stars, the public often associates them with some of their most iconic films. However, what might come as a surprise is that sometimes, their highest-grossing films are far from what people would expect. These unexpected box office juggernauts showcase how diverse and unpredictable the world of cinema can be.
Below, we delve into the movies that turned out to be the highest earners in the careers of some of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. These films demonstrate that success can come from the unlikeliest of places.
Scarlett Johansson – “The Avengers” (2012)
Scarlett Johansson is best known for her role as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While she has appeared in numerous successful MCU films, The Avengers (2012) stands out as her biggest box-office hit.
Earning over $1.5 billion worldwide, this film brought together an ensemble cast of iconic superheroes and was a game-changer for superhero cinema. Johansson’s portrayal of Black Widow helped solidify her as a major player in the MCU and in Hollywood.
Chris Hemsworth – “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)
While Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor is iconic in its own right, his highest-earning film was Avengers: Endgame. As the culmination of over a decade of Marvel storytelling, Endgame grossed over $2.8 billion globally, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release.
Hemsworth’s Thor played a pivotal role in the epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga, proving that superhero films, with the right combination of characters and storyline, could achieve extraordinary commercial success.
Jodie Foster – “Elysium” (2013)
Known for her remarkable ability to seamlessly transition from child star to respected adult actress, Jodie Foster has graced both mainstream and critically acclaimed films. While most people remember her for her gripping performances in The Silence of the Lambs and Contact, the 2013 science-fiction film Elysium is her biggest box-office hit.
Despite her association with dramas and thrillers, Elysium proved that Foster’s reach could extend to blockbuster genres. The film, starring Matt Damon alongside Foster, grossed $286 million globally, a solid financial achievement in a genre filled with heavy competition.
Sandra Bullock – “Minions” (2015)
Sandra Bullock’s career is full of memorable roles, from the action-packed Speed to the critically acclaimed Gravity. However, her voice role as the villain Scarlet Overkill in Minions, the animated spin-off from Despicable Me, is her highest-grossing film.
Released in 2015, Minions went on to make a staggering $1.1 billion globally. The film’s success can be attributed to the Minions’ irresistible charm and the franchise’s widespread appeal, a testament to Bullock’s ability to dominate both live-action and animated blockbusters.
Brad Pitt – “World War Z” (2013)
Brad Pitt’s diverse career spans dramatic roles in films like Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as larger-than-life blockbusters like Inglourious Basterds. Surprisingly, Pitt’s most commercially successful movie is the 2013 zombie thriller World War Z.
Despite significant behind-the-scenes challenges, the film grossed $531 million worldwide, establishing itself as a box-office powerhouse. The film’s success, despite the typical pitfalls of troubled productions, showed Pitt’s star power could elevate even the most unconventional of projects.
Robin Williams – “Night at the Museum” (2006)
Robin Williams’s comedic genius made him a household name, with unforgettable roles in films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam. However, his most lucrative film was Night at the Museum, in which he played a wax figure of Theodore Roosevelt who came to life.
The 2006 family-friendly film grossed an impressive $579 million globally, a testament to Williams’s timeless appeal and his ability to entertain audiences of all ages. The success of this film helped solidify his place in the family movie genre.
Sylvester Stallone – “The Expendables 2” (2012)
Sylvester Stallone is synonymous with action-packed franchises like Rocky and Rambo. However, his biggest financial success came not from his iconic boxing or war films but from the ensemble action film The Expendables 2.
The 2012 sequel, featuring an all-star cast of action heroes such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jason Statham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis, grossed $311 million worldwide. This action-packed film capitalized on the nostalgia for ’80s and ’90s action stars and proved a major success, solidifying Stallone’s status as a top box-office draw.
Will Smith – “Aladdin” (2019)
Will Smith’s career has been filled with blockbuster hits, from Independence Day to Men in Black and The Pursuit of Happyness. But it was his role as the Genie in Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin that turned out to be his biggest box office triumph.
Earning over $1 billion globally, Aladdin exceeded expectations, propelled by Smith’s charismatic performance and Disney’s unrivaled marketing machine. This film not only showcased Smith’s adaptability but also proved that remakes of animated classics could be just as commercially successful as the originals.
Tom Cruise – “War of the Worlds” (2005)
Tom Cruise’s career has seen him take on a variety of roles, but perhaps one of his more unexpected hits was War of the Worlds in 2005. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic grossed $591 million worldwide, cementing itself as one of Cruise’s highest-grossing films.
Known for his action roles in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Tom Cruise proved that his star power could also elevate thrilling science fiction to major commercial success with War of the Worlds.
Johnny Depp – “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” (2006)
Though Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is legendary, it was the second installment, Dead Man’s Chest, that became his biggest box office hit. Grossing a staggering $1.1 billion worldwide, the film was both a commercial and critical success, further solidifying Depp’s place as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
With its high-stakes action and memorable characters, the Pirates franchise remains one of Depp’s defining roles.
Conclusion
The list of actors and their most surprising box-office hits offers a fascinating look at how unexpected movies can soar. Whether through voice acting in animated films, sci-fi thrillers, or ensemble action epics, these stars have proven that success can come from the most unexpected places.
As the global film market continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see which other surprising hits will define the careers of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.