Cover Scarlett Johansson becomes the highest-grossing leading actor in motion picture history with a US$14.85 billion worldwide gross (Photo: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images)
Scarlett Johansson becomes the highest-grossing leading actor in motion picture history with a US$14.85 billion worldwide gross (Photo: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images)
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From Marvel icon to animation darling, Scarlett Johansson’s rise to the top of Hollywood’s A-list is backed by billions in box office power and unmatched star appeal
In the arithmetic of Hollywood, box office numbers tell the ultimate story of star power. With the release of Jurassic World: Rebirth, Scarlett Johansson officially shattered the glass ceiling, becoming the highest-grossing leading actor in motion picture history with a US$14.85 billion worldwide gross, according to figures by The Numbers. Her achievement is groundbreaking, accomplished through several films where she had a leading or significant role—propelling her past Hollywood heavyweights and Marvel co-stars like Samuel L Jackson and Robert Downey Jr. Here are the actress’s biggest blockbusters that built her box office empire.
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‘Iron Man 2’ (2010) – US$621 million
Above Scarlett Johansson started her successful run in the MCU as Tony Stark’s new assistant in ‘Iron Man 2’
Johansson’s entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the enigmatic “Natalie Rushman” was nothing short of masterful. What appeared to be a supporting role as Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr) new assistant quickly revealed itself as the introduction of Natasha Romanoff, the deadly Black Widow. This US$621 million global success laid the foundation for what would become the financial cornerstone of her career, establishing her within Hollywood’s most dominant franchise.
‘The Avengers’ movies (2012 to 2019) – US$7.7 billion
Above The ensemble ‘Avengers’ films generated a combined US$7.7 billion worldwide.
The four core Avengers films represent the monumental bedrock of Johansson’s box office supremacy. From the groundbreaking original assembly in 2012 to the epic conclusion of Endgame in 2019, these ensemble blockbusters generated a combined US$7.7 billion worldwide. As one of the original six Avengers, Johansson’s Black Widow served as the emotional anchor and pragmatic conscience of the team, making her indispensable to the franchise’s success.
‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014) – US$714 million
Above The spy thriller elevated Johansson from supporting player to true co-lead
More than just another Marvel instalment, this critically acclaimed spy thriller elevated Johansson from supporting player to true co-lead. Her chemistry with Chris Evans’s Captain America became a fan-favourite dynamic, while the film’s gritty, 1970s-inspired aesthetic showcased her dramatic range. The US$714 million global gross proved that audiences were hungry for more Black Widow, fuelling demands for her solo film.
‘Lucy’ (2014) – US$457 million
Above ‘Lucy’ became a box office phenomenon, grossing over 11 times its US$40 million budget
This Luc Besson sci-fi thriller stands as the definitive proof of Johansson’s solo star power. Built around an original, R-rated concept with no pre-existing fanbase, Lucy became a genuine box office phenomenon, grossing over 11 times its US$40 million budget. Johansson’s transformation from terrified student to omnipotent being captivated global audiences, demonstrating her ability to lead a blockbuster without franchise support.
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‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016) – US$1.15 billion
Above In ‘Captain America: Civil War’, Johansson’s Black Widow navigated the treacherous waters between her found family
This billion-dollar behemoth placed Johansson’s character at the ideological centre of the Avengers’s most personal conflict. As the team fractured along moral lines, Black Widow navigated the treacherous waters between her found family, showcasing the emotional intelligence that made her irreplaceable.
‘The Jungle Book’ (2016) – US$951 million
Above Johansson’s distinctive, husky voice proved bankable in ‘The Jungle Book’
Johansson’s distinctive, husky voice proved equally bankable as her physical presence in Disney’s photorealistic adaptation. Voicing the hypnotic python Kaa, she brought menacing allure to the classic villain, contributing to the film’s nearly US$1 billion global success. This performance showed that her appeal goes beyond traditional leading roles, extending her marketability into lucrative family films.
‘Sing’ (2016) – US$631 million
Above In this animated musical, Johansson voiced a prickly teenage porcupine
In Illumination’s original animated musical, Johansson voiced Ash, a prickly teenage porcupine with punk-rock sensibilities. The film’s US$631 million global success further proved her versatility and broad appeal beyond the MCU. Her ability to breathe life into animated characters showcased yet another dimension of her star power, appealing to audiences across all demographics.
‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ (2025) – $322 million and climbing
Above The film’s US$322 million global opening provided the push that crowned Johansson as the highest-grossing leading actor of all time
The coronation film that officially secured Johansson’s throne arrived with prehistoric force. Her decade-long pursuit of a role in the Jurassic franchise culminated in portraying Zora Bennett, an ex-military specialist. The film’s massive US$322 million global opening provided the final push that crowned her the highest-grossing leading actor of all time, proving her lasting star power in Hollywood.
After more than a decade in lifestyle media, Clifford has mastered the art of writing seriously about things that are fun—and writing fun things about people who take themselves very seriously. At Tatler Asia, he helped steer its flagship lists, Tatler’s Most Influential and Asia’s Most Stylish. And today, he leads T-Labs, Tatler Asia’s content innovation hub, where he continues the noble pursuit of lifestyle storytelling, spinning stories on wealth, entertainment, necessary style, Hallyu, Hollywood, beauty and more for audiences across Asia.
