Hollywood A-listers or TikTok trendsetters, who’s got the bigger paycheck in 2024? Once upon a time, movie stars ruled the money game, cashing in on blockbuster deals and hefty backend profits. But now? Influencers are out here flipping viral dances and skincare routines into multi-million-dollar empires. It’s not just about red carpets anymore; it’s about brand deals, merch drops, and engagement rates.
While actors still pull in jaw-dropping salaries, think Robert Downey Jr.’s levels of wealth, the influencer economy is a whole different beast. A viral post can make more money in a day than some actors do in a whole season. With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube offering monetization goldmines, top influencers are stacking their bank accounts faster than Hollywood can greenlight a sequel.
So, who’s actually winning the money race? The answer isn’t as simple as it used to be. Some influencers are out-earning B-list celebs, while top-tier movie stars still cash in the biggest checks. The real difference? Actors rely on big studios, while influencers build their own empires; no middleman is required.
In the battle of big screens vs. small screens, the real winner might just be, well, whoever knows how to sell the dream best.
10. Adam Sandler ($73 Million)
Adam Sandler, from frat-boy comedy king to Netflix’s golden goose. Who would’ve thought the guy who made fart jokes in Billy Madison would end up laughing all the way to the bank again and again? In 2024, Sandler sits comfortably atop the highest-paid actor throne, raking in a cool $73 million, as per Forbes. Not bad for a dude who made a career out of goofy voices and oversized basketball shorts.
But here’s the thing: Sandler isn’t just about slapstick and silliness anymore. Sure, he still drops classic dad-humor flicks like clockwork, but every once in a while, he reminds everyone he can actually act. Remember Uncut Gems? That anxiety-fueled rollercoaster proved he’s got serious chops, and Hollywood (finally) took notice.
His secret weapon? Streaming domination. While other stars are sweating over box office numbers, Sandler is chilling with a never-ending Netflix deal, ensuring his movies get instant eyeballs (and his bank account gets instant deposits). Whether it’s nostalgia-fueled comedies or unexpected dramatic turns, he’s got an audience locked in, ready to press play.
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At this point, Adam Sandler isn’t just an actor; he’s a business model. He does what he wants, hires his buddies, and somehow keeps getting richer. Hollywood may change, but The Sandman stays winning.
9. MrBeast ($85 Million)
MrBeast a.k.a. Jimmy Donaldson isn’t just making videos, he’s practically running an entertainment empire from his laptop. With a mind-blowing $85 million (per Forbes) in earnings and over 500 million followers across social media, he’s the undisputed king of viral content media. His formula? Go bigger than anyone else.
If surviving in a cave for a week or giving away a private island sounds like something out of a fever dream, welcome to the world of MrBeast. His YouTube empire alone, boasting 320 million subscribers, has raked in nearly 9 billion views in just a year.
But MrBeast isn’t just about jaw-dropping challenges and over-the-top generosity. He’s a businessman. His Feastables candy bars have been a major hit, turning casual viewers into loyal customers. He even dabbled in the fast-food industry with MrBeast Burger (before stepping away from it due to quality issues). The guy isn’t just making money; he’s printing it.
Of course, even internet moguls hit a few bumps. His upcoming Amazon series, Beast Games, made headlines when contestants sued over alleged unsafe filming conditions. But controversy or not, MrBeast’s success shows no signs of slowing. Whether he’s pulling off the next insane challenge or launching another business, one thing’s for sure: Jimmy Donaldson is the ultimate proof that YouTube isn’t just a hobby. It’s a billion-dollar playground.
8. Margot Robbie ($59 Million)
Margot Robbie doesn’t just act; she owns Hollywood. With $59 million in earnings last year, she’s not only one of the highest-paid movie stars but also one of the savviest (per Forbes) actors. Her secret weapon? She’s not just starring in movies, she’s producing them too. From I, Tonya to Barbie, she’s making sure she gets a bigger slice of the pie.
And what a pie it is. Barbie wasn’t just a movie; it was a phenomenon. Pink-clad fans flooded theaters, making it the biggest movie of 2023, and since Robbie co-produced it, she cashed in twice. But she’s not riding the Barbie wave alone. With roles in everything from the DC Universe (Birds of Prey) to indie darlings, she’s proven she can do it all: comedy, action, drama, you name it.
Her appeal is global, and so is her influence. Whether she’s dazzling at premieres or locking in deals behind the scenes, she’s playing Hollywood like a chessboard. The result? Box office dominance, critical acclaim, and, of course, a very healthy bank account.
Margot Robbie isn’t just acting in blockbusters; she’s building them. And with her career still soaring, it’s safe to say she’s got Hollywood in the palm of her hand.
7. Dhar Mann ($45 Million)
Dhar Mann isn’t your typical YouTube millionaire. He’s built an empire on feel-good, life-lesson-packed videos that rack up millions of views. With $45 million in earnings and 120 million followers across platforms, he’s mastered the art of the modern-day after-school special (via Forbes). His videos tackle bullying, racism, and social inequality, all wrapped up in a dramatic, moral-driven format that keeps audiences coming back for more.
But Dhar Mann isn’t just the face of his brand; he’s the brains behind it, too. With a 150-person production team and a 100,000-square-foot LA studio, his operation runs like a Hollywood mini-studio. He scripts, produces, and delivers viral content at an industrial scale. The result? A dedicated fanbase and serious ad revenue from Google Adsense.
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But that’s not where the money stops. Mann has locked in lucrative brand deals with WhatsApp, Universal, and SocialPoint, proving that his influence extends beyond YouTube.And because one business wasn’t enough, he’s also running a creator agency (5th Quarter Agency) and a beauty brand (LiveGlam). Whether he’s coaching up-and-coming influencers or selling makeup, Mann knows how to turn views into dollars.
Critics might roll their eyes at his on-the-nose storytelling, but the numbers don’t lie. Dhar Mann has built a feel-good media machine that pays very well. And with his empire still growing, it looks like he’s just getting started.
6. Tom Cruise ($45 Million)
Tom Cruise isn’t just a Hollywood A-lister; he’s a one-man blockbuster machine. With $45 million in earnings for 2024 (Forbes), he’s proving once again that no one does big-screen spectacle quite like him. Whether he’s clinging to the side of a plane (Mission: Impossible), flying fighter jets (Top Gun), or casually driving a motorcycle off a cliff (Dead Reckoning), Cruise’s commitment to doing his own stunts isn’t just impressive, it’s a brand.
In a world where CGI dominates, Cruise insists on keeping things real. And audiences love him for it. His daredevil stunts and action-packed storytelling create not just movies but global events. Every new Mission: Impossible film pulls in massive numbers, and if Top Gun 3 happens? Expect theaters to explode with nostalgia-fueled adrenaline.
But Cruise isn’t just about running, jumping, and defying death; he’s also a sharp businessman. As a producer, he negotiates backend deals that let him cash in after the movie leaves theaters. Translation? The bigger the box office, the bigger his payday.
In an industry obsessed with superhero franchises and streaming, Cruise is the rare star who still commands theaters like it’s the ‘90s. He doesn’t just make movies; he sells them, and as long as audiences keep craving heart-pounding, high-flying action, Cruise will keep cashing in.
5. Matt Rife ($50 Million)
Matt Rife went from cracking jokes online to selling out theaters faster than you can refresh your TikTok feed. With $50 million in earnings in 2024 (via Forbes), he’s proof that viral fame can translate into a serious bank if you know how to work it. His secret? Razor-sharp crowd work, a massive social media following (30.4 million fans across platforms), and a relentless tour schedule that sees him performing around 30 live shows a month. That’s a lot of mic drops.
But Rife isn’t just dominating the stage; he’s making waves on Netflix, too. His first special, Natural Selection, stirred up controversy over a domestic violence joke, but that barely put a dent in his momentum. His second special, Lucid, dropped in August and quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched comedy events of the year.
And because comedy is only part of the hustle, Rife is branching out. In December, he’s dropping a memoir titled Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me, a cheeky nod to his flirty, in-the-moment humor that made him a social media sensation in the first place.
Some comics struggle to turn online fame into real-world success, but Rife? He’s filling arenas, topping Netflix charts, and laughing his way to the bank. If 2024 is any sign, this guy’s just getting started.
4. Ryan Gosling ($43 Million)
Ryan Gosling is the kind of movie star who can do anything: brooding action hero, hopeless romantic, comedy gold. And in 2024, that versatility helped him rake in $43 million, proving that effortless cool does pay. (via Forbes)
From Drive to La La Land to The Nice Guys, Gosling has a knack for picking roles that surprise audiences. One minute he’s a silent, brooding getaway driver, the next he’s dancing across the screen, and then, boom, he’s cracking jokes like a seasoned comedian. That unpredictability keeps Hollywood (and fans) hooked.
In 2024, Gosling has been playing a smart game, balancing big-budget blockbusters with smaller, artsy projects. That strategy lets him dominate the box office while keeping critics on his side. Whether he’s returning to an established franchise or diving into something totally fresh, Gosling knows how to keep his career interesting, and that’s exactly why studios keep writing him those big checks.
Unlike some actors who stick to one lane, Gosling thrives on not being boxed in. He’s got the range, the star power, and just enough of that “mysterious leading man” energy to keep audiences coming back for more. And as long as Hollywood loves a guy who can do it all, Gosling’s bank account will keep looking very pretty.
3. Charli D’Amelio ($23.5 Million)
Charli D’Amelio isn’t just a TikTok star; she’s a full-blown business mogul. Earning $23.5 million in 2024, this dance queen has proven that social media fame can turn into a lifelong career. (via Forbes). Starting at just 18, D’Amelio captured hearts worldwide with her viral dances, making her the highest-earning TikToker of 2021.
But instead of fading into the background, she’s still dominating the social media scene, boasting 213.5 million followers. Talk about staying power!
D’Amelio isn’t stopping at viral videos. She’s become the face of major ad campaigns for Garnier and launched D’Amelio Footwear, a shoe line she created with her sister, Dixie. Talk about family business goals.
And just when you think she’s reached her peak, D’Amelio is diving into Broadway. Yes, you read that right, this TikTok legend is taking her talents to the stage as Charmian in the musical & Juliet. From viral videos to a Broadway debut? D’Amelio’s career is multidimensional, to say the least.
Her brand of authenticity and fierce ambition have made her more than just a social media sensation; it’s made her a global force. With every platform and opportunity in her corner, D’Amelio is just getting started, and we’re all here for it.
2. Matt Damon ($43 Million)
Matt Damon is the kind of star who feels like your next-door neighbor if your neighbor is a multi-millionaire and the star of films like Good Will Hunting and The Martian. Earning $43 million in 2024, Damon proves that being relatable isn’t a bad thing in Hollywood. In fact, it’s the key to his enduring success.
Whether he’s leaping across rooftops as Jason Bourne or navigating the Red Planet, Damon’s everyman appeal connects with audiences. He’s the type of actor that you root for, even when he’s saving the world. But Damon isn’t just in front of the camera.
His behind-the-scenes savvy adds extra zeros to his paycheck. As a producer, he has ownership stakes in some of his projects, meaning the more successful the movie, the more he makes. That’s some next-level money-making right there.
Over the years, Damon has built a brand that strikes the perfect balance between commercial hits (like the Bourne films) and thoughtful dramas, which keeps him relevant in an ever-changing Hollywood. When studios want a name that can sell tickets and bring credibility, Damon’s is at the top of the list.
So, while he might not have the flashy image of some of Hollywood’s more eccentric stars, Matt Damon’s grounded, intelligent, and deeply versatile approach is what keeps the checks coming in year after year. And frankly, it’s hard to argue with that.
1. Stokes Twins ($20 Million)
Meet Alex and Alan Stokes, the identical twins taking over the internet one prank at a time. With $20 million in earnings in 2024, this duo is making a serious mark in the world of YouTube. Their videos are a perfect cocktail of pranks, challenges, and vlogs, think along the lines of “I Built a Secret McDonald’s In My Room!” and “Extreme Camouflage Hide and Seek.” Ridiculous? Yes. Hilarious? Absolutely. And the best part? Their antics attract more than 40 million views per video.
But it’s not just YouTube where they’re killing it. The Stokes Twins have expanded their empire to TikTok and Instagram, racking up over 100 million followers across platforms. In the last year alone, they’ve generated 4 billion views. That’s a whole lot of eyeballs on their wild content.
Their rise is thanks to their ability to stay relatable while pushing the boundaries of outlandish fun. From surprise challenges to creative pranks, they’ve created a niche where fans know exactly what they’re getting: pure, unfiltered entertainment. And with their high engagement rate (3.09%), it’s clear that their audience is hooked.
In 2024, the battle for big bucks is shifting from Hollywood to the world of influencers, blurring the lines between movie stars and social media moguls. While A-listers like Adam Sandler, Matt Damon, and Tom Cruise continue to earn millions from blockbuster films, streaming deals, and daring stunts, influencers are quickly closing the gap.
Take Tom Cruise, for example, who is still hanging off planes and scaling skyscrapers for $45 million. But the real surprise? Influencers like MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) are out-earning some of these stars. With $85 million in earnings, he’s not just doing viral challenges but building entire empires—his Feastables candy brand is a prime example.
Then there are the Stokes Twins, Alex and Alan, who’ve turned pranks and challenges into a $20 million fortune, attracting millions of followers with their charm and constant engagement.
While movie stars like Sandler continue to cash in from traditional studio deals, influencers such as Charli D’Amelio and Matt Rife are proving that viral fame is a legitimate way to earn massive wealth. The real winner in this new era? Anyone who can turn a viral moment or loyal following into cold, hard cash.
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