Hollywood salaries are as blockbuster-oriented as the films themselves. Of course, many actors have decent paychecks, but few have their names at the pinnacle—earning staggering amounts due to a combination of shrewd contracts, streaming supremacy, and sharp personal promotion. These superstars are not only raking it in from acting gigs; they’re producing, negotiating mega-deals, and having their names anywhere viewers turn. Here’s a countdown of the 10 10-paid Hollywood actors today, from 10 down to the undisputed number one. 

10. Will Smith – $26 Million

After taking a temporary hiatus from the limelight, Will Smith burst back onto the scene with Bad Boys: Ride or Die, one of the handful of movies to gross more than $400 million globally in 2024. Going back to his most beloved role proved to be a good decision—both for his fans and his wallet.

9. Adam Sandler – $26 Million

Sandler’s Netflix deal is the stuff of legend. Either it’s mass-appeal crowd-pleasers (Happy Gilmore 2) or quirky endeavors (Spaceman), he’s producing them his way—and raking it in. Throw in the perpetual streaming of his classics, and the money keeps rolling in.

8. Nicole Kidman – $31 Million

Kidman is dominating the prestige miniseries universe. She has three big-name projects on Netflix, Paramount+, and Amazon—each paying more than $1 million an episode—plus two movies in which she co-starred with significantly younger leads, making her the top actress ranking this year.

7. George Clooney – $31 Million

Clooney partnered with Brad Pitt on the spy comedy Wolves, which was a hotly contested bidding war. Apple prevailed, handing over lots of money for the duo’s star power. Clooney might downplay the quoted figures, but the deal was an obvious financial success.

6. Brad Pitt – $32 Million

Still among the industry’s most bankable stars, Pitt next reprisedWolfs with labor on the next F1 racing movie. Behind the lens, his production house Plan B keeps racking up both box office and awards-season successes.

5. Hugh Jackman – $50 Million

Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine was a nostalgic thrill for fans—and a financial jackpot. Teaming up with Ryan Reynolds for what’s likely his highest-grossing role to date, Jackman proved some comebacks are worth the wait.

4. Jerry Seinfeld – $60 Million

Thanks to the constant flow of Seinfeld syndication payments, Jerry’s still raking in huge amounts of money years after the show went off the air. His Unfrosted movie for Netflix, stand-up tours, and ownership of his back catalog keep him at or near the top of the pay list.

3. Kevin Hart – $81 Million

Hart’s everywhere—movies, series, podcasts, live shows. In 2024 alone, he headlined three films across multiple platforms, roasted Tom Brady on Netflix, and completed 90 stand-up shows. His relentless work ethic fuels both his brand and his bank account.

2. Ryan Reynolds – $85 Million

Deadpool & Wolverine, with their $1.3 billion at the box office, it would be hard not to be as much of a businessman as Reynolds is an actor. He was not about to have a down year with films like IF and the docuseries Welcome to Wrexham showing off his accomplishments as a brand-builder superior to most.

1. Dwayne Johnson – $88 Million

The Rock” still rules the box office. His deal to star in Amazon’s Red One set a new record for a streaming payout at around $50 million for that film alone. And when Moana 2 flipped from streaming to theaters, he negotiated profit participation-a Disney first for a voice actor. Between old titles, new projects, and relentless self-promotion, Johnson’s $88 million haul speaks for itself.

What the numbers say:

The top rung of Hollywood’s earners is populated by veterans—most in their 40s, 50s, or 70s—who’ve earned decades of goodwill from studios and audiences. The average age of the top 20 is just over 54, according to Forbes. Stars like Zendaya or Timothée Chalamet can be enormous draws, but they signed their most lucrative deals before their current fame, keeping them out of the top-earning rung… for the moment.

Streaming has changed the game, with up-front buyouts taking the place of the traditional “back-end” profit deals. That’s where the top performers can earn more than ever before, but even more working actors earn significantly less, with many barely qualifying for minimum health insurance. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher has emphasized that the overwhelming majority of members aren’t raking in millions—they’re just trying to pay the bills.

The gender gap remains, too. Nicole Kidman may top the women’s list this year, but parity is still a distant goal. The World Economic Forum estimates we’re more than a century away from full equality in pay and senior roles. So, while a small group of stars is richer than ever, the rest of the industry is still fighting for a fairer, more balanced future.

Let’s flashback to when the term “teen idol” really did mean something. Side note: the term was originally coined for Ricky Nelson. In the 1950s and 1960s, record charts were filled with clean-cut crooners and bad-boy rockers who made teens swoon, parents gasp, and radio discs spin overtime. These weren’t merely cute crooners—these contributed to the soundtrack (and aesthetic) of an entire generation. Here’s our top 15 list of the biggest teen idols of that period, beginning with some you may not have seen coming and working up to the ones who went on to become icons. 

15. Johnny Tillotson

Primarily country-based, Johnny Tillotson overlapped into pop with a silky voice and boy-next-door appeal. His top UK hit Poetry in Motion established him as a pin-up darling.

14. Mark Wynter

Britain also had its response to the American teen idol phenomenon, and Mark Wynter was very much at the heart of it. Venus in Blue Jeans and Go Away Little Girl were among the hits that turned him into a star before he moved into acting and television presenting.

13. Brian Hyland

Bubblegum pop was Brian Hyland’s sweet spot. His mischievous Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini was a cultural phenomenon, and Sealed with a Kiss kept him on the charts before he transitioned to country.

12. Bobby Rydell

So iconic that Grease named its fictional high school after him, Bobby Rydell had hits like Wildwood Days, Volare, and Wild One, keeping teenagers dancing for decades.

11. Marty Wilde

A fixture of Britain’s early rock era, Marty Wilde had hits with Endless Sleep, Donna, and A Teenager in Love. Subsequently, he assisted in the launch of his daughter’s career as, pop singer, Kim Wilde.

10. Adam Faith

With Poor Me and What Do You Want, chart-topping successes, Adam Faith emerged as one of Britain’s brightest pop sensations of the early ’60s. His Buddy Holly-influenced look made him a teen fantasy throughout the UK.

9. Frankie Avalon

Frankie Avalon twice reached number one in 1959 with Why and Venus. Almost two decades later, he was still playing the teen idol—for real—as Teen Angel in Grease.

8. Tab Hunter

A singing and acting Hollywood heartthrob, Tab Hunte, made the top of the charts in 1957 with Young Love. He remained a magazine-cover staple through the 1980s.

7. Tommy Steele

The first genuine rock and roll idol of Britain, Tommy Stee, le established that the UK could compete with the musical might of America. He enjoyed a lengthy career in the entertainment industry, including being knighted in 2020.

6. Bobby Vee

Bobby Vee’s career got started in tragic circumstances—he substituted after the plane crash that destroyed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. Hits such as Take Good Care of My Baby and Rubber Ball established him as a household name, and even young Bob Dylan once performed with his band.

5. Pat Boone

Second, in the 1950s, record sales were only by Elvis, and Pat Boone’s clean-cut image and pop-oriented covers pleased parents. Later, he transitioned to gospel music and inspirational speaking.

4. Paul Anka

Paul Anka was only 16 when Diana broke out internationally. Aside from his successes, he wrote standards such as My Way for Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson, and Tom Jones songs, and he established himself as both a performer and writer.

3. Ricky Nelson

The first “teen idol,” Ricky Nelson, transitioned from television superstardom on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet to music stardom with Poor Little Fool, Travellin’ Man, and Hello Mary Lou. His combination of rockabilly and pop brought rock music to the masses.

2. Cliff Richard

The UK equivalent of Elvis, Cliff Richard, transitioned from rock music to pop ballad songs such as The Young Ones and Summer Holiday. He continues to be one of Britain’s most long-lived and best-selling artists.

1. Elvis Presley

The undisputed King of Rock and Roll. Elvis infused raw energy into rock, then won over the masses with sentimental ballads. His films, songs, and cultural impact established him as the all-time teen idol—and the benchmark by which all others are judged.

These stars weren’t only chart-toppers—they set the era. Their music, fashion, and magnetism continue to reverberate in pop culture, evidence that the teen idol sensation was never a fleeting trend. It was a cultural phenomenon that influenced how generations heard—and saw—music.

Sydney Sweeney’s face is ubiquitous these days—whether on streaming services, red carpets, or plastered all over your social media. But standing behind the trendy clips and red-carpet appearances is an actress hell-bent on showing she’s more than Hollywood’s default “troubled teen” or “spoiled daughter.” She’s been specifically countering typecasting, and her body of work thus far serves as evidence that she can flip a switch effortlessly. Below are 10 leading roles that prove just how versatile—and brash—she is.

10. Christy Martin (Upcoming Sports Biopic)

Sweeney’s next challenge is putting on the gloves of Christy Martin, the trailblazing boxing champion. It’s a huge departure from her previous roles, demanding rigorous training, a physical makeover, and even a daring 9’90s-eramullet. This isn’t about simply appearing in the part—it’s about showing she can helm a tough sports drama and crush any lingering doubts about the types of roles she “should” be doing.

9. Sister Cecilia in Immaculate

Horror is thriving, and Sweeney is jumping headfirst. In Immaculate, she depicts a nun whose peaceful convent in Italy has something very evil lurking within. She not only starred, but she also produced the movie, transforming a $9 million budget into a $27 million box-office success. Gory, spooky, and tense, the part demonstrates that she’s happy to get her hands dirty—both on and off screen.

8. Reality Winner in Reality

Playing whistleblower, Reality Winner demanded precision, subtlety, and an ability to channel real-life events with honesty. Sweeney fought for this part, and her performance is taut, understated, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of role that sheds all the glamour, proving she can hold her own in serious political drama.

7. Snake in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Tarantino’s ode to 1969 Los Angeles gave Sweeney a small but memorable part as Snake, one of the Manson Family members. Sharing a film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt was a career milestone—and a signal to the industry that she could seamlessly fit into big-name, big-budget productions.

6. Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus

As Olivia, the razor-tongued, know-it-all college student, Sweeney delivered one of the first season’s sharpest performances. Equal parts amusing and infuriating, Olivia earned her an Emmy nod and cemented her reputation as someone who can play entitled with just the right edge of vulnerability.

5. Cassie Howard in Euphoria

Cassie is the role that made her a household name—a heartbreak-prone teen whose messy love life and emotional spirals became both meme-worthy and deeply moving. The performance earned her another Emmy nomination, but it also risked boxing her into the “troubled girl” lane—one she’s been deliberately steering away from ever since.

4. Alice in Sharp Objects

Originally meant to be a brief appearance, her role as Alice—a fragile, damaged young woman in a psychiatric ward—grew as the director kept adding scenes to showcase her talent. Acting opposite Amy Adams, she left a haunting impression that lingered long after the credits rolled.

3. Eden Spencer in The Handmaid’s Tale

In one of her most quietly devastating performances, Sweeney played Eden, a devout young bride in Gilead whose tragic fate delivers an emotional gut punch. Innocent yet resolute, Eden was an early hint at Sweeney’s ability to portray heartbreaking sincerity.

2. Emaline Addario on Everything Sucks!

Placed in the ’90s, this short-lived Netflix show allowed Sweeney to showcase her comedic chops alongside touching moments. Playing drama club queen Emaline, she charmed the screen with charisma and emotional depth, and she was the standout in the ensemble.

1. Lana on Clementine

Leading the pack is Lana, an enigmatic and intriguing young woman in the indie drama Clementine. Her multi-faceted performance—part vulnerability, part mystery—grounds the film’s subtle tension and makes it one of her most underappreciated films.

Sydney Sweeney’s career up to this point is an exercise in not being typecast. Whether she’s wearing a habit, sporting boxing gloves, or subtly peeling away a character’s most profound vulnerabilities, she infuses every role with an intensity and authenticity that’s hard to deny. One thing is for sure—she’s just beginning.

For some actors, Oscar night is a fairy tale ending. For others, it’s like déjà vu—same glamorous outfit, same applause, and the same walk back to their seat without that golden statue. Every year, movie fans around the world have that moment where they shout at the TV, “Wait, how do they STILL not have an Oscar?! ” Well, you’re not imagining things. Below are ten actors who’ve accumulated the nominations but, somehow, never heard their name called.

10. Michelle Williams, Ed Harris, Willem Dafoe, and Jane Alexander – The Four-Nomination Frustration

At the bottom of the list—but no less deserving—are four performers with four nominations apiece and no Oscars. Michelle Williams has been nominated for everything from Brokeback Mountain to The Fabelmans, but continues to fall short. Ed Harris (Apollo 13, Pollock) has been the perpetual “close but not quite” for decades. Willem Dafoe’s range is from Platoon to The Florida Project, but Sam Rockwell swiped that Oscar away from him. And Jane Alexander’s four nominations during the ’70s and ’80s solidified her legend, even without a win.

9. Mark Ruffalo and Marsha Mason – Always in the Running

Mark Ruffalo is perhaps the internet’s beloved Hulk, but his four supporting actor nominations—most recently for Poor Things—haven’t yet cashed out. Marsha Mason, on the other hand, was an Oscar regular during the ’70s and early ’80s, receiving four nominations within eight years, but never won. 

8. Sigourney Weaver, Woody Harrelson, Laura Linney & Company – Triple Nods, Zero Wins

The “three and done” club is surprisingly full. Sigourney Weaver (Aliens, Working Girl), Woody Harrelson (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), and Laura Linney (The Savages) have each had three opportunities but no award to call their own.

7. Saoirse Ronan – The Under-30 Overachiever

Saoirse Ronan is essentially the Meryl Streep of her time, with four nods before she was 30 (Atonement, Brooklyn, Lady Bird, Little Women). Everyone feels it’s a matter of time before she takes home a statuette, but until then, she remains stuck picking up nods like collecting trading cards.

6. Edward Norton – The Master of Missed Opportunities

From Primal Fear to Birdman, Edward Norton has had four nominations, demonstrating himself to be one of the greatest actors of his generation. Yet each Oscar night has come to a close without his announcement being made.

5. Annette Bening – Hollywood’s Almost Queen

Annette Bening boasts five nominations (American Beauty, Nyad) and at least one loss to Hilary Swank, which must hurt. Though her films tend to sweep all the other categories, the acting Oscar continues to be just out of reach for her.

4. Amy Adams – Six Nods, Zero Gold

Amy Adams is the unofficial poster child of contemporary Oscar snubs. With six nominations (Junebug, Vice), she’s done it all, from musicals to hard-hitting dramas. Even her award-winning performances in Arrival and Enchanted couldn’t persuade voters. The streak has gotten so ridiculous that it’s almost an industry meme.

3. Bradley Cooper – Hollywood’s Renaissance Man

Bradley Cooper has 12 nominations spread over acting, directing, writing, and producing, but five are for acting (Silver Linings Playbook, Maestro). As acclimated as he has become, the Academy still hasn’t bestowed upon him the golden nod in the acting category.

2. Peter O’Toole – The Forever Legend

Peter O’Toole’s eight nominations and zero wins became the epitome of Oscar disappointment. The Academy finally rewarded him with an Honorary Award, which he received with his signature humor. His record now stands as a lofty benchmark (or low blow) for today’s snubbed celebrities.

1. Glenn Close – The Reigning Champion of Almost

Eight nominations. No wins. Glenn Close’s CV—Fatal Attraction to The Wife—is acting legend stuff, but still places her in the same camp as O’Toole. Fans are clamoring to see her at last receive that Oscar moment, and for that matter, so are we.

Being “just” a nominee is to become part of an exclusive group of the most revered performers on the planet. But still—one of these years, the Academy’s going to have to get it together. Right?

The MCU’s next era is about to be its boldest yet. Phase 6 is shaping up to be a mix of long-awaited reboots, unexpected experiments, and massive crossover events that could reshape the Marvel universe as we know it. From cosmic adventures to multiversal showdowns, here’s a countdown of the most exciting Phase 6 projects—from the most mysterious to the ones guaranteed to dominate pop culture.

10. Nova — The Cosmic Wild Card

For years, Nova has been Marvel’s big “coming soon” tease. Kevin Feige has confirmed Richard Rider will take the lead, and producer Brad Winderbaum once described it as “Star Trek meets Battlestar Galactica.” The catch? As of this year, development is paused. Still, the idea of a space-faring cop drama in Marvel’s cosmic corner has fans buzzing, and when Nova finally rockets into the MCU, it could open a whole new frontier.

9. X-Men — The Mutants Are Coming

Ever since Disney absorbed Fox, fans have been counting down to the X-Men’s MCU debut. While Deadpool & Wolverine crack the door open, the true reboot is still cloaked in secrecy. Cameos in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and The Marvels have teased what’s possible, but the full team-up is going to be a seismic moment—one that could redefine superhero ensembles on screen.

8. Armor Wars — Stark Tech on the Loose

Originally planned as a Disney+ series, Armor Wars is now a feature film with Don Cheadle’s War Machine leading the charge. Written by Yassir Lester, the story follows the dangerous fallout when Tony Stark’s tech ends up in the wrong hands. It’s been a bumpy road in development, but when it hits, expect high-tech action with the emotional punch Iron Man fans have been craving since Endgame.

7. Blade — The Daywalker Returns

Announced back in 2019, Mahershala Ali’s Blade has faced delays, rewrites, and director changes—but Marvel isn’t letting go of this vampire hunter. Rumors point to an R-rated, horror-leaning tone, with possible appearances from Mia Goth as a villain. When Blade finally stalks into theaters, expect the MCU to explore its darker, bloodier side.

6. Vision Quest — White Vision’s Search for Self

After WandaVision, fans were left wondering what happened to White Vision. This upcoming series brings Paul Bettany back, with James Spader reprising Ultron and Terry Matalas as showrunner. The story promises a mix of philosophy, identity, and classic MCU spectacle—plus a potential Scarlet Witch cameo. It’s also the final chapter in the WandaVision–Agatha trilogy.

5. Wonder Man — Marvel’s Most Meta Hero

In Wonder Man, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays Simon Williams, a Hollywood actor hiding his superpowers while navigating the absurdity of fame. Ben Kingsley returns as Trevor Slattery, and Demetrius Grosse plays the Grim Reaper. Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest are steering this eight-to-ten episode series, which blends superhero action with showbiz satire. Filming’s wrapped, and with a supporting cast that includes Ed Harris and Josh Gad, it’s set to be one of Marvel’s quirkiest projects yet.

4. Marvel Zombies — Heroes Turned Flesh-Eaters

Spinning out of What If…?, this animated miniseries imagines an MCU overrun by zombie versions of its heroes and villains. Zeb Wells leads the project, with a massive voice cast including Awkwafina, David Harbour, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Hailee Steinfeld, and more. With Ms. Marvel at the story’s center and a TV-MA rating, expect gory fun and plenty of dark humor.

3. Eyes of Wakanda — Protectors of Vibranium

Set within the main MCU timeline, this animated anthology follows Wakanda’s elite Hatut Zeraze warriors as they recover stolen vibranium artifacts across the world. Voices include Danai Gurira, Cress Williams, Steve Toussaint, and Winnie Harlow. Featuring globe-spanning adventures and nods to Marvel deep cuts (yes, even Iron Fist), Eyes of Wakanda deepens the Black Panther mythos.

2. Spider-Man: Brand New Day — Peter Parker’s Fresh Start

Tom Holland returns for Spidey’s fourth MCU outing, with Destin Daniel Cretton directing. Following the events of No Way Home, Peter’s life is a clean slate—no one remembers him. Rumors point to the Venom symbiote’s debut and possible run-ins with The Punisher, Hulk, and Scorpion. The title hints at reinvention, and the buzz is sky-high.

1. Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars — The Endgame-Level Event

Phase 6’s biggest spectacles are Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The Russo brothers return to direct, with Robert Downey Jr. making a jaw-dropping comeback as Doctor Doom. The cast list reads like a Marvel Hall of Fame: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Tom Holland, Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Benedict Cumberbatch, and more. Secret Wars, pulling from the iconic comic runs of 1984 and 2015, promises a multiversal war like nothing the MCU has attempted before.

Phase 6 isn’t just another Marvel chapter—it’s a massive swing into uncharted territory. Whether you’re hyped for cosmic law enforcement, mutant debuts, or multiverse-shattering battles, this next wave is built to surprise, excite, and keep fans theorizing for years.

The Harry Potter films provided us with so much—dramatic fight scenes, unforgettable people, and moments that could make even the grumpiest wizard’s eye well up. But with the magic comes head-scratching elements that fans continue to fight about. From missing wizarding logic to dangling plot threads, these are the questions that continue to resurface in fan debate long after the final credits. Let’s count down 10 of the biggest Wizarding World plot holes and unanswered questions.

10. That Awkward Epilogue and the Omitted Details

The “19 years later” epilogue at the end of Deathly Hallows – Part 2 was intended to provide fans with closure. And yes, it does deliver the nostalgia in abundance. But why do Harry, Hermione, and Ron resemble what they wore during their parents’ wardrobes? More significantly, we never learn what became of the rest of the wizarding community or how the Ministry rebounded in the aftermath of the war. It’s an emotional conclusion, certainly—but with more plot threads left dangling than on a Fizzing Whizbee wrapper.

9. Harry’s Glasses – No Magical Cure?

Wizards can regrow bones, change their appearance completely, and teleport across the country… but somehow they can’t fix poor eyesight? Harry spends all seven years at Hogwarts wearing glasses. You’d think Madame Pomfrey could manage a quick “Oculus Reparo” for 20/20 vision. Maybe magical optometry is just not a thing?

8. Basilisk-Sized Plumbing

In Chamber of Secrets, a basilisk stalks the pipes at Hogwarts. But, uh… how? How large are these pipes supposed to be? The movie never delineates how a bus-sized creature slithers around undetected, raising some serious concerns about Hogwarts’ construction.

7. Slytherin Students in the Battle of Hogwarts

When the final battle begins, McGonagall sends all the Slytherins to the dungeons. Was it for safety? Suspicion? A dig at their reputation? The movie never revisits them, so we’re left to wonder whether they were spared, imprisoned, or just written off for convenience.

6. Where Do Wizards Learn Before Hogwarts?

Children arrive at Hogwarts at 11 years old, eager to learn magic—but what about learning reading, writing, and arithmetic first? The books never describe whether there is a magical equivalent of elementary school, or if pure-blood children are homeschooled until the letter arrives.

5. How the Wizard Economy Works

Wizards can copy things, summon food, and carry out innumerable useful spells. How does money have any real value? What work is there outside the Ministry and a handful of stores in Diagon Alley? The movies never explain it well, so Gringotts’ entire operation feels like it operates on… vibes.

4. Portkeys and Their Ever-Changing Rules

In theory, portkeys are simple—touch an enchanted object and you’re instantly transported somewhere else. But in the films, sometimes they’re timed, sometimes they work instantly, and sometimes they’re one-way only. The rules shift from movie to movie, with zero explanation.

3. Bellatrix and Voldemort’s Relationship

Bellatrix idolizes Voldemort above everyone else, yet what does he think of her? The movies suggest favoritism—he brings her with him after the Ministry battle—but never clarify if it’s out of loyalty, convenience, or something more sinister. He can’t love, yet why the privilege?

2. The Secret Keeper Choice That Ruined the Potters

The Fidelius Charm conceals the Potters from Voldemort, but rather than designating one of their own as the Secret Keeper, James and Lily leave that duty to Peter Pettigrew—the least reliable Marauder. The reasons behind this choice are never revealed, and it’s one of the series’ most infuriating “what if” moments.

1. Starving in the Forest Despite Magic

In Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione go hungry for ages in their quest for Horcruxes. But wizards can double available food or call it in if they know where to find it. The trio had food—so why not make some more through magic? This has bothered fans for decades and is never explained on-screen.

The Harry Potter films remain beloved, but even the most magical worlds have their cracks. Whether these unanswered questions are charming quirks or glaring plot holes depends on how forgiving you’re feeling. Either way, they keep Potterheads debating—and maybe that’s part of the magic.

Hollywood has a silly way of showing that box office and quality don’t necessarily have to go hand in hand. Every so often, a film is so hilariously terrible, it becomes something of an event you need to see—if only to experience the disaster live. Whether a failed superhero movie, a mangled adaptation, or a sequel no one asked for, these movies demonstrate that critical success isn’t necessary for bringing in serious money. So pop some popcorn (and possibly your eye-rolls) as we count down 10 of the worst big-budget disasters that still managed to kill it at the box office.

10. Romeo and Juliet (2013)

Shakespeare wasn’t cringe-proof. Julian Fellowes’ adaptation attempted to modernize the classic with revised dialogue and new scenes, but ended up providing a Juliet who spoke in a slurring monotone and a Romeo who resembled a kid dying to get off the set. People loathed it—The San Francisco Chronicle in particular—but the formula of a familiar love story and a young, visually appealing cast still attracted audiences.

9. RocknRolla (2008)

Guy Ritchie tried to repeat his early gangster successes, but this time around, he came up with a style-over-substance mess. The voiceover replaced character depth, chaos replaced plot, and swagger couldn’t hide the sloppily executed film. Still, Ritchie’s brand name and Gerard Butler’s presence marketed enough tickets to keep it from crashing financially.

8. The Last Airbender (2010)

Supporters of the Nick cartoon show up anticipating an epic fantasy. What they got was a stiff, dead-on-screen adaptation filled with cringe-inducing exposition and flat acting. The Chronicle added that it took away everything that made the series tick. But curiosity—and the blockbuster appeal of the Avatar franchise—still took it to a huge payday.

7. Ghosts Can’t Do It (1989)

When a Donald Trump cameo isn’t even the weirdest part of your movie, you know you’ve achieved something… unusual. Bo Derek stars in this bizarre romance about a widow whose late husband plans to inhabit another man’s body so they can keep their love alive. Critics called it ridiculous, but its sheer oddity made it a cult curiosity—and a surprising earner.

6. The House That Jack Built (2018)

Lars von Trier’s penchant for provocation reached new heights in this bleak, bloody story of a serial killer who decorates his house with his victims. The Chronicle called it pathetic and repulsive, but von Trier’s reputation and Matt Dillon’s creepy performance drew in the arthouse audience.

5. Last Days (2005)

Gus Van Sant’s minimalist, fictionalized Kurt Cobain story spends nearly its entire runtime watching a mumbling rock star wander. One critic joked that the arrival of a shotgun felt like a plot twist worth anticipating. Still, the Nirvana connection brought enough indie film fans to keep it from being a financial bust.

4. Suicide Squad (2016)

This should have been a slam dunk with Will Smith, Jared Leto, and Margot Robbie. Instead, it became two hours of chaotic editing, incoherent plotting, and mismatched pop songs. The critics did a number on it—the Chronicle especially—but heavy marketing, DC hype, and Harley Quinn helped break Robbie loose at the box office.

3. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

The original Venom was an unexpected hit, but the sequel sacrificed charm for cacophony. The Chronicle decried it as atrocious from the first minute, and no amount of Andy Serkis behind the camera could salvage it. Nevertheless, Tom Hardy’s dedicated performance and the character’s cult following ensured it was another box office success.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)

The first Pirates was a light adventure, but this sequel padded the running time without being fun. Critics panned its vacuous spectacle, but Captain Jack Sparrow remained a box office attraction—and Disney profited, big time.

1. Black Adam (2022)

Dwayne Johnson vowed a new generation for the DC Universe. What fans received was a messy narrative, subpar effects, and an acting job even The Rock’s charm could not salvage. Critics were less than kind—the Chronicle described it as “barely a movie”—yet a $67 million opening showed superhero name recognition still has an impact.

The Takeaway

Certain movies succeed not because they’re well-made, but because they’re fascinating, they’re fan-based, or there’s plain old marketing muscle. Perhaps it’s an A-list star, a cult franchise, or the inescapable need to find out if a film is as bad as they claim. Bad reviews are not necessarily fatal in Hollywood—they can be the perfect free publicity that money can’t afford.