If you are looking to become seriously wealthy, then becoming a successful actress is a pretty good way to ensure there are plenty of zeroes on your bank statements.
They are some of the world’s most lauded, famous and influential figures - and the stars of the acting world can command millions of dollars to sign up to star in the latest blockbuster movie.
Add in enormous bonuses for box office success, advertising deals and shrewd investments, and actors can become extremely wealthy - particularly, as has become common, if they have their own film production company.
Of course, marrying somebody who is loaded can also help.
We've taken a look at those who have banked the most bucks out of the film businesses.
Here are the top 12 richest actresses in the world in 2026, according to CelebrityNetWorth.
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5. Reese Witherspoon - $40 million
Reese Witherspoon was named the world's highest earning actress by Forbes in 2021 thanks to films like 'Legally Blonde', 'Walk The Line' and 'Wild'. In recent years she's also acted in some huge television hits including 'The Daily Show' and 'Little Fires Everywhere'. Also a successful producer, she's won an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. She's another member of the $400 million club. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
6. Victoria Principal - $350 million
Best known for her iconic role as Pamela Ewing in the long-running television soap 'Dallas', Victoria Principal only started earning serious money afer her nine year stint on the show. The serial entrepreneur started her own successful production company then launched an even more profitable skincare company. It's earned her an estimated $350 million. | Getty Images
7. Jennifer Aniston - $320 million
Jennifer Aniston commanded a huge salary as one of the five main characters in American television sitcom 'Friends'. She's managed to stay at the top of the acting game ever since, constantly amongst the best paid actresses in Hollywood with hits like 'Bruce Almighty', 'Marley & Me' and 'Horrible Bosses'. She's worth an estimated $320 million. | Getty Images
8. Jessica Biel - $250 million
One part of a Hollywood power couple with actor and singer Justin Timberlake (the couple have two sons), Jessica Biel has starred in a succession of blockbusters since making her debut in 1997's 'Ulee's Gold'. As well as having starring roles in the likes of 'The Rules of Attraction', 'Blade: Trinity', 'Total Recall' and 'Hitchcock', she's an Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated producer. She has a fortune estimated at roughly $250 million. | Getty Images