Which Actors Are Paid The Most?

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While some people cannot understand why the heck actors make so much money, other people are really just curious to know, "Which actors make the most money?" Every summer, Forbes Magazine compiles a list of the highest-paid actors, according to their previous year's payment. This list not only helps you to see who tops the list, it also helps you understand why each of these actors is paid the way they are.

On the list released in the summer of 2010, Johnny Depp sat at number one. In the early 2000s, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise transformed Depp from a good but offbeat actor who usually starred in independent films, into a cash-generating box office draw.

Depp made $75 million between June of 2009 and June of 2010, but he also backed up these paychecks by proving his box office worth; "Public Enemies" earned over $240 million, and "Alice In Wonderland" raked in over $1 billion!

Ben Stiller was number two on the 2010 list. Although Stiller is not typically a box office guarantee, his participation in such films as the "Night at the Museum" series and the "Meet the Parents" series help him rake in big paydays.

Somewhat fittingly, one of America's most heralded actors is high on the list as well; Tom Hanks made $45 million between the summers of '09 and '10 for his acting and producing efforts.

In spite of poor reviews over the last few years, Adam Sandler comes in fourth overall on the 2010 list, largely because of his loyal fan base who will go to see his movies no matter what the critics say about it. This fan base enables him to still draw a big paycheck, as he can guarantee a sizable audience, and consequently can guarantee more money for the studio itself.

Finally, rounding out the top five on the 2010 list, was Leonardo DiCaprio. Even before "Inception" (for which DiCaprio wound up making over $50 million), he was the fifth highest-paid actor. The 2011 list should see DiCaprio even higher on the list than the 2010 list.

Although it might seem inexplicable for these actors to be paid as much as they are, it all makes sense when you realize that it basically comes down to one factor: How much can the studios expect to make when one of these actors stars in a movie? After all, you surely know all five names on this list. In fact, it was probably not too long ago that you watched one of their movies!