Adam Sandlermay not be finding much to smile about in histhoughtful Netflix dramaSpaceman, but he was laughing all the way to the bank this week as he toppedForbes’ list of highest paid stars in Hollywood for 2023. The actor managed to beat outBarbiestarMargot Robbieto claim the title, thanks in the main to his lucrative partnership with Netflix.
Forbes Magazine revealed that Sandler’s ventures with the streaming giant, including starring in and producing three films in 2023, saw his annual earnings from his TV and movie work top $73 million. While the achievement is a clear indication of Sandler’s worth to Netflix, even if many of his movies with the streamer have been critically dismantled, it is also a strong sign of how streaming deals are now a big part of the world of entertainment.
Sandler’s earnings were more than enough to push Margot Robbie into second place, with earnings of $59 million. Robbie had a huge 2023 as the lead ofBarbie, the biggest movie of the year, and also gained considerably from her producer credit on the film. Her production banner was behind the acclaimed movieSaltburn,which further extended her earnings. Robbie was also the youngest star to make the list, and one of just two women to make the Top 10 – the other being Jennifer Aniston.
Of course, Aniston has also benefited from a collaboration with Netflix, andappeared with Sandler inMurder Mystery 2last year, which helped her to sixth place on the chart under Tom Cruise, Ryan Gosling, and Matt Damon. The remainder of the list was made up of Leonardo DiCaprio, Jason Statham, Ben Affleck, and Denzel Washington. You can see the full list and their earnings below.
Earnings (2023)
Adam Sandler
Margot Robbie
Tom Cruise
Ryan Gosling and Matt Damon
Jennifer Aniston
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jason Statham
Ben Affleck
Denzel Washington
How Adam Sandler Became Forbes’ Highest Earner
Sandler’s relationship with Netflix has given the actor a new lease of life, and a platform to deliver content directly to huge audiences without any effort at all. Projects likeLeoandYou Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, along with his latest role inSpaceman, have seen Sandler demonstrate his abilities as a serious actor as well as continuing to spread his comedy wings, for better or worse. After several years of successful collaboration, Sandler is clearly happy to continue providing new content for Netflix and has already extended his previous deal with them.
Adam Sandler’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
From Happy Gilmore to Uncut Gems, let’s take a look at Adam Sandler’s top 10 movies, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes.
In addition to his streaming success, Sandler’s return to the stage for 44 stand-up comedy dates last year contributed to his earnings, allowing him to return to the top of the Forbes list for the first time since 2002. The changing fortunes of certain stars in Hollywood is emphasized by the fact that last year’s list-topper Tyler Perry, and Dwayne Johnson, who held the title for three consecutive years before that, don’t even appear in the Top 10.
Spacemanis streaming now on Netflix
