Ryan Reynolds' Top 10 Highest Paid Movie Roles

Ryan Reynolds' Top 10 Highest Paid Movie Roles.

Ranking Ryan Reynolds' Top 10 Highest-Paid Movie Roles

Ryan Reynolds is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and bankable stars. With his sharp wit, comedic timing, and undeniable charm, he has become a go-to actor for both high-profile franchises and independent films. Over the years, Reynolds has amassed a fortune, with his paychecks growing as his career has flourished. From his breakout role as Deadpool to his recent successes in Netflix blockbusters, Reynolds' earning power has steadily climbed.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Ryan Reynolds' top 10 highest-paid movie roles, ranking them from the lowest to the highest in terms of earnings. Here’s a breakdown of the films that have earned Reynolds some of the biggest paydays of his career.

10. The Change Up (2011)

Salary: $8 million

Although Change Up wasn’t one of Reynolds’ most successful films at the box office, it still earned him a respectable $8 million. The body-swap comedy, co-starring Jason Bateman, was about two friends who magically switch lives and experience each other’s world in a hilarious and often cringe-worthy way. Reynolds played Mitch, a carefree bachelor who trades places with his friend Dave, a married father of three.

While the film received mixed reviews, Reynolds’ comedic performance was solid and helped further cement his reputation as one of Hollywood’s funniest stars. The movie grossed around $79 million worldwide against a $52 million budget, which, while not breaking records, did well enough to justify Reynolds’ $8 million paycheck.

9. Safe House (2012)

Salary: $10 million

In Safe House, Reynolds starred alongside Denzel Washington in a high-stakes thriller about a young CIA agent who must protect a dangerous fugitive in a safe house. Reynolds played Matt Weston, a rookie agent who must navigate a tense and dangerous situation as his world unravels. Washington’s presence in the film helped draw audiences, and Reynolds’ portrayal of the overwhelmed and conflicted agent earned praise.

The film performed decently at the box office, grossing $208 million worldwide against a budget of $85 million. Reynolds earned a solid $10 million for the role, which was a significant payday at the time. The movie marked a turning point for Reynolds, allowing him to step into the action-thriller genre with a high-profile co-star, showcasing his versatility in more serious roles.

8. Detective Pikachu (2019)

Salary: $13 million

In Detective Pikachu, Reynolds lent his voice to the titular character, Pikachu, in a live-action CGI hybrid film based on the Pokémon franchise. The movie follows a young man named Tim (played by Justice Smith) who teams up with an amnesiac Pikachu (voiced by Reynolds) to unravel a mystery. Reynolds’ comedic timing and quirky voice work made Pikachu one of the film’s most endearing characters.

Despite not featuring Reynolds physically on screen, his voice acting earned him $13 million for the role. The movie grossed $433 million worldwide, making it one of the top-grossing films of the year. Reynolds’ ability to bring his comedic sensibilities to a family-friendly franchise added another significant payday to his career. His performance was praised for adding depth and humor to Pikachu’s character, making him a standout in the movie.

7. The Proposal (2009)

Salary: $14 million

Reynolds’ role in The Proposal was one of the defining moments of his career in romantic comedies. Co-starring with Sandra Bullock, the film follows a book editor (Bullock) who forces her assistant (Reynolds) into a fake marriage to avoid deportation. As the couple embarks on a road trip to Alaska to meet his family, hilarity ensues as they slowly fall for each other.

Reynolds earned $14 million for this rom-com, a significant paycheck for the time. The film grossed over $317 million globally, cementing Reynolds’ place as a leading man in romantic comedies. His chemistry with Bullock was one of the key elements that made the movie a hit, and the film remains one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the late 2000s.

6. The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)

Salary: $12 million

In The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Reynolds stars as Michael Bryce, a bodyguard tasked with protecting a notorious hitman played by Samuel L. Jackson. The action-comedy pairing of Reynolds and Jackson was a winning formula, and the film became a box office success, grossing over $180 million worldwide.

Reynolds earned $12 million for his role in the film, which was a solid payday for a comedy-action flick. His chemistry with Jackson and his comedic delivery helped elevate the film, making it one of the most enjoyable action comedies of the year. The film’s success even led to a sequel, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021), though Reynolds’ earnings for that film were not as high.

5. Free Guy (2021)

Salary: $20 million

In Free Guy, Reynolds took on the role of Guy, a bank teller who discovers he is a non-playable character in a video game. The film blends action, comedy, and a bit of science fiction as Guy tries to break free from his programmed life. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film was a fresh take on the action-comedy genre and offered Reynolds an opportunity to showcase his trademark humor and heart.

Free Guy was a success at the box office, grossing over $330 million globally, and earned Reynolds a substantial $20 million for his work. His performance received positive reviews, with critics praising his ability to balance comedy and emotion. The film’s success, especially during a time when the pandemic still had a significant impact on theaters, reinforced Reynolds’ status as a reliable box office draw.

4. Deadpool/Deadpool 2 (2016/18)

Salary: $2 million/$20 million

Reynolds’ payday for Deadpool 2 was a significant jump from the first film, and for good reason. The sequel to Deadpool not only continued the story of the wise-cracking, R-rated antihero but also introduced new characters, including Cable (Josh Brolin) and Domino (Zazie Beetz). Deadpool 2 was another box office smash, grossing over $785 million worldwide, and Reynolds earned a hefty $20 million for his role.

The film’s massive success allowed Reynolds to demand a bigger paycheck, and the movie proved that Reynolds was a force to be reckoned with in the action-comedy genre. His mix of humor, action, and vulnerability in the role earned him widespread acclaim, further solidifying his place as one of Hollywood's top stars.

3. Red Notice (2021)

Salary: $20 million

In Red Notice, Reynolds starred alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Gal Gadot in this Netflix action-comedy heist film. The film follows a global art thief (Reynolds), a master criminal (Johnson), and an FBI agent (Gadot) as they team up and double-cross each other in a high-stakes pursuit of priceless artifacts. The film was one of Netflix’s most-watched original films, with millions of viewers tuning in globally.

Reynolds earned $20 million for his role, making this one of his most lucrative projects. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, its enormous success on Netflix helped cement Reynolds’ reputation as a leading man in both action and comedy. Red Notice also gave Reynolds the opportunity to showcase his chemistry with Johnson and Gadot, further solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s top-paid actors.

2. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Salary: $20 million

In the highly anticipated 2024 movie Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds reprises his iconic role as Wade Wilson/Deadpool, marking his third appearance in the beloved franchise. This time, Deadpool is joined by Hugh Jackman, returning as Wolverine, creating an exciting crossover between Reynolds’ irreverent, wisecracking antihero and Jackman’s more serious, brooding mutant.

1. 6 Underground (2019)

Salary: $27 million

Ryan Reynolds’ most lucrative movie role to date is his starring role in 6 Underground, a high-budget action film directed by Michael Bay. Reynolds played the leader of a group of operatives who fake their own deaths and work as vigilantes to take down dangerous criminals. The movie, which was produced by Netflix, offered Reynolds a massive payday of $27 million.

Although the film’s reception was mixed, with critics pointing out its over-the-top action sequences and Bay’s signature style, Reynolds’ salary was reflective of his star power. 6 Underground had a global reach through Netflix, which paid Reynolds handsomely for his involvement. The film’s action-packed sequences and Reynolds’ charismatic performance made it a success, further solidifying his status as one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.

In conclusion, Ryan Reynolds has consistently proven himself as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, seamlessly transitioning from comedic roles to high-octane action films. His paychecks reflect his rising star power, with Deadpool serving as the catalyst for his transition into A-list territory. Whether voicing Pikachu in Detective Pikachu or leading a group of vigilantes in 6 Underground, Reynolds’ ability to secure massive paydays showcases his value in Hollywood. As his career continues to evolve, it’s safe to say that Reynolds will remain one of the highest-paid and most sought-after actors in the industry for years to come.