The list updates the previous articles we published on the highest-grossing movie stars, in light of new data available and clarifications on old data previously taken into account.
Philippine cinema has long been known for its incredible resilience and vibrancy, enduring moments of highs and lows, since the first Filipino films lit up the big screen in the 1920s. That said, it is the stars that truly make the box-office soar and shine. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the local movie industry has facilitated the rise of movie stars to monumental fame, allowing them etch their mark and solidify their places in our cinematic history, and raking millions.
This article highlights the top-earning movie stars, whose collective box-office performances paint a portrait of victory that very few among their contemporaries, can rival.
The Reigning Movie Queen: Kathryn Bernardo
Kapamilya star, Kathryn Bernardo, leads the pack with an astounding ₱5.6 billion combined gross across all her major acting credits, in film. Currently the only actress to star in three films, with at least ₱800 million haul each, at the box office, Kathryn continues to captivate awestruck audiences with her remarkable talent and charisma. A screaming testament to her unrivaled box-office power is the fact she top-billed the three most recent ‘highest-grossing Filipino films’ of all time, including 2024’s record-breaker, Hello, Love, Again, whose total global haul, now stands at ₱1.6 billion. Note that, with her current total (unadjusted to inflation), she has outpaced every other movie star in Philippine cinema, proving her phenomenal status in the local film industry.
Vice Ganda: The Biggest Comedy Royalty in PH Box Office.
Just behind Kathryn is the multi-talented Vice Ganda, who has garnered a total gross of ₱5.2 billion. Known for his unique brand of humor and engaging on-screen presence, Vice Ganda has established himself as one of the most bankable stars in the country. His immense box-office appeal is reflected by the eight times he was named as the Phenomenal Box Office Star, for breaking his own records in the box-office, and for setting new records for a local film.
The Seasoned Leading Men: Dingdong Dantes and John Lloyd Cruz
John Lloyd Cruz, with a total gross of ₱3.681 billion, is a leading man like no other, having forged successful onscreen alliances with equally bankable leading ladies. Named one of the Phenomenal Box Office Stars of 2015, for his film, A Second Chance‘s record-setting feat, he has been a consistent crowd-puller, driven by his ability to depict complex characters that effectively draw viewers to theaters.
Following closely is, Dingdong Dantes, with his impressive gross of ₱3.27 billion, has charmed audiences for years. His transformation from heartthrob to a versatile actor has been well received, and his continued relevance in the industry is undisputed. In 2023, his film, Rewind, grossed a whopping ₱924 million at the global box-office, becoming the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, before eventually getting outgrossed by fellow Star Cinema production, Hello, Love, Again.
Both actors exemplify the talent and resilience that characterize Filipino cinema.
This Generation’s Movie Kings: Daniel Padilla and Alden Richards.
Among the noticeable names in the list are Daniel Padilla and Alden Richards, with totals of ₱3.423 billion and ₱3.295 billion respectively. These younger stars have captivated the hearts of fans, proving that talent and charisma are timeless traits that draw audiences to cinemas.
Largely banking to the love team craze, in which they are instrumental drivers, their successful collaboration with top leading ladies and seasoned filmmakers has further bolstered their box office performances.
A Diverse Cast of Talent
As the list progresses, we see iconic figures like Vic Sotto (₱3.209 billion), Bea Alonzo (₱3.179 billion), and Eugene Domingo (₱2.607 billion) solidifying their place among the elite. The diversity in their acting skill allows a wide range of films to thrive, from heartwarming dramas to uproarious comedies.
The list continues with other remarkable stars: Coco Martin (₱2.507 billion), Ai-Ai de las Alas (₱2.379 billion), Piolo Pascual (₱2.285 billion), and many more, each contributing to the dynamic landscape of Filipino cinema.
Data and Methodology Clarification
In compiling these figures, we revisit our previous articles that focused on Filipino movie stars, adjusting our rankings with the most current data available. Our commitment to accuracy leads us in refining and clarifying our methods of estimating box office grosses. Given the lack of consistent resources for verifying exact figures, we have done our utmost to present the closest estimates possible, consulting with official press releases, news items, and data from reliable box-office tracking platforms like Box Office Mojo, to come up with the closest figures possible.
To calculate the total gross for each actor, our criterion grants full credit to the actor for the gross of the film should they have played at least a major supporting role or lead role. The clean rule of thumb considered is whether their name appears prominently on the official movie poster or if their visage is prominently featured. For films whose box-office performances are not made public, we relied on conservative estimates, cross-referencing with news articles or press releases that indicate the film’s commercial performance, even if no exact figures are provided. We also looked on the actor’s historical performance in the box-office, to gauge reliability of their overall commercial power.
Evolving Philippine Cinema and the Future of Local Box Office.
The 21st century has seen the rise of extraordinary Filipino talent, with these actors setting the bar high in terms of box office success. As we celebrate their achievements, it’s essential to recognize that their contributions to the industry go beyond mere numbers – they shape the cinematic experience and cultural landscape of the Philippines. With their ongoing projects and evolving artistry, we can only anticipate what the future holds for these phenomenal stars.
