Mark Wahlberg, has reached a significant milestone in his acting career, surpassing both Denzel Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio in total box office earnings. Their latest box office competition shifted when Wahlberg’s film, Flight Risk, was released theatrically by Lionsgate, marking a pivotal moment for the actor who had largely focused on streaming projects in recent years.
With a domestic gross of approximately $2.742 billion, Wahlberg’s career earnings have now placed him among the top 40 highest-grossing leading actors of all time. This impressive tally surpassed Denzel Washington’s $2.730 billion and Leonardo DiCaprio’s $2.717 billion. Wahlberg’s extensive filmography, which includes over 20 more films than DiCaprio, has facilitated his rise in rankings, showcasing his versatility and long-standing presence in Hollywood.
Flight Risk, directed by Mel Gibson, has generated around $20 million domestically. While this number may sit on the lower side of Wahlberg’s success spectrum, every dollar counts toward maintaining his status in box office rankings. Wahlberg’s breakthrough roles, including those in The Basketball Diaries, Fear, and Boogie Nights, helped establish his star power over three decades ago.
Some of Wahlberg’s biggest hits include Transformers: Age of Extinction, which brought in $245 million, and Ted, grossing $218 million. Other notable films contributing to his earnings are The Perfect Storm with $182 million, Planet of the Apes at $180 million, and Daddy’s Home, which earned $150 million. Furthermore, his recent film Uncharted approached a domestic gross of $150 million, reaffirming his appeal to audiences.
Despite his status in mainstream action films and comedies, Wahlberg has also garnered acclaim for his performances in critically acclaimed films like We Own the Night, The Fighter, and Berg’s Patriot’s Day. He was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, a film that starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon.
Looking ahead, Wahlberg is set to headline Shane Black’s crime film Play Dirty, followed by Peter Farrelly’s action comedy Balls Up. The excitement among fans is palpable as they await his next moves. With a shifting landscape in Hollywood box office rankings, Wahlberg’s rise serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the film industry and the ever-evolving status of leading actors, including his prominent predecessors like Leonardo DiCaprio.
