Top 50 Most Popular A-list Celebrities Of All Time

Christopher Nolan, a renowned British-American film director, producer, and screenwriter, stands among the most influential and in-demand filmmakers of the 21st century.

Nolan is celebrated for directing monumental films like Interstellar, Dunkirk, Inception, The Prestige, and The Dark Knight Trilogy. His movies often explore themes of human morality and the intricate nature of time.

His impressive body of work has collectively grossed over $5 billion at the global box office, reflecting both critical acclaim and massive commercial success.

Nolan's films have garnered 11 Academy Awards from 36 nominations, highlighting their significant impact on modern cinema.

With the critically acclaimed release of Oppenheimer, Nolan has further cemented his reputation as a visionary filmmaker.

Steven Spielberg is widely regarded as the most commercially successful film director in history and a defining figure of the New Hollywood era.

Throughout his illustrious career, Spielberg has earned three Academy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award. His legendary filmography includes classics like Duel, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park, and Schindler's List.

As the co-founder of Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks, Spielberg has directed numerous works that have been preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for their cultural and historical significance.

Meryl Streep stands as a towering figure in the world of cinema, with a level of artistry and acclaim that few actresses can rival.

Widely hailed as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history, Streep is celebrated for her remarkable versatility and her exceptional talent for mastering accents.

Her accolades include the National Medal of Arts (2010) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014), along with an astounding 21 Academy Award nominations, of which she has won three.

Beloved by critics worldwide, the "Out of Africa" star has cultivated a devoted and sophisticated fan base over her illustrious career.

Renowned for his striking looks and charisma, Brad Pitt has captivated audiences for over thirty years, solidifying his status as a reliable box office draw.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Pitt’s standout performances in acclaimed films such as Fight Club, Seven, World War Z, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood have defined his legacy in the world of cinema.

In addition to acting, Pitt is also a prominent film producer, frequently recognized as one of the most influential figures in the American entertainment industry today.

Leonardo DiCaprio became a global sensation after portraying Jack Dawson in James Cameron’s iconic film, Titanic. Today, he stands as one of the world's most acclaimed and reliable actors, consistently delivering memorable performances.

DiCaprio has earned numerous accolades, including three Golden Globe Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and an Academy Award. He also earned praise for his role in the critically acclaimed Netflix film, Don't Look Up.

By 2019, movies starring DiCaprio had grossed over $7.2 billion at the global box office, underscoring his immense popularity and box office draw.

Some of his finest films include What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Django Unchained, Inception, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Revenant, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Shutter Island, The Departed, The Aviator, and Blood Diamond.

In late 2023, DiCaprio delivered another standout performance in Martin Scorsese's crime drama, Killers of the Flower Moon, widely regarded as one of the highlights of his career.

Interestingly, DiCaprio was deeply committed to portraying the challenging role of Ernest Burkhart in the film, further demonstrating his dedication to his craft.

Shah Rukh Khan began his acting career with the television series Fauji in 1989. He quickly rose to fame as Bollywood's new-age romantic superstar during the late 1990s and early 2000s, captivating audiences with his charm and talent.

Known for blockbuster films like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham, Veer Zaara, and My Name Is Khan, Khan is renowned not only for his acting but also for being one of the richest actors globally.

Despite a string of less successful films at the box office in recent years, he has maintained public interest through his entrepreneurial ventures and various investments.

In 2023, Khan returned to box office success with the action-packed entertainer Pathaan, marking his first major domestic hit in nearly a decade.

He also founded Red Chillies Entertainment, now regarded as one of India's most prominent film production companies.

Scarlett Johansson is widely regarded as one of the most popular female superstars of our time. Her films have collectively grossed over $14.3 billion worldwide, cementing her status as a box office powerhouse.

Best known for her role as Black Widow, Johansson was the world's highest-paid actress in both 2018 and 2019. She has been honored with prestigious awards, including a Tony Award and a British Academy Film Award.

Initially recognized for her striking looks and considered by many as one of the most attractive women on the planet, Johansson's sex symbol status quickly gained attention early in her career.

Over the past decade, she has solidified her reputation not only as a talented actor but also as a consistently bankable superstar in the film industry.

Will Smith stands as a prime example of a musician who successfully transitioned into a major Hollywood film star, demonstrating not just talent but incredible determination along the way.

He began his entertainment career as part of the rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, before capturing national attention with his leading role in the popular TV show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Today, Smith is recognized as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, with reports indicating he commanded a salary of $20–30 million per film during the early 2000s.

His acclaimed performance in the biographical sports drama King Richard earned him multiple accolades, including the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor.

Tom Hanks stands among the most distinguished and celebrated film stars worldwide. Known for his mild-mannered charm and good nature, Hanks has captivated audiences for decades with iconic performances in movies such as Big, Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump, and Cast Away.

Films featuring Tom Hanks in leading roles have collectively grossed over $4.9 billion in North America, and an impressive $9.96 billion at the global box office.

As a two-time Academy Award winner, Hanks has showcased his exceptional range, delivering memorable performances in both comedic and dramatic roles across his career.

In recognition of his achievements, the legendary actor has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the French Legion of Honor, and many other prestigious accolades.

Robert Downey Jr. is one of the world's most acclaimed Hollywood stars, achieving both critical and commercial success early in his career.

He is best known globally for his iconic role as Iron Man/Tony Stark, and in 2008, he was named among Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

Downey began acting at just five years old, appearing in his father's film, Pound, and later became the highest-paid actor in Hollywood from 2013 to 2015.

Despite facing a period of substance abuse, legal troubles, and rehab, he staged a remarkable comeback by starring in both indie films and blockbuster hits.

Today, Downey is celebrated as not only one of the most popular but also one of the wealthiest actors worldwide.

He continues to prove his range, ensuring his fame as "Iron Man" never overshadows his craft as an actor. His performance as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, Oppenheimer, earned widespread industry acclaim.

Amitabh Bachchan stands as the most influential Indian superstar of the 20th century, gaining widespread fame in the late 1970s after leading a series of blockbuster action films. His commanding screen presence revolutionized Hindi cinema during that era.

Widely recognized as "Big B" and celebrated as Bollywood's iconic "Angry Young Man," Bachchan is arguably the most acclaimed Indian movie star in history. His career has set a benchmark for excellence and charisma in the film industry.

In addition to his achievements as a leading actor, Amitabh Bachchan has showcased his talents as a singer and earned respect as a television host. The legendary star has received numerous honors from the Government of India, including the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

Lady Gaga is a dazzling force in both the music and film industries, seamlessly bridging the gap between pop culture and Hollywood. Few contemporary artists command as much attention on stage or on screen as she does.

She first rocketed to fame with the release of chart-topping hits like "Poker Face," "Bad Romance," and "Telephone." Gaga quickly became renowned for her unparalleled versatility, constant image transformations, and bold artistic expression.

Gaga began her acting career with an impactful role in the acclaimed miniseries American Horror Story: Hotel. Her natural talent soon shone through, leading to celebrated performances in major films such as A Star Is Born and House of Gucci.

Award-winning and ever-evolving, Lady Gaga’s career is defined by both her powerhouse vocals and compelling acting ability. With over 170 million records sold worldwide, she remains an icon, inspiring fans across the globe.

Sandra Bullock, with her timeless beauty and remarkable talent, has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed stars. As the world’s highest-paid actress in both 2010 and 2014, she has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

In 2010, Time magazine recognized Bullock among the 100 most influential people in the world. Additionally, she often appears on lists celebrating the world’s most attractive individuals.

Empire magazine ranked her as the 58th best movie star of all time in their prestigious list of the top 100. Bullock’s enduring impact and influence have solidified her status as one of the most powerful women in the film industry.

Recognized by many as one of the greatest American actors of all time, Robert De Niro has consistently delivered outstanding performances that define mainstream cinema in the 20th century.

De Niro is especially celebrated for his frequent collaborations with legendary director Martin Scorsese. His iconic roles span a remarkable list of critically and commercially acclaimed films, including Mean Streets, Heat, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, The Godfather Part II, and Taxi Driver.

Throughout his illustrious career, De Niro has earned numerous accolades, such as two Academy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, a Golden Globe, and the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award.

Further cementing his legacy, De Niro was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2016 for his significant contributions to American culture and the arts.

Tom Cruise is often hailed as one of the most prominent figures in the history of cinema, renowned for his enduring star power and status as one of the world's highest-paid actors.

The acclaimed performer has been honored with three Golden Globe Awards and has starred in films that have collectively amassed more than $4 billion in North America and over $11.5 billion worldwide.

Cruise's illustrious career includes iconic roles in films such as Top Gun, Vanilla Sky, Minority Report, Risky Business, Magnolia, and the much-loved Mission: Impossible series. Astonishingly, he achieved the biggest box office success of his career at age 60 with Top Gun: Maverick.

Demonstrating his lasting appeal, Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, released globally in July 2023.

Despite receiving positive reviews, the film underperformed at the box office compared to expectations set by the franchise's previous successes.

Johnny Depp has captivated audiences worldwide for over three decades, solidifying his reputation as one of the most popular Hollywood stars ever to grace the silver screen.

While he earned critical acclaim early in his career, Depp achieved international stardom for his iconic and enchanting portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean film series.

An esteemed actor with a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe Award to his name, Depp has also starred in beloved films like Edward Scissorhands, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Donnie Brasco, and Dead Man, among others.

Jennifer Lopez made history as the first Hispanic actress to earn over $1 million for a movie. Known around the world as J.Lo, she stands out for her remarkable versatility as a singer, dancer, and actress. Early in her career, she began acting while showcasing her talent in multiple artistic fields.

Lopez first gained national attention as a Fly Girl dancer on the popular sketch comedy show In Living Color during the 1990s. Her breakout film roles in movies like Anaconda and Out of Sight solidified her position as one of the leading Hispanic performers in Hollywood.

Alongside her cinematic success—her films have grossed over $3.1 billion worldwide—Lopez has also achieved incredible milestones in music, selling approximately 70 million records globally to date.

Al Pacino stands as one of the most acclaimed actors in motion picture history. He first achieved widespread fame through his legendary portrayal of Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s groundbreaking gangster epic, The Godfather.

Pacino is among a rare group of actors to have earned the distinguished "Triple Crown of Acting," securing an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Tony Awards.

In addition to his acting accolades, Pacino has received the AFI Life Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award. His remarkable performances in films such as Scarface, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Carlito's Way, Scent of a Woman, Donnie Brasco, and Heat have won him international recognition.

Julia Roberts has been honored as the world's most beautiful woman a record five times by People magazine, cementing her status as one of Hollywood's top female superstars.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, she was consistently ranked among the highest-paid actresses, while her films collectively grossed over $3.8 billion worldwide.

Renowned for her exceptional talent, Roberts delivered memorable performances in beloved and critically acclaimed hits like Pretty Woman, My Best Friend's Wedding, Notting Hill, Sleeping with the Enemy, and Erin Brockovich, among others.

Ellen DeGeneres rose to fame as the star of the sitcom "Ellen" and has since become one of the most influential women in the entertainment industry.

In addition to her worldwide recognition as a talk show host, DeGeneres is also celebrated for her talents as a comedian, actress, writer, and producer.

Her iconic role as host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" earned her an impressive 33 Daytime Emmy Awards, highlighting her widespread impact and popularity.

DeGeneres has also hosted prestigious events including the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and the Primetime Emmy Awards, further establishing her presence at the pinnacle of show business.

In addition to her groundbreaking talk show career, she received the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her voice performance in "Finding Nemo" and has appeared in multiple sitcoms and feature films.

Jackie Chan has been working as an actor since he was five years old. He is one of the most popular action movies stars in the world even today.

Besides being an admired screen actor, he is also a first-class martial artist, director, producer, and stunt performer. The popularity of Chan can be gauged from the fact that several references to his name are often made in cartoons, music videos, video games, and feature films, among other forms of media.

Also acknowledged for his comic timing, he has worked in over 150 motion pictures so far. Chan's contribution to cinema has not only helped him receive a star on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars but also on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Widely regarded as the "King of Pop", Michael Jackson was a singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist who was/is arguably the most popular human being on the planet.

One of the most significant global cultural figures of the 20th century, he has inspired thousands of established and inspiring artists to realize their dreams.

The most awarded and followed musical artist in history, MJ is known to have popularized complex dance moves such as the moonwalk and the robot.

His album, Thriller, continues to be the best-selling music album of all time. A recipient of 39 Guinness World Records and 13 Grammy Awards, the unparalleled entertainer has been the top-earning dead celebrity for well over a decade now.

When it comes to A-list celebrities working anywhere in the world today, no list can be complete without the inclusion of singer and songwriter Taylor Swift.

Recognized for her fantastic vocal skills and confident personality, she shot to fame at a very young age.

Swift started to pursue a career in country music at the age of 14 and has sung and composed quite a few singles that are inspired by her personal life.

The inherently talented and attractive performer is one of the most affluent female celebrities in the world today. A leading crossover artist, Swift's music has sold over 200 million copies worldwide to date; thus, establishing her as one of the best-selling artists in history.

Her concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, was released in late 2023 and turned out to be the highest-grossing concert flick of all time, with a global gross of over $241 million.

The project documents Swift's 2023-2024 concert tour and ends up giving a definitive edge to her entire discography.

One of the most respected and finest actors in the Indian film industry, Aamir Khan has been an A-list celebrity for as long as three decades now.

He headlined the biographical sports drama Dangal, which continues to be the highest-grossing Indian motion picture in the world.

Popularly known as "Mr. Perfectionist" by film buffs and critics, Aamir has been the star of many of Bollywood's finest films to have hit the screens in the 21st century.

Besides his home country, the actor also enjoys a massive fan following in China; a nation that is known for welcoming some of his critically acclaimed movies with open arms.

The undisputed "Queen of All Media", Oprah Winfrey is easily among the most talked about celebrities in the world and has been one for as long as one can remember.

A true-blue renaissance woman and a self-made billionaire, she is the most popular talk show host on the planet; thanks to her phenomenal television program, The Oprah Winfrey, that ran for 25 glorious years.

Also a multimedia executive, actress, producer, and writer, Oprah is widely hailed as one of the most influential women to have ever been a part of the entertainment industry.

The woman has also been named the richest African-American of the 20th century.

Arguably the biggest and most popular box office star in India today, Salman Khan is an actor, producer, screenwriter, and singer who has appeared in more than 75 motion pictures.

He is the only megastar who has featured in the highest-grossing movies of the year on eleven separate occasions since the beginning of his career; a record that continues to remain unmatched in Bollywood.

Also, he is the only actor to have headlined 17 consecutive films that have gone on to earn a minimum of 15 million USD (₹100 crores or more) at the domestic box office.

For those who are less aware, the 15 million USD mark is considered to be a benchmark for movies released in India.

The highest-paid actor and television host in India, Salman was voted the "7th Best Looking Man in the World" and the "Best Looking Man in India" by People magazine, United States, in 2004.

Aside from hosting numerous award shows, this mega movie star is also the host of two of the most popular television shows in India, namely 'Bigg Boss' and 'Dus Ka Dum.'

Widely known for promoting humanitarian causes through his charity, Being Human Foundation, Khan is lovingly referred to as "Bhai" (Brother) and "Sultan (Emperor) of Bollywood" by his loyal fans.

If you're truly fond of English songs, you must have chanced upon the genre-melding music of the spectacular Justin Bieber.

The singer-songwriter has had an influential role to play in the growth of modern-day popular music.

Born in Canada, Bieber achieved massive success in his teenage years and became a bonafide young music sensation in pop culture.

Easily among the most famous A-list celebrities in the world today, he shot to global fame following the release of his unimaginably successful single "Baby"; one that has been credited with strengthening Bieber's fan following across the world.

His followers, who refer to themselves as "Beliebers", have ensured that Bieber establishes himself as one of the best-selling artists of all time with sales of over 150 million copies to date.

Beyoncé first found fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of an acclaimed group called Destiny's Child. Over time, she went on to cement her position as one of the most loved singers to have ever held a mic.

Also a songwriter, producer, and actress, she is known to have had a knack for performing in various singing and dancing contests ever since she was a child.

Needless to say, the superstar had been sharpening her skills as a true-blue performer from before she officially entered the entertainment industry.

One of the most followed mainstream musicians in the world today, Beyoncé is reportedly the first solo artist whose first six studio albums have all debuted at number one on the Billboard 200; a feat that may not find worthy competition anytime in the near future.

Yet another screen personality who is widely regarded as the greatest actor of the bygone century is the phenomenal Marlon Brando.

Touted to be one of the first mainstream leads to apply the technique of Method acting, he found fame after having put his immense talent on display in motion pictures such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Burn!, Julius Caesar, The Wild One, and Last Tango in Paris.

However, it was his incredible portrayal in On the Waterfront that earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.

If critics thought that the legendary actor was past his prime by the onset of the 1970s, their theories were put to rest after Brando featured as Don Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s cult classic, The Godfather; a project that fetched him his second Academy Award.

Yet another popular British artist to make it to our list is the inimitable Elton John. Nicknamed "Rocket Man" following the release of his 1972 hit single of the same name, he's had a prosperous career as a recording artist since the 1970s.

His showmanship and music have been acknowledged by listeners across the globe as he has managed to sell about 300 million records to date.

A recipient of five Grammy Awards, John's 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and his 1974 Greatest Hits compilation album are counted among the best-selling music albums of all time.

One of the most influential figures in the history of film production, Alfred Hitchcock's career as a mainstream filmmaker spanned six staggering decades.

Hailed as the unparalleled 'Master of Suspense' by ardent cine-buffs across the globe, his films garnered 46 Academy Award nominations, winning six of them.

Among the most studied and admired film directors of all time, some of Hitchcock's best movies are Vertigo, Psycho, Rear Window, Notorious, North by Northwest, and The Birds.

His filmmaking style is widely referred to as the "Hitchcockian" style for his imaginative camerawork, unpredictable writing, editing, and framing shots to induce a sense of horror among the audience.

Hailed as the undisputed "Queen of Pop", Madonna is a singer, songwriter, and actress who is widely recognized for her musical versatility and image reinventions.

Most of her projects have gone on to become controversial over the years. This is probably because they carry themes of contentious topics such as politics, sex, and religion.

Even though she is not as musically involved today, she continues to be one of the most significant and well-documented figures in pop culture history.

Her timelessness can be gauged from the fact that there has been an academic sub-discipline (Madonna studies) dedicated exclusively to her name.

We believe that the music aficionados are aware of the fact that the first two studio albums of Britney Spears were among the best-selling albums of the time. Indeed, they helped her become the fastest-selling teenage artist in music history.

Needless to say, the scintillating singer and dancer was soon credited with reviving the teen pop culture during the initial stages of her career.

Frequently called the "Princess of Pop", she has sold over 150 million records worldwide and has been named the eighth-biggest musical artist of the 2000s by Billboard.

Ed Sheeran began writing songs around the age of eleven. He is one of the most popular contemporary singers and songwriters.

While he won the Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act in 2012, his popularity peaked in the true sense of the word when he was named the Global Recording Artist of the Year for having sold the maximum number of records in 2017.

Sheeran is the second most streamed artist of the decade on a global scale on the music streaming service Spotify.

It is not surprising then that he has sold more than 150 million records in his career already.

Thanks to her life-altering portrayal of Hermione Granger in the beloved Harry Potter franchise of films, Emma Watson has cemented her place as one of the finest and most popular female stars of the 21st century.

The screen performer and activist is known for her roles in both blockbusters and independent features, and is among the highest-paid actresses in the world.

Included on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015, Watson's popularity would continue to remain intact even if she decides to stop making films today.

We say so because the timelessness of the Harry Potter series will continue to attract young fans even after years. Needless to say, the more they see Watson's Hermione, the more they'd fall in love with her.

This singer and actor was easily one of the most popular entertainers to have lived during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

Nicknamed the "Chairman of the Board", his music has sold an estimated 150 million records to date worldwide; making him one of the best-selling artists in all of entertainment.

He received an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in From Here to Eternity.

Also the recipient of eleven Grammy Awards, Sinatra led a colorful and controversial life and was also heavily involved with politics during his heyday.

The star was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan in 1985 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997.

Ariana Grande first gained recognition after playing the part of Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon TV series Victorious and its spin-off Sam & Cat.

While the personal life of the popular singer and actress has always found attention in the mainstream media, she has also managed to impress her harshest critics by baking on her fantabulous four-octave vocal range.

Believe it or not, the pop icon has 27 Guinness World Records attributed to her name and is reportedly the most streamed female artist of all time on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify.

One of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, David Bowie was acknowledged by his fans and critics alike for his inventive music.

The leading singer was popular for his reinvention and visual presentation; two essential elements that went on to change how popular music was comprehended by the audience at the time.

Throughout his peak during the 1980s and 1990s, Bowie continued to experiment with his performance style and music. While he managed to sell over 100 million records worldwide, he was also seen making sporadic film appearances.

Today, Bowie is regarded by many as the greatest rock star to have ever lived.

A lot many of us during the late 1990s and the 2000s were introduced to international music through Enrique Iglesias and his numerous chartbusters.

Even though he debuted in the mid-1990s, the singer went on to become arguably the most popular Spanish performer at the time.

While "The King of Latin Pop" may not be as active today, only those who have been fortunate enough to play songs like "Finally Found You", "Somebody's Me", "I Like It", and "Hero" during his heyday can truly understand what the man meant to popular culture about a decade or so ago.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his film debut with The Mummy Returns. He is not only one of the most popular action movie stars in the world today but he is also among the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

One of the highest-paid screen performers, movies featuring Dwayne Johnson in a prominent role have gone on to gross over $3.5 billion in North America and more than $10.5 billion at the worldwide box office.

Aside from being a big-screen star and a gifted professional wrestler, Johnson is also a smart businessman. The actor is regularly seen posting fitness videos on his social media profiles.

He has featured in some well-known feature films such as Rampage, The Scorpion King, Fast Five, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

Trust the eccentric Miley Cyrus to thrive on her distinctive raspy voice to deliver even bigger chartbuster tracks in the future.

With a total of thirteen entries on the list, the sensational performer has managed to attain the most US Billboard 200 top-five albums in the 21st century by a female artist.

Easily among the most talked-about singers of the new millennium, Cyrus started her career by playing the main lead in Disney Channel's much-loved Hannah Montana; a show that helped the multi-genre artist turn into the ultimate "Teen Queen" in no time.

Nicknamed "The Voice" for her unmatched vocals and improvisational skills, the beloved Whitney Houston continues to be one of the best-selling artists of all time with her music selling an estimated 200 million records globally.

A recipient of numerous accolades, the amazing vocalist has inspired a generation of aspiring singers. Even though her music and public appearances made a whole lot of money for everyone involved, they also fetched their fair share of inevitable controversy.

Be that as it may, the fact that Houston is the only artist to have had seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 perhaps overshadows the frailty of her life.

Popular for her effective and technically skilled vocals, Celine Dion is one of the most popular singers of all time.

Her song, "My Heart Will Go On", which was recorded for the global blockbuster film Titanic, is arguably the most popular song to have ever been included in a motion picture.

With estimated sales of over 200 million records, Dion is not only the best-selling Canadian artist but also the best-selling French-language recording artist of all time.

Besides English and French, the singer is also known to have sung in Spanish, Italian, German, Latin, Japanese, and Chinese languages.

The "King of Rock and Roll", Elvis Presley, was not only one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century but also among the most controversial ones.

Known for his distinctive and provocative performance style, he was able to inspire thousands of people across the United States of America to emulate his hairstyles, costumes, and mannerisms.

Presley not only set the stage on fire with his various popular singles but he also capitalized on his popularity by participating in quite a few feature films.

His music has sold over 500 million records worldwide; therefore, making him arguably the best-selling solo music artist of all time.

Those who have fine taste in music are more than familiar with the name Bob Dylan. The American singer and songwriter is often called one of the greatest songwriters of all time by fans and music critics across the globe.

The influence that he's had on popular culture throughout his 60-year-long career as an artist cannot be refuted.

While songs such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin" became bonafide anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements, their popularity during the beginning of his career also eventually helped him sell over 125 million records globally.

Dylan has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, ten Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award, respectively.

Voted the eighth greatest Briton to have ever lived in a BBC history poll conducted in 2002, John Lennon was a singer, songwriter, musician, and peace activist.

He shot to global fame as not only the founder but also the co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles.

Lennon's songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains unbelievably successful for he was known for incorporating a rebellious tone and wit in his music.

His best-selling album, Double Fantasy, received the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1981. Lennon served in the capacity of a performer, writer, or co-writer on 25 singles that went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Marilyn Monroe was best known for playing comedic "blonde bombshell" characters in her numerous cinematic endeavors. She is arguably the most popular female celebrity of all time.

Not only was she the ultimate sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s but she also established herself as one of the highest-paid actresses during the peak of her career.

Inspired by actors such as Jean Harlow and Lana Turner, Monroe had a terribly difficult childhood and adult life.

However, she overcame all odds and fought the world in her relentless pursuit of love, passion, and faith; three of the most important elements in life that not many are fortunate enough to share and protect.

Ranked sixth by the American Film Institute on their list of the greatest female actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood, Monroe is one of the only few celebrities from decades ago whose legend continues to grow with the passage of time.

One of the best-known English singers to have graced us with her voice in the new millennium, Adele's vocal skills are difficult to match. Her second studio album, 21, is the best-selling album by any artist in the 21st century, thus far.

With global chartbuster hits such as "Rolling in the Deep", "Someone Like You", and "Set Fire to the Rain", she became the first female artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to have three simultaneous top-ten singles as a lead artist, and deservingly so.

Her single, Skyfall, for the blockbuster James Bond film of the same title, won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Soon after, Adele's third studio album, 25, went on to smash all first-week sales records as it turned out to become the best-selling music album of 2015.

Hailed by many as one of the greatest artists in the history of rock music, this British singer and songwriter achieved global fame as the lead vocalist of the famous rock band Queen.

Known for his charismatic stage persona and four-octave vocal range, he was often seen interacting with his dedicated audience through his songs while performing live.

For his outstanding contributions to music, Mercury was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 as a member of Queen.

He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Furthermore, Freddie was voted the 58th greatest Briton to have ever lived in a BBC poll conducted in 2002.

This ineffably gorgeous Colombian singer made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13. Dubbed the "Queen of Latin Music", she started to gain recognition in her home country ever since her debut album was released.

However, her popularity in the English-speaking markets soared in the 2000s and continues to remain intact to date. A true international crossover artist, Shakira rocked the world in the true sense of the word following the release of her mega-chartbuster single "Waka Waka" in 2010.

The song is believed to be the most popular composition associated with any sporting event anywhere in the world.