Downey Jr. has profited hugely from the success of The Avengers and Iron Man 3, earning a larger chunk of the profits than either his co-stars or directors. He tops this year's list with earnings of $75 million (approximately €57 million) after not even making the top 10 in 2012 (albeit during a brief hiatus in appearing as Iron Man). He is unlikely to be too far from the the number one spot over the next few years after having inked an even more generous deal for the forthcoming Avengers sequels.

Relative newcomer Channing Tatum takes second place in the annual Forbes survey. Although he appeared in several high-profile films over the last twelve months - including GI Joe: Retaliation and 21 Jump Street - Tatum's $60 million (over €45 million) earnings can be largely attributed to the success of Magic Mike. As producer as well as the lead actor of the surprise hit male stripper story, Tatum looks set to profit further as both a musical adaptation and a sequel are prepared.

Hugh Jackman rounds out the top three with an income of almost €42 million, although is ranked above both Tatum and Downey Jr. in Forbes' wider '100 most powerful celebrities list' due to his higher media and social network presence. Last year's top-earner Tom Cruise ranks in at number eight. Liam Neeson weighs in at number ten on the back of his newfound success as an action star.

Top ten highest paid actors:

1. Robert Downey Jr. (€57 million)

2. Channing Tatum (€45.6 million)

3. Hugh Jackman (€41.8 million)

4. Mark Wahlberg (€39.5 million)

5. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (€35 million)

6. Leonardo DiCaprio (€29.7 million)

7. Adam Sandler (€28.1 million)

8. Tom Cruise (€26.6 million)

9. Denzel Washington (€25.1 million)

10. Liam Neeson (€24.3 million)