Watts world's most profitable actress

The 41-year-old beauty – who has also starred in ‘The Ring’, ‘King Kong’ and ‘Eastern Promises’ – helped the box office rake in an estimated $44 for every $1 she was paid for her last three major films.

The list’s top spots are notably filled by many actresses willing to accept a lower salary than A-list stars like Angelina Jolie – who was named Hollywood’s highest-earning actress by Forbes earlier this year.

‘Blood Diamond’ actress Jennifer Connelly, 38 - who previously won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe for her role in 2001’s ‘A Beautiful Mind’ - took second place making an average $41 per dollar she was paid.

Meanwhile, 30-year-old beauty Rachel McAdams finished third by turning low-budget films like ‘Red Eye’ and ‘The Notebook’ into significant hits.

For every dollar she is paid, the 30-year-old actress makes movie bosses an average $30.

Other stars featured on the list include Natalie Portman, who earned $28 per dollar, Meryl Streep at $27 and Jennifer Aniston at $26.

However, most actresses on the list didn’t carry their films alone and were often joined by a host of famous co-stars.

Aniston’s appearance in ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ – where she starred alongside Ginnifer Goodwin, Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Bradley Cooper and Scarlett Johansson - raked in $177m (€120m) at the box office, while Naomi was joined by British actor Clive Owen in 2008’s ‘The International’.

Forbes.com’s Top Ten Best Actresses for the Buck:

1. Naomi Watts – made $44 for each $1 paid

2. Jennifer Connelly – made $41 for each $1 paid

3. Rachel McAdams – made $30 for each $1 paid

4. Natalie Portman – made $28 for each $1 paid

5. Meryl Streep – made $27 for each $1 paid

6. Jennifer Aniston – made $26 for each $1 paid

7. Halle Berry – made $23 for each $1 paid

= Cate Blanchett

= Anne Hathaway

= Hilary Swank