Jennifer Lawrence is once again the world’s highest paid actress, collecting $US46 million dollars to take the title for the second year running.

Thanks to her role as Katniss Everdeen in the final Hunger Games instalment, Mocking Jay Part 2, she received an nice chunk of the movie’s massive box office gross of $653.4 million.

Her impressive payday earned her $13 million more than second–ranked Melissa McCarthy, who pocketed $33 million.

Forbes magazine’s list of the World’s highest–paid actresses says Lawrence’s top spot is largely down to her slice of profits, and a huge upfront fee for the up–coming film Passengers. However it is less than last year, when she raked in $52 million.

McCarthy makes this year’s biggest gains, shooting up the rankings thanks partly for an eight–figure payday for Ghostbusters.

Melissa McCarthy’s Ghostbusters payday boosted her earnings. Photo: Columbia Pictures

Well-known names including Sandra Bullock, Angelina Jolie, Kristen Stewart, Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz were among the drop-offs on this year’s ranking.

There were also some noteworthy near misses: Kristen Wiig and Renée Zellweger along with Australian Cate Blanchett, who all narrowly missed the $10 million cut off for this year’s ranking.

Cate Blanchett speaks onstage at the Women In Film 2016 Crystal and Lucy Awards. Photo: Getty

However, Forbes points out that while these select actresses earn more than most could dream of, their movie money is a fraction of what many of their male counterparts pocket.

In comparison, the world’s highest-paid actors of 2015 earned significantly more than actresses.

Robert Downey Jr. topped the list with a whopping $US80 million for his role as the Iron Man in The Avengers series, while further at number 10 is Mark Wahlberg — who earned $US32 million.

Only two women made more than Mr Wahlberg in last place.

Robert Downey Jr. tops the list of actors earning more than their female counterparts. Photo: Getty

There are fewer leading roles given to women – and when they are on screen, they are more likely to be there as eye candy, appearing nude or in sexy attire three times as much as men.

Forbes’ earning estimates are based on data from Nielsen, Box Office Mojo and IMBD, as well as interviews with agents, managers and lawyers.

See the full list of the world’s highest paid actresses below.

1. Jennifer Lawrence — $46 million
2. Melissa McCarthy — $33 million
3. Scarlett Johansson — $25 million
4. Jennifer Aniston — $21 million
5. Fan Bingbing — $17 million
6. Charlize Theron — $16.5 million
7. Amy Adams — $13.5 million
8. Julia Roberts — $12 million
9. Mila Kunis — $11 million
10. Deepika Padukone — $10 million