JAMES CAMERON | $700 MILLION

Known as the wealthiest film director worldwide, you already know that James Cameron racks in cash in the millions on an everyday basis. Responsible for Avatar, Titanic, and Aliens, fans will undoubtedly remember Cameron’s notable contributions in the film industry for generations to come. Despite being one of the richest men alive, Cameron’s rise to glory wasn’t all glitz and glamor since he had to go through some tough times in his early life.

After dropping out of community college in 1974, Cameron became a truck driver and janitor to pay off his expenses. However, after watching the 1977 sci-fi film Star Wars, something sparked inside the young director’s mind like electricity flowing through his mind—he wanted to write. After quitting his job and finding his way in the film industry, he debuted his first directed movie, the 1978 short film Xenogenesis. However, It wasn’t until Terminator in 1984 where Cameron would hit it big. From then on, everything was smooth sailing. Now, the Titanic director boasts a $700 million net worth and a prolific industry portfolio.