FORBES ADVISOR’S 2023 ON-SCREEN RICH LIST REVEALED

In the world of make-believe, there’s no shortage of wealth, but some fictional characters invest their cash and build a fortune better than others. Forbes Advisor’s deep dive into the finances of Westeros, Gotham, Springfield and more unveils the 20 wealthiest fictional stars from the most-loved films and TV shows.

From the luxurious abodes of superheroes to the cunning lairs of supervillains, the research uncovers the vast fortunes of legendary figures that have entertained audiences for generations. The list reveals the investment prowess, exquisite lifestyles, and back stories of the wealthiest characters in the realms of fiction.

Forbes Advisor’s list considers characters at the peak of their powers, but warning: it may contain spoilers.

The star-studded line-up is topped by Black Panther’s T’Challa, edging out fellow superheroes, as well as media moguls, aliens and vampire queens alike.

Forbes Advisor’s Fictional Rich List 2023

20. Jay Gatsby – £600 million
Features in: The Great Gatsby
Known for being an enigmatic party host and self-made millionaire, the mysterious Jay Gatsby achieved his wealth during the Roaring Twenties. Gatsby’s fortune primarily came from his involvement in bootlegging during America’s Prohibition era, and he was known for indulging in extravagant mansions, luxurious cars, and lavish parties.

19. Gordon Gekko – £650 million
Features in: Wall Street
Gordon Gekko, the iconic Wall Street corporate raider, rose to prominence through his aggressive investment strategies. With a knack for identifying undervalued companies, Gekko made a fortune in the financial world by stripping companies and getting rich from selling their assets.

=16. Cruella de Vil – £1 billion
Features in: 101 Dalmatians
Infamous Disney villain Cruella de Vil derives her wealth from the fashion industry – and in particular, her sinister fur coat business. De Vil invests in high-end fashion brands, luxury goods, and exotic animal poaching – fuelled by her obsession with canine fur.

=16. Mr. Burns – £1 billion
Features in: The Simpsons
Mr. Burns, the wealthy and manipulative owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, acquired his money through decades of exploiting his workers and making dubious business decisions. Burns invests in industries such as energy, media, and real estate, always seeking ways to increase his wealth and control over both his workers and the town of Springfield.

=16. Walden Schmidt – £1 billion
Features in: Two and a Half Men
Internet billionaire Walden Schmidt made his fortune Mark Zuckerberg style – through an online start-up. Schmidt has invested in technology companies, environmental conservation projects, and philanthropic initiatives, and unlike some others on this list, uses his wealth to improve the world and pursue his passion for innovation.

15. Willy Wonka – £1.5 billion
Features in: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka, the eccentric chocolatier and owner of the fantastical Wonka Chocolate Factory, made his money through his confectionery empire. Wonka is known for his factory where no expenses are spared, using high-end technology to perfect his chocolate business.

14. Tywin Lannister – £1.7 billion
Features in: Game of Thrones
The patriarch of the powerful House Lannister, Tywin Lannister was known for cunning political manoeuvres to ensure he kept control of Westeros. Tywin invested heavily in gold mines, and strategic alliances with those that backed a Lannister monarch to solidify his house’s legacy.

13. Bobby Axelrod – £4 billion
Features in: Billions
As CEO of hedge fund, Axe Capital, Bobby Axelrod is a self-made billionaire whose shrewd and ruthless nature often allows him to stay ahead of the competition… and law enforcement.. Axelrod is loosely based on New York Mets owner – and hedge fund manager – Steven A. Cohen.

12. Jabba the Hutt – £6.7 billion
Features in: Star Wars
Star Wars’ notorious crime lord, Jabba the Hutt got rich from smuggling, piracy, and other illicit activities. Also known for his spice smuggling and gladiatorial fights, Jabba keeps far away from the action, and enjoys a life of luxury at his desert palace.

11. Smaug – £6.9 billion
Features in: The Hobbit
Smaug, the iconic dragon from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, hoards immense wealth in his mountain lair. Accumulated over centuries, his riches come from the treasures of countless civilizations. Smaug safeguards his wealth with billions worth of precious metals and gemstones being kept in his secret base.

10. Scrooge McDuck – £7.2 billion
Features in: Duck Tales
Featuring in many Disney films and comics over the years, Scrooge McDuck is best known for his enormous money bin where he keeps his fortune. Particularly known for his frugality, being named after A Christmas Carol’s Scrooge, he has experience in many industries over the years – from telecommunications to space exploration.

9. Bruce Wayne – £7.3 billion
Features in: Batman
Billionaire philanthropist and nocturnal crime-fighter Bruce Wayne – better known as Batman – inherited his wealth from Wayne Enterprises, a global conglomerate founded by his parents. Away from his alter ego, Wayne has invested in cutting-edge technology, clean energy initiatives, and urban development projects to enhance Gotham City.

8. Mom – £14 billion
Features in: Futurama
Futurama’s Mom dominates the majority of industries in the show, including robotics, manufacturing, and space exploration. Through her diverse conglomerate MomCorp, Mom has a monopoly on many sectors – often exploiting her workers to maximise profits and expand her business empire.

7. Logan Roy – £14.4 billion
Features in: Succession
Logan Roy, the patriarch of the Roy family, heads a global media and entertainment conglomerate. Roy invests in diverse sectors such as news, film production, and theme parks, navigating the ever-changing landscape of the media industry while his family battle to succeed him as heir.

6. Daddy Warbucks – £29 billion
Features in: Annie
The adoptive father of Annie, Daddy Warbucks built his empire through a diverse range of investments, including aerospace, manufacturing, and media. Later in life, Warbucks became known for his philanthropy, supporting causes related to children’s welfare, education, and healthcare.

5. Lex Luthor – £60 billion
Features in: Superman
Lex Luthor, the power-hungry arch-nemesis of Superman, has amassed his immense wealth through real estate and biotech, and not always in the most ethical ways – always having an ulterior motive, seeking ways to challenge Superman’s power and disrupt everyday life in Metropolis.

4. Tony Stark – £64 billion
Features in: Iron Man, Avengers
Genius inventor Tony Stark is renowned for his technological innovations through his work at Stark Industries. Stark’s wealth predominantly derives from selling advanced weaponry to governments (and some more shady characters), as well as continuing to pursue advancements in artificial intelligence.

3. Molly Novak – £87 billion
Features in: Loot
Molly Novak amasses a fortune after divorcing her husband of 20 years, whom she married without a prenup. Finding herself £87 billion richer and now the third richest woman in the world, Molly is searching for ways to bring new meaning into her life using her newfound wealth.

2. Mina Tepes – £233 billion
Features in: Dance in the Vampire Bund
Mina Tepes, the enigmatic vampire queen from the anime and manga series “Dance in the Vampire Bund,” accumulated her vast wealth over centuries – enough to buy an island off the coast of Japan, as well as paying off the country’s entire national debt of 40 trillion yen (£230 billion). While she is Queen of the vampire world, her wealth is beyond the wildest dreams of many royal families across the planet.

1 T’Challa – £400 billion
Features in: Black Panther
King of Wakanda, also better known as Black Panther, T’Challa oversees the vast wealth of Wakanda – a technologically advanced nation rich in the fictional metal vibranium. As King, T’Challa focuses on scientific research, education, and infrastructure to enrich the Wakandan people while utilising Wakanda’s resources to combat global injustices.