The creator of the Buffyverse tops the ranking with an estimated $100 million (£74.3m) fortune. Joss Whedon turned his 1992 Buffy movie into the far superior TV show, then co-created Angel and developed further cult favourites including Firefly and Dollhouse.

He also co-wrote Toy Story, earning an Oscar nomination, before directing the blockbusters The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Whedon's movies have grossed more than $3.5 billion (£2.6bn) worldwide. Yet allegations from former collaborators of workplace bullying, threats and abuses of power later cast a cloud over his legacy.

Now see the Harry Potter movies ranked by which made the most money

The richest Buffyverse stars, ranked