Angelina Jolie has topped the list of Hollywood's highest paid actresses, earning an estimated $ 30 million this year, according to Forbes magazine.

Forbes's blogger Dorothy Pomerantz said Jolie's success stemmed from her ability to handle action, drama and directing.

Her earnings were boosted by films such as Salt and The Tourist, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Sarah Jessica Parker came second on the list. Her big fortune was tied to the success of television and film series Sex and the City.

'Parker earns big from reruns of the TV show thanks to her dual role as star and producer, and the second movie, which hit screens in 2010, performed pretty well bringing in a 'respectable' $ 290 million,' said Pomerantz.

Trailing behind Jolie and Parker is Friends star Jennifer Aniston.

Despite her fair share of flop films, she remains a big box office draw card, estimated to have earned $ 27 million between May 2010 and May 2011.

Reese Witherspoon, who broke into the top league with Legally Blonde, has claimed the fourth spot with a whopping $ 28 million in earnings.

Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts, who's done films like Pretty Woman and Erin Brokovich, delivered a worldwide hit with her last film Eat, Pray, Love.

She sits pretty at the fifth spot with $ 20 million in earnings.

Hollywood legend Meryl Streep rounds off the list with her $ 10 million paycheck.