In the dynamic realm of filmmaking, a fascinating trend has emerged, defying the conventional norms of big-budget productions. This captivating gallery delves into the realm of cinematic surprises, spotlighting a collection of low-budget films that not only defied financial constraints but also triumphed with unexpected success, raking in millions at the box office. These cinematic gems stand as a testament to the notion that creativity and innovation can thrive even in the face of limited resources, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and captivating audiences worldwide.
Rocky
The box office rake for this classic boxing movie was $200 million.
It cost about $1 million to make the movie. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won three of them, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. The film spawned seven sequels and countless catchphrases.
Pulp Fiction
The critics unanimously rated this film as Tarantino's best. A unique thriller/crime/comedy movie made $212 million in sales.
Despite an $8 million-dollar budget, the movie's legacy lives on. Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta probably contributed to the high grossing. The screenplay won an Oscar for best original.
Friday the 13th
A slasher classic of the 1980s, Friday the 13th spawned several spin-offs and 11 sequels. It grossed roughly $60 million at the box office.
The first Friday the 13th film cost only $600,000. Victor Miller wrote the cult classic screenplay, and it was his highest grossing film of all-time.
Split
The film stars James McAvoy as a man who has 23 personalities inside of him. Despite mixed reviews, it brought in about $270 million.
With only $9 million in budget, the film received a 77% Rotten Tomatoes rating. McAvoy's best work has been hailed as unsettling, creepy, but completely brilliant.
Goldfinger
Bond movies are money-making machines, and this one made about $126 million. Connery is considered to be one of Bond's greatest roles.
It cost only $3 million to make the Ian Flemming-written film. Currently, the James Bond franchise consists of 24 films and counting.
Lost In Translation
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson star in this film about a friendship between an actor and a student. Each character is struggling through a difficult time in their life. The film grossed $120 million.
The film was written and directed by Sofia Coppola on a budget of $4 million. In addition to winning Best Original Screenplay, it was nominated for four other Academy Awards.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
It took off like a rocket at the box office, earning $250 million despite being a low-cost production.
There was only a $5 million budget for the movie, which is pretty low for the movie industry. It was written and acted by Nia Vardalos.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
1984 was a desperate time for horror films, so audiences loved it! It grossed $25 million at the box office.
Nightmare on Elm Street had a budget of only $1.5 million. After this movie, Wes Craven became one of horror's biggest stars!
Open Water
In 2003, this thriller made over 50 million at the box office. A couple is trapped at sea with terrifying ocean dwellers, with nowhere to hide.
The film was made with a budget of only $150,000, $50,000 less than expected. Lionsgate later paid $2.5 million for movie rights and $8 million for marketing.
Blair Witch Project
There has never been a low-budget film as famous as this one. The PR campaign was so successful that the movie made $250 million across the globe as well as a $1.1 million distribution deal.
Filming cost only about $60,000 in part because the movie was supposed to look bad. A DIY feel and shaky film style cut costs significantly.
Get Out
This fan-favorite horror flick was directed by Jordan Peele to great success, making $220 million at the box office.
Dark plot twists capture audiences and break hearts. Its budget was only $4.5 million, but its success was unparalleled. The movie was nominated for many awards and was one of the most profitable of 2017.
Paranormal Activity
A new franchise was born with the phenomenal success of Paranormal Activity, raking in a whopping $193 million in sales. Six movies have been released based on the original.
Paranormal Activity cost only $15,000 to make, using home cameras and crew member homes, the low budget came with a high reward.
Buried
This $20 million-grossing movie featured Ryan Reynolds in a scary situation. Locked underground, he tries to escape being buried alive.
Only $2 million was budgeted for the movie. It was never expected that the movie would be so successful, but nobody is complaining either.
Star Wars
There was no surprise that Star Wars made a lot of money. It's about $775 million to be exact. In terms of popularity, George Lucas' hugely successful project is one of the best movies/franchises ever made.
With only $11 million in the budget (which is high in comparison to the rest of this list), it's impressive that this film was able to make so much money. Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012.
Halloween
With its slasher scares, Halloween grossed over $600 million.
Halloween costumes have been based on the iconic film for generations, and thriller movies have been shaped by it. Budget was only $300,000, but they made it work!
The Purge
The Purge is one of the biggest franchises to emerge in recent years, so its low budget is surprising. Nevertheless, it earned several million in the industry.
Purge's budget was only about $3 million, which is low considering the amount it's earned since its original release. Audiences were really scared by the kill-or-be-killed movie, and they are still scared of it today!
Mad Max
It took this franchise starter only $300,000 to earn more than $100 million.
The sequel, Mad Max: Fury Road, had a bigger budget of $150 million! Both movies were a smashing success, so we're sure a third is coming.
SAW
Filmed entirely in one location, the gore-filled classic cuts costs significantly. As of today, the movie has made about $115 million worldwide.
The movie cost only $1.2 million to make. This success led to several sequels and spin-offs, so I guess it was well worth the investment!
My Left Foot
This dramatic comedy starred Daniel Day-Lewis. Filmed in 1989, the movie spawned $15 million in profits, but cost significantly less to make.
The legendary film was budgeted at $600,000. The film won awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.
28 Days Later
A zombie classic from 2002, this blockbuster was unexpectedly successful. The fight for survival takes on a new life in this $80 million dollar thriller.
Directed by Danny Boyle and released in 2002, it was relatively low compared to many Hollywood productions. The film's budget was approximately $8 million.
Little Miss Sunshine
This $100 million dollar blockbuster follows a strange family as they travel the USA in their van.
The role was Abagail Breslin's first, and she won an Academy Award for it. A budget of $8 million resulted in a gross of $100 million. It was only six weeks before the premiere that the final scene was written.
Night of the Living Dead
Zombie movie enthusiasts all agree that Night of the Living Dead was the first great undead movie. It grossed $20 million worldwide.
In 1968, the movie was made for $115,000. In 1990, it was remade in color. The rights and percentages were never certified and a lengthy and expensive court battle ensued.
Moonlight
Considering the movie earned $65 million in profits, it isn't surprising that it won so many awards and received so much praise. In this emotional film, a young man faces challenges surrounding his sexuality.
With a budget of $4 million, the film was greenlit. This movie won the Oscar for Best Picture and was nominated for five others. The writer Joi McMillon became the first black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award in editing.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Adding cross-dressing and glam rock extravagance gives the "mad scientist" plot a new dimension.
Despite its release generations ago, this film is still popular in gay communities around the world. A $1.4 million dollar budget grossed over $226 million globally.
The Hills Have Eyes
Filmed entirely in the Mojave Desert, this cult classic earned $25 million at the box office.
This film has one of the lowest production budgets on this list, only working with about $230,000. A franchise was created, so it seemed to be enough.
Napoleon Dynamite
This celebrated classic, starring Jason Heder, earned $45 million at the box office.
Jared Hess' Napoleon Dynamite was a huge success despite costing just $400,000 to make. Heder received $1,000 for the role, but renegotiated after the film's success.
Blue Valentine
Due to their incredible performances, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams were a major part of the film's success.
The pair both acted in and executive produced the film. With a budget of $1 million, the film made $12.4 million worldwide. Michelle Williams was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actress, while Ryan Gosling received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
Up In Smoke
When Paramount approached Cheech and Chong to make Up and Smoke, stoners were already fans of the comedy duo.
Stoner comedy was born with this film. With a budget of $2 million, the movie grossed a staggering $104 million in theaters.
Slacker
Richard Linklater began making small independent films like Slacker in Austin, Texas before he rose to prominence in the late 1990s.
The 1990 film raked in over $1.2 million on a budget of just $23,000. He played the lead in the film about an eccentric and unambitious group of artists in the capital of Texas who eschewed real-life responsibility in order to pursue their creative dreams.
Clerks
In order to fund Clerks' $230,000 budget, Smith maxed out his personal credit cards.
Smith's "Silent Bob" is probably laughing all the way to the bank after the quirky, hilarious, black-and-white film grossed $3.8 million at the box office.
American Psycho
Due to Christian Bale's talent, the controversial film made news before filming began.
Fans fell in love with the obscure humor even in the darkest scenes. It grossed $34.3 million despite costing just $8 million.
Catfish
In a timely piece about identity theft and fraud online, Catfish highlighted the phenomenon known as "catfishing."
An enlightening documentary on online identity fraud captures the experience of director and producer Ariel Schulman's brother, Nev. The documentary grossed over $3.7 million worldwide.
The Terminator
James Cameron, the film's writer and director, had been living in his car during production.
The production budget for the movie was only $6.4 million, so no one could have predicted how much money it would bring in after its release. Worldwide, the movie grossed $78.4 million.
Eraserhead
It was made on a shoestring budget of just $10,000, and gives us an insight into the eccentric mind of one of the industry's greatest authors.
Lynch's 1977 masterpiece is a master of the sublime and surreal, starring Jack Nance, Mary X, and their bizarre reptilian offspring. Despite its surprising $7 million gross, Lynch's career has taken off without a hitch since its release.
Super Size Me
Morgan Spurlock ate nothing but McDonald's food for 30 days in this 2004 documentary.
Aiming to try everything on Mickey D's menu at least once, Spurlock ate Mickey D's three times a day. Spurlock gained 24 pounds, increased his cholesterol, experienced mood swings, and experienced fat accumulation in his liver as a result. With a budget of $65,000, the documentary made $20.6 million worldwide.
The Passion of Christ
The controversial content of the film prevented distributors from taking it on. Despite its violent content, the film became the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever.
It depicts the final 12 hours of Jesus' life, culminating in his death and resurrection. It was largely panned by critics, with some calling it a religious classic and others finding it distracting and accusing it of antisemitism. An estimated $611.9 million was generated from a $30 million budget.
Annabelle
While some critics gave Annabelle negative reviews, the movie still proved a hit in theaters. It was made with a $6.5 million budget.
This long-awaited horror movie made $37.1 million at the box office. Since it is a spin-off of the successful Conjuring franchise, it helped make the film successful.
Donnie Darko
The low budget film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Drew Barrymore has become a timeless cult classic.
With a $4.5 million budget, the film was shot in 28 days. Gyllenhaal admits that the movie doesn't make sense to him. There was critical acclaim for the story, acting, and tone in the movie, which made $7.5 million worldwide.
Slumdog Millionaire
The film stars Patel as Jamal Malik, the winner of Who Wants to be a Millionaire in India. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won 8 of them.
A controversial film in India because of its depiction of Indian society, exploitation of the young actors, and use of the term "slumdog" in the title, even though it was well received in the States. Globally, the film grossed $377.9 million on a budget of $15 million.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Many people know about the crazy adventures these children have in the Wonka factory, as well as its brilliant visuals and music.
The director Mel Stuart was able to create this lush world using only around $3 million in the budget. Domestically, Wonka has grossed $147 million, while internationally it has grossed $253 million.
Monsters
Gareth Edwards' Monsters, a sci-fi giant monster movie, was made for just half a million dollars.
With a minimal script and unknown actors, the film was shot at unpermitted locations in Central America, using high-end video equipment instead of film. I was amazed to learn that the movie was edited on a laptop. It grossed just over $4 million at the box office.
The King's Speech
Colin Firth starred in the historical drama, which was praised by critics for portraying King George VI's stammer realistically.
A film can be award-winning without special effects and a large budget. With a budget of $15 million, the movie earned $414.2 million worldwide.
Tarnation
The documentary was reportedly edited with Apple's free iMovie software for less than $220.
A documentary about the complicated, painstaking, but ultimately loving relationship Jonathan Caouette had with his mentally ill mother. It was Caouette's friends who encouraged him to submit the film to a festival. He's glad he did - the movie grossed $1.2 million.
She’s Gotta Have It
Spike Lee's debut movie, She's Gotta Have It, is a stylish comedy about a sexually independent young woman.
He garnered funding from various grants and enlisted family help. With a budget of just $175,000, the film earned $7.1 million at the box office.
Juno
Juno made a significant impact for a film with just a $7.5 million budget.
Jennifer Garner had to take a pay cut to keep the film's budget low. The movie, starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera, made $231.4 million worldwide, including $143.4 million domestically.
El Mariachi
For $7,000, Robert Rodriguez shot an action film in a Mexican border town with mostly local volunteers, on location with no crew, on a handheld camera.
The movie began as a cult hit for the direct-to-video market in Mexico and evolved into a $2 million dollar movie a trilogy for the theater.
Sex, Lies, and Videotape
It was the first American film to tackle sex as a topic.
There has been a lot of sex on the screen by this point, but this movie focuses on people talking about sex, and a man who is fascinated with videotaping women discussing their fantasies. It smashed at the box office earning $36 million on just a $1.2 million budget.
Once
Through beautiful musical numbers, a street musician in Dublin and a Czech immigrant fall in love through unlikely circumstances.
The $20.7 million box office success of Once stunned everyone with a budget of just $150,000. Among its awards was the 2007 Independent Spirit Award for Best Foreign Film. A Grammy nomination was given to the soundtrack of the film "Falling Slowly," for Best Original Song in 2008.
Garden State
This sweet and wistful rom-com is Zach Braff's tribute to his New Jersey youth.
Licensing music for a film can be expensive. Braff was adamant about his choices and sent his script to the musicians he sought to persuade. With the soundtrack album's sales exceeding 1.3 million, Braff's conviction paid off. The soundtrack topped the box office returns of the movie.
Pi
The career of Darren Aronofsky soared after Pi, a clever, intelligent thriller following a mathematician trying to make sense of the universe's underlying order.
To fund the film, Aronofsky and his producers solicited donations of $100. They raised $135,000 and turned it into $3.2 million in sales.
Another Earth
It is a chilling sci-fi drama that imagines a replica of our planet hovering in the atmosphere like a tantalizing glimpse of life elsewhere.
Director Mike Cahill spent $100,000 filming in his hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, using friends' and families' houses as locations. The actors were paid little or nothing for their work. The film earned $1.9 million.
Reservoir Dogs
It was Tarantino's first feature that established his style. Violence punctuated by elaborate dialogue.
Rather than staging a costly set piece for a heist movie, Tarantino relies on scenes before and after the crime. It doubled it's $1.5 million budget generating $3 million in theatres.
Brick
In Rian Johnson's debut, Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as a teenage sleuth in a slick neo-noir set in a suburban high school.
The cast for Brick was rehearsed carefully by Johnson before the shoot, using current students as extras. A budget just shy of $500,000 net $3.9 million.
Boys Don’t Cry
Budget: $2,000,000; Box Office: $20,700,000.
The horrific story of Brandon Teena, a trans man brutally murdered in 1993. In order to honor Brandon Teena's legacy, Peirce researched his life thoroughly. Hilary Swank won the Oscar for Best Actress after immersing herself in the role.
Before Sunrise
Budget: $2,500,000; Box Office: $22,500,000
Ethan Hawke and Julie Deply play two strangers who meet on a train and decide to spend the day and night together walking around Vienna, Austria. Hawke and Delpy's performances, along with their uncredited rewrites, give Before Sunrise its spontaneity and freshness.
Whiplash
Budget: $3,300,000; Box Office: $49,000,000
A jazz drummer struggling to cope with a demanding teacher inspired Damien Chazelle's debut feature. JK Simmons earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Whiplash, which launched Chazelle's career.
The Breakfast Club
Budget: $1,000,000; Box Office: $51,525,171
An iconic coming-of-age film directed by John Hughes and released in 1985. Five high school students from different social cliques spend a Saturday in detention together in a fictional high school.
Easy Rider
Budget: $360,000; Box Office: $60,000,000
A landmark American film released in 1969, directed by Dennis Hopper and starring Peter Fonda. As a symbol of the counterculture movement, it became a cultural touchstone. It also signaled a shift in Hollywood's approach to more experimental and unconventional movies.
American Graffiti
Budget: $777,000; Box Office: $115,000,000
The film takes place in Modesto, California, during the summer of 1962, and follows a group of high school graduates as they embark on their last night together. As a result of its success, George Lucas's career flourished and nostalgia-driven films were born in the 1970s. There were several Academy Award nominations for the film, including Best Picture.
Sholay
Budget: $400,000; Box Office: $67,000,000
A landmark in the history of Hindi cinema, the film is considered one of the greatest Indian films of all time. "Sholay" is known for its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and iconic dialogues.
Enter the Dragon
Budget: $850,000; Box Office: $90,000,000
Notable for being one of the most iconic martial arts movies of all time and is particularly significant as it features Bruce Lee in his final completed film role before his untimely death.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Budget: $1,350,000; Box Office: $28,172,868
Marking the directorial debut of Guy Ritchie and gained considerable acclaim for its stylish filmmaking, witty dialogue, and unique narrative structure. The film is known for its ensemble cast and intricate plot involving various characters in the London criminal underworld.
Fruitvale Station
Budget: $900,000; Box Office: $17,385,830
The movie is based on the true story of the events leading up to the tragic death of Oscar Grant III, a young African American man, on New Year's Day in 2009. The film's success contributed to Michael B. Jordan's rising star in Hollywood, and it remains an impactful and thought-provoking exploration of real-world issues.
Hoop Dreams
Budget: $700,000; Box Office: $11,830,611
The lives of two African American high school students, William Gates and Arthur Agee, as they pursue their dreams of becoming professional basketball players. The film remains a significant and influential work in the realm of documentary filmmaking.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Budget: $400,000; Box Office: $5,028,948
It is the second feature film by the comedy group Monty Python, known for their irreverent and absurdist humor. The film is a parody of the Arthurian legend and medieval tales.
The Evil Dead
Budget: $350,000; Box Office: $2,400,000
The film marked Raimi's feature film directorial debut and became a seminal work in the horror genre, particularly in the category of low-budget independent horror filmmaking.
Ringu
Budget: $1,200,000; Box Office: $10,000,000+
"Ringu" is a Japanese horror film released in 1998, directed by Hideo Nakata. It is based on the novel of the same name by Koji Suzuki. "Ringu" is a significant film in the horror genre, particularly in the context of Asian horror cinema, and it has had a profound influence on the genre worldwide.
Billy Jack
Budget: $800,000; Box Office: $32,500,000
1971 action-drama film directed by Tom Laughlin, who also stars in the title role. The film is known for its portrayal of the titular character, Billy Jack, a half-Navajo Green Beret and martial artist, who takes a stand against prejudice and injustice.
Fireproof
Budget: $500,000; Box Office: $33,473,297
Christian drama film directed by Alex Kendrick and produced by Sherwood Pictures. The film is known for its focus on marriage, faith, and the importance of commitment. It was created by a team associated with Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.
Walking Tall
Budget: $500,000; Box Office: $23,000,000
The movie is loosely based on the life of Buford Pusser, a former professional wrestler who became the sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, and waged a one-man war against corruption and crime in his community.
Wolf Creek
Budget: $1,108,000; Box Office: $27,700,000
Australian horror film written and directed by Greg McLean. The movie is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere and is inspired by true events. It follows a group of backpackers who encounter a sadistic killer in the Australian Outback.
An Inconvenient Truth
Budget: $1,500,000; Box Office: $49,800,000
Centered around former United States Vice President Al Gore's efforts to educate the public about the dangers of climate change and the need for urgent action to address the environmental crisis.