Famous Low Budget Movies

6 min readSep 29, 2021

How a low budget film can create a big impact.

In the subterranean realm of low budget movies that made it big, we find out that money isn’t everything when it comes to production. Good story, interesting ideas, cultural significance, or relevant topics also play a tremendous role in the appeal of a film and the growth of an audience. In this article, we will identify lower budget movies (independent and studio) that made it big, and why they were successful. We will start with film budgets under $5 million dollars and work our way down.

Blockbuster films made for under $5 million dollars

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” — Budget: $5MM

This independent film was a big fat success at the box office grossing nearly $400MM worldwide. It is the most successful romantic comedy hit ever. Mix nosy family, plights of love, and a circus wedding atmosphere, and you get a honeymoon trip to the bank.

“Get Out” — Budget: $4MM

This was well-known comedian Jordan Peele’s coming out party as a director. With subtle writing techniques to lull you into familiar tropes, this movie blindsides you with mind-bending plot twists and turns. This new age horror thriller demonstrates how even an independent film with a small budget can generate major waves, globally grossing over $440MM.

“Friday” — Budget: $3.5MM

This movie likely re-galvanized the cannabis-legalization discussion in the United States. It may be a stretch but virtually everyone knows and quotes lines from this movie. There are countless memes and gifs from this movie being circulated daily on the internet. “Friday” also launched the careers of nearly every cast member in the film.

City of God — Budget: $3.3MM

An independent movie that brought viewers into the romantic, yet violent world of Brazilian favelas. This film was a global sensation produced on a shoestring budget, grossing over $42MM at the box office.

Other notable hit flicks under $5MM include “Donnie Darko” — $4.5MM, “Porky’s” — $4MM, “The Full Monty” — $3.5MM, “Animal House” — $3MM, “Cheech and Chong’s Up In Smoke” — $2MM, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” — $1.8MM, “Meatballs” — $1.7MM, and “Saw” — $1.2MM

These hit films were made for under $1 million dollars

“Rocky” — Budget: $1MM

This was Sylvester Stallone’s break out role that rocketed his career, turning him into a household name. He wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed film, which won and was nominated for several Academy Awards. The strangest part is that “Rocky” wasn’t even the highest grossing film of the franchise at $225MM.

“Friday the 13th ” — $550k Budget

Marking the beginning of 80’s slasher flicks, this independent film birthed a billion dollar film and merchandising franchise.

“Napolean Dynamite” — Budget: $400k

Napolean Dynamite shocked everyone with its unassuming style, authentic charm, and electric dance moves. This film also shocked everyone with how well it performed in theaters. Released in 2004, this low budget, comedy classic made its splash domestically grossing $44MM.

Other notable mentions include “Faces of Death” — $450k, “Halloween” — $320k, “Mad Max” — $300k, and “Swingers” — $250k

Breakout films made for under $100k

“Super-Size Me” — Budget: $65k

A social experiment gone crazy. Producer Morgan Spurlock’s not only balloons his weight an extra 25 pounds but also balloons a 65k budget into $22MM at the box office. Go figure. I guess that’s worth a couple extra el-bee’s.

“Clerks” — Budget: $27.5k

Kevin Smith launched an entire franchise and multiple careers through this bootleg indie film. An off-beat, comedy sensation, “Clerks” spawned “Mallrats”, “Chasing Amy”, “Dogma”, and many more. Kevin Smith would eventually become a household name in the industry.

“Blair Witch Project” — Budget: $22k

Can you believe a movie financed with $22k (per Guinness Book of World Records) made $240MM in theaters? Believe it. “The Blair Witch Project” forever changed and inspired a generation of filmmakers as to what is possible with a camera and a good story.

“El Mariachi” — Budget: $7k

Two sequels came out of this indie film, “Desperado” and “Once Upon a Time in Mexico.” Due to the success of “El Mariachi,” Robert Rodriguez’s was able to cast Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek for the sequels, increasing the star power and turning the trilogy into a cult favorite.

Notable mentions: “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” — $83k, “Pi” — $60k, “Slacker” — $23k, “Paranormal Activity” — $15k, and “Primer” — $7k

Documentaries that cost under $5MM

Documentaries typically don’t generate as much money as traditional films but they tend to have greater effect in terms of their social and cultural influence. We’re going to point out recent docs that profoundly affected America.

“OJ Made in America” — Budget: $5MM

The most controversial and recognized trial in American history, producing an incredible indictment of the US criminal and judicial system. This docu-series was a tremendous success, highlighting the US’s cultural fixation associated with celebrity status.

“Blackfish” — Budget: $1MM

“Blackfish” may have single-handedly been the catalyst to bring down Sea World’s orca exhibit and development program. Until then, no one had seen the seedy underside of this majestic animal’s depressed life in captivity and the inhumane and cruel treatment that killer whales were subject to. This documentary inevitably changed the world for the better.

Hoop Dreams — Budget: $700k

An award-winning chronicle of two African-American high school students and their difficult journey to make the most of their athletic abilities by transforming their lives out of the ghettos of Chicago and into the NBA. This was an inside look at the trials and tribulations of inner city kids with dreams of making it big, while addressing social issues concerning race and socio-economic status.

Other notable documentaries include with budgets under $5MM include “Bowling for Columbine” — $4MM, “Amy” — $3.4MM, “Man on a Wire” — $1.1MM, and “Virunga” — $1MM