Let’s say it: Hollywood likes to go all out. When it comes to big movies, studios often put lots of money into them—sometimes they wow us, sometimes they flop hard. With price changes in mind, these movies are the biggest risks in film history. Here’s a list of the top 10 most costly films, why they cost so much, and if the risks paid off.
10. Joker (2019)
With a smaller budget of $55 million, “Joker” may look out of place here, but it shows how to use money well. Most cash went to art, making a dark 1980s Gotham, and paying Joaquin Phoenix. They saved on special effects, focusing on characters and mood instead. It worked: “Joker” made over $1 billion worldwide, showing that you don’t need a huge budget to have a big hit, as Filmustage said.
9. Gravity (2013)
“Gravity” sent us to space on about $100 million. A lot of this went to new visual effects and 3D tech, including a special LED box to make zero gravity feel real. Big parts of the money also went to stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. It was worth it, as the movie made over $723 million and won many Oscars, Filmustage points out.
8. Waterworld (1995)
“Waterworld” is known for its budget problems. First set at $100 million, it jumped to $175 million after a storm wrecked the set, script changes, and the trouble of shooting on water. Kevin Costner also had a high price. It just made its money back later through world sales and home video. Its troubled making is a well-known Hollywood warning, as Filmustage recalls.
7. The Matrix (1999)
Not the priciest, “The Matrix” still spent a lot on cutting-edge visual effects. The bullet-time scenes and digital tricks set new standards for sci-fi action. A big part of the budget went to post-production. The outcome? It started a series and shaped action movies for years, as Filmustage explains.
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
This one’s a twist: “The Blair Witch Project” had a tiny budget for making the film but put money into a new online ad push. The viral hype from these ads turned a small-budget horror into a hit, proving that sometimes spending on ads is key, Filmustage notes.
5. Iron Man (2008)
“Iron Man” began the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with much of its $140 million budget going to Robert Downey Jr.’s pay. His role was crucial, and spending on talent worked, starting a huge movie series, as Filmustage describes.
4. Cleopatra (1963)
“Cleopatra” is famous for its huge costs. With a budget of $44 million, then—about $340 million now—it almost broke 20th Century Fox. It began in England, moved to Italy due to weather, and faced script changes and Elizabeth Taylor’s health issues. Its luxury is unmatched, yet it’s another Hollywood warning story, as Filmustage details.
3. Avatar (2009)
James Cameron’s “Avatar” is near the top for costly films, with a huge budget due to top 3D tech and effects. Despite debates on its cultural effect, the movie’s box office success can’t be denied, becoming one of the top-earning movies ever, says Lifehacker.
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
With an incredible $356 million budget, “Avengers: Endgame” spared no expense. Big costs went to the cast, huge visual effects, and global ads. The result? Over $2.7 billion at the box office, making it one of the most successful movies ever, as Filmustage reports.
1. Ben-Hur (1959)
Before superheroes and CGI, “Ben-Hur” was the original big-cost epic. Its huge sets, many extras, and big chariot races set a new level for Hollywood shows. Its budget was huge then, but it saved MGM from money trouble and became a classic, as Lifehacker mentions.
From huge-cost productions to smart spending, these films show that in Hollywood, luck often sides with the brave—at least, usually.