Talking about movies, you have always spent your money or time on big-budget movies starring your favorite stars. For a change, why don’t you watch some independent films? These films are attracting a global audience with their amazing storyline? Their impeccable performances that would stay on with you long after you have watched the film?
There are a bunch of indie films that have become smash hits. They owe their financial success to several factors, including their relevance to the current times, the script, the portrayals, inventive marketing strategies, or some controversies they have created. Film buffs, It’s time to check out the highest-grossing indie movies of all time.
Fahrenheit 9/11
If you want to catch the highest-grossing documentary ever, then Fahrenheit 9/11 should be your pick. Michael Moore himself has paid every expense related to the film. Revolving around the deadly 9/11 attacks that shook the world, Fahrenheit 9/11 was politically relevant when it hit the screens.
The Iraq war and the presidential election were also highlighted in the documentary. Fahrenheit 9/11 hit the audience hard and raked in a staggering $222 million in total. Michael Moore laying his hands on the Palme d’Or at the famous Cannes Film Festival created more hype before it was released.
Good Will Hunting
Directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the 1997 psychological drama is among the all-time classics that occupies a special place in the hearts of film lovers. The movie had a budget of $10 million, while half of that amount was the remuneration of the late Robin Williams. Williams was a major reason why the film was a major hit. Good Will Hunting received acclamation from several quarters and was loved by both the fans and the critics.
It grossed more than $225 million throughout its run at the theatres. Williams plays Dr. Sean Maguire, and Matt himself plays Will Hunting. Ben Affleck joins Will’s best buddy, Chucky Sullivan, and Stellan Skarsgard appears as Professor Gerald Lambeau. Williams won the Best Supporting Actor award, while Damon and Affleck took home the Best Original Screenplay award at the 70th edition of the Academy Awards. A must-watch.
The Blair Witch Project
The 1999 supernatural horror film was a pathbreaker in horror films. The film tells the story of three student filmmakers played by Michael C. Williams, Heather Donahue, and Joshua Leonard. They travel up to the Black Hills to film a documentary. They suddenly disappear, and a year later, their footage and equipment discovery brings to light the mystery. The intriguing plot had the audience hooked on it throughout. The film had a budget of $200,000 to $5,00,000 and raked in a massive $258 million as worldwide collections. And it became the seventh in the list of highest-grossing indie movies ever.
The King’s Speech
Watching The King’s Speech, you would believe that it must be a high budget due to the presence of many award-winning actors like Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, and Colin Firth, among others in it, and the opulent sets and costumes of indie film. On the contrary, the film had a budget of $15 million. Perfect marketing strategies helped The King’s Speech earn $414 million. The 2010 historical drama is written by David Seidler and directed by Tom Hooper.
The Passion of the Christ
Through The Passion of the Christ created a stir owing to its offensive merchandise and highly controversial theme, nothing seemed to come in its path of success. Although the epic biblical drama wasn’t received well by the audience initially and was receiving flake for the biblical accuracy it showed, The Passion of the Christ became the highest-grossing independent film of all time.
And the funding for the entire film, the direction, and the co-writing was by Mel Gibson. The film features Jim Caviezel (Jesus of Nazareth), Maia Morgenstern (Virgin Mary), and Monica Bellucci (Mary Magdalene). Gibson spent $30 million on the film and, in turn, raked in a massive $622 million in return.
Slumdog Millionaire, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Full Monty, Get Out, and Juno are other commercially successful independent films that deserve mention. With indie film projects attracting huge investments. However, it is safe to assume that independent film projects would bring even bigger returns for all the cast and crew in the days to come. And we are sure it would give numerous actors and filmmakers a world of opportunities.
