Most profitable movies of all time

What is the most profitable movie that Hollywood has ever produced? This is a common question among film buffs and fanatics. A profitable movie doesn’t just do great in the box office. It appeals to audiences around the world and turns out to be an all-time classic. This is our list of the X most profitable movies of all time.

1. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

This 2002 movie ranks at the top of most film profitability lists. It was created on a $6 million budget (adjusted for inflation) and grossed nearly $370 million in the Box Office. This was a whopping 6150% return on investment. Film producers can borrow a leaf or two from the gradual but certain growth of this film.

2. Paranormal Activity (2017)

This popular movie was made on a miniscule $15,000 budget, adding up to $215,000 with post-production bumping added. When it hit the Box Office, Paranormal Activity grossed $193 million worldwide, which was a whopping 897x returns on investment. Even better, the movie resulted in a lucrative franchise that grossed more than $850 million.

3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Steven Spielberg was already an immensely successful director when the created this 1982 movie. The director had made a big name for himself after producing Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jaws, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Upon hitting the Box Office, sales of the film went through the roof. It grossed $793 million, which was a 3172% return on investment given the production budget of $25 million (adjusted for inflation).

4. Pretty Woman

This 1990 movie was a comedy that starred Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Jason Alexander, and Laura San Giacomo. It received amazing audience acclaim in the romantic comedy genre. The revolved around a wealthy business who hired a prostitute to serve as his date during various social and business events. Despite a production budget of $23 million, this movie generated more than $463 million in the Box Office.

5. Slumdog Millionaire

From distance, Slumdog Millionaire didn’t look like it would ever make it into any top-grossing films list. Warner Bro was so pessimistic about the film’s commercial success that they preferred to directly release it in DVD. However – once it premiered in 2008 – it created a buzz among audiences and ended up grossing nearly $378 million. That was a 2520% return on investment given the initial budget of $15 million.

6. Star Wars

In this 1977 film, The Heroes colluded with the Rebel Alliance and attempted to destroy the planet-destroying space station owned by the Empire. Despite being released in limited theaters in the United States, Star Wars turned out to be a blockbuster hit, inspiring a much wider release. The movie grossed more than $775 million in the Box Office, returning more than 1938% on its $40 million production budget.

7. The Passion of the Christ

This religious movie, which debuted in 2004, was directed by Mel Gibson. The film focused on the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ. When the film initially hit the theaters, it was bombarded with controversy and allegations of anti-semitism. Nonetheless, it proved to be good enough for millions of Christian audiences, grossing nearly $612 million in the box office after a production budget of $35 million.

Other movies that might easily make it into this list include American Beauty (1999), Home Alone (1990), Ghost (1990), and Grease (1978).