Rocky ($1 million budget)
Rocky was another movie that made much more than what was spent to make the film. With a budget of only $1 million, the boxing film exceeded expectations by not only making $117million at the box office, but it also won three Oscars, making it a pop culture staple to this day. Actor Sylvester Stallone wrote the script for the film over the course of a weekend, and his performance made him one of the most sought-after actors to date.
Since its release, more than 40 years ago, the 1976 film has spawned three sequels and a spin-off movie series, Creed, starring actor Michael B. Jordan. The franchise’s following stronger today than it’s ever been before.