10 Great Movies With Budgets Under $500k

While budgets have notably skyrocketed in recent years for many major franchise films, comedies, and dramas alike, some of the most iconic and beloved movies of the past several decades cost less than $500,000 to make. In the age of multi-million-dollar blockbusters, it can be easy to overlook the creative gems that emerge from low-budget, independent filmmaking. Often driven by ingenuity and resourcefulness, low-budget films can still captivate audiences with unique storytelling and innovative approaches. Films with a limited budget can fuel artistic innovation, pushing filmmakers to think outside the box and deliver compelling, quality narratives that resonate with viewers.