50+ Low-Budget Films That Became Huge Box Office Successes

The indie movie, Blue Valentine, is a heartbreaking story of a young couple starting from the beginning of their relationship until the very end. Despite getting Ryan Gosling on board, the filmmakers only had around $1 million to turn it into a blockbuster hit, so they immediately got to work.

Considering its indie status, Blue Valentine did pleasantly well at the box office. It grossed $16.6 million, despite the producers having to cut corners in various ways, including relying on free sunlight and city lights instead of purchasing expensive equipment. That’s pretty crafty, but if you’re in show business, you have to learn to come up with crazy ideas on the spot.