The Most Profitable Movies of All Time

Source: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

5. El Mariachi (1992)
> Avg return for every dollar in production budget: $291.70
> Worldwide profit: $2.0 million — #2,764 out of 3,469
> Production budget: $7,000 — #3,467 out of 3,469
> Worldwide gross: $2.0 million — #3,376 out of 3,469
> Domestic gross: $2.0 million — #3,261 out of 3,469

Source: Courtesy of RKO Radio Pictures

4. Bambi (1942)
> Avg return for every dollar in production budget: $312.40
> Worldwide profit: $267.1 million — #369 out of 3,469
> Production budget: $858,000 — #3,420 out of 3,469
> Worldwide gross: $268.0 million — #534 out of 3,469
> Domestic gross: $102.8 million — #667 out of 3,469

Source: Courtesy of Artisan Entertainment

3. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
> Avg return for every dollar in production budget: $413.80
> Worldwide profit: $247.7 million — #412 out of 3,469
> Production budget: $600,000 — #3,430 out of 3,469
> Worldwide gross: $248.3 million — #584 out of 3,469
> Domestic gross: $140.5 million — #412 out of 3,469

Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

2. Paranormal Activity (2009)
> Avg return for every dollar in production budget: $431.50
> Worldwide profit: $193.7 million — #541 out of 3,469
> Production budget: $450,000 — #3,440 out of 3,469
> Worldwide gross: $194.2 million — #784 out of 3,469
> Domestic gross: $107.9 million — #625 out of 3,469

Source: Courtesy of American International Pictures

1. Mad Max (1979)
> Avg return for every dollar in production budget: $498.80
> Worldwide profit: $99.6 million — #1,030 out of 3,469
> Production budget: $200,000 — #3,455 out of 3,469
> Worldwide gross: $99.8 million — #1,409 out of 3,469
> Domestic gross: $8.8 million — #2,932 out of 3,469

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