Budget: $16M
The year 2011 was filled with some critically acclaimed films such as “Attack the Block” and “Troll Hunter,” but these films failed to actually make money. When “Drive” came out, however, it was a different story. The film, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, tells the story of a stuntman and getaway driver who does whatever he can to protect the woman he falls in love with, even if it means breaking the law.
The film made $81.4 million, largely due to the rising status of Ryan Gosling, who was getting praise for his Golden Globe-nominated performances in “Blue Valentine” and “Crazy Stupid Love.” While the film was marketed as an action-packed Fast and the Furious style film, it really ended up being more of a slow-burning and emotional drama.
Slumdog Millionaire
Budget: $15M
Even with Danny Boyle's incredible reputation, no one foresaw the success of this 2008 heart-warming film coming. Especially not at that level of budget. It just goes to show you that's a good film is not all about money. The touching story followed the harsh life of a young man who grows up in Mumbai and his search for his childhood love. It's a film about destiny, overcoming hardships, and the power of true love.
Calling it a "sleeper hit" would be an understatement as the film grossed $82 million worldwide. The film was no doubt a critical and commercial success and outdid a bunch of blockbusters that year.
The King's Speech
Budget: $15M
The 2010 four-time Oscar-winning film directed by Tom Hooper (ex "Eastenders" and "The Damned United") made quite a box-office splash. The film initially hit quite a low number in the opening weekend, but as the word grew, it slowly began to gain more and more attention until it eventually made $414,211,549 worldwide.
The film's success was also helped by the great Colin Firth, who perfectly embodied King George VI and his struggle to get through his stammering. Geoffery Rush's portrayal of Lionel Logue, the king's speech therapist, didn't hurt either.
Winter's Bone
Budget: $2M
The indie darling of 2010 starred the young Jennifer Lawrence right at the beginning of her path to becoming one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses. The film told the story of a young woman's life in the dirt port mountain town of Ozark. Its shoestring budget and niche stylings attracted the attention of the Sundance Film Festival.
The Debra Granik-directed film ultimately grossed almost $8 million in the U.S alone and was a huge step in Lawrences' career.
The Kids Are All Right
Budget: $4M
Based on the synopsis alone, this 2010 film seemed like a potential hard-sell. Even with Julianne Moore and Annette Benning on board, execs had their doubts about the story of a lesbian couple whose lives go for a loop when their sperm donor enters the picture years later. In the end, everyone was proved wrong.
The Focus Feature production ended getting premiered at Sundance and grossed $29.1 million in the U.S. alone and $8.1 million overseas, making that a worldwide total of $37.2 million. Unfortunately, many naysayers credit Focus Feature's incredible marketing campaign for the film's success.