The King’s Speech (2010)

Based On the Life of: King George VI

Starring: Colin Firth

Movie Budget: $15 million

Star Salary: $1 million

The King’s Speech is a touching and inspiring historical drama that centers around the story of King George VI. King George VI of England. In the film, the not-yet-King struggles with a severe speech impediment—a stammer—that requires him to seek the help of speech therapist, Lionel Logue. To the future King’s horror, Lionel is an Australian with very unorthodox methods.

Oftentimes, historical dramas can pose a bigger financial risk at the box office, but with big names like Firth and Helena Bonham Carter attached—not to mention backing from Momentum Pictures, this movie was bound to succeed. After a stellar showing on the festival circuit, The King’s Speech went on to amass $424 million at the box office, nearly twenty-nine times is production budget of just $15 million.