Lincoln (2012)

Based On the Life of: Abraham Lincoln

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis

Movie Budget: $65 million

Star Salary: $6-8 million

Another simply named film, Lincoln tells the story of Abraham Lincoln, the former US president who led the Union during the Civil War. Produced and directed by cinema giant Steven Spielberg and written by Tony Kushner, Lincoln was based on the book James L. White by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Daniel Day-Lewis portrayed a tormented Abe in this intense character study of a now almost mythical man under intense pressure. Produced by industry heavy hitters Dreamworks and 20th Century Fox, Lincoln was a smash hit, bringing in $275 million during its run at the box office.