Netflix’s The Electric State, the 2025 sci-fi action comedy by the Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame), has been making headlines—not just for its star-studded cast, but for its staggering $320 million budget. The film’s immense cost has sparked debate: Is such a high budget necessary in today’s era of CGI-heavy productions? With streaming giants and studios spending hundreds of millions on VFX-laden blockbusters, it’s worth asking where all that money goes.
But The Electric State isn’t even the most expensive film ever made. From Star Wars to the MCU, here are the 10 costliest movies of all time (unadjusted for inflation), and where to stream them online.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens – $447 million
Kicking off Disney’s Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens wasn’t just a box office juggernaut—it was the most expensive film ever made. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the movie had an enormous budget of $447 million, spent on practical effects, extensive reshoots, and a stellar ensemble cast, including original trilogy stars. But the investment paid off—the film grossed over $2 billion worldwide and reinvigorated the franchise.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – $432 million
Dinosaur mayhem doesn’t come cheap. The sequel to Jurassic World had an eye-watering budget of $432 million, making it one of the most expensive movies of all time. Directed by J.A. Bayona, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom spared no expense on groundbreaking visual effects, animatronics, and large-scale action sequences, including the eruption of Isla Nublar’s volcano. While it didn’t reach the financial heights of its predecessor, Fallen Kingdom still managed to earn $1.3 billion worldwide.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – $416 million
The final chapter in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker came with a hefty price tag of $416 million. The film’s massive budget was due to reshoots, complex special effects, and extensive CGI, especially in recreating Carrie Fisher’s Leia Organa using unused footage after her tragic passing. While it was a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion, it remains one of the most divisive Star Wars entries.
Fast X – $379 million
The Fast & Furious franchise has always been about bigger, crazier, and costlier action. Fast X hit a budget of $379 million, largely due to its practical stunt work, high-salary ensemble cast, and international locations. With Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, and Brie Larson leading the charge, Universal spent big to keep the franchise’s over-the-top legacy alive. Despite its high costs, Fast X made over $700 million globally, keeping the franchise’s engines running.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – $379 million
Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow has always been expensive, but On Stranger Tides pushed the franchise’s budget to $379 million. Disney spent heavily on elaborate set pieces, ocean-based shooting, 3D technology, and Depp’s hefty salary. While the film received mixed reviews, it still raked in over $1 billion, proving that audiences couldn’t resist a pirate’s life—even at an extreme cost.
Avengers: Age of Ultron – $365 million
The MCU’s second Avengers team-up came with a $365 million price tag, thanks to its heavy VFX work, action-packed set pieces, and global shooting locations. From creating Ultron’s CGI army to paying its expanding ensemble cast—including Robert Downey Jr., who commanded a massive payday—Marvel Studios left no expense spared. Despite fan debates over its story, Age of Ultron grossed $1.4 billion worldwide, securing its spot among MCU’s highest-grossing films.
Avengers: Endgame – $356 million
The culmination of the Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgame had a budget of $356 million, making it one of the most expensive and highest-grossing films of all time. The film’s cost stemmed from groundbreaking CGI (including the Hulk and Thanos), high-profile salaries, and large-scale battle sequences. But it was money well spent—Endgame shattered box office records, grossing $2.79 billion and becoming one of the most successful movies in history.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – $351 million
The mind-bending visuals and multiverse chaos of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness didn’t come cheap. With a $351 million budget, Marvel poured money into spectacular CGI, reshoots, and high-concept special effects, including the Illuminati sequence featuring fan-favorite cameos. Despite its success, the film’s mixed reviews and rushed feel left fans questioning whether its immense budget was fully justified.
Avatar: The Way of Water – $350 million
James Cameron’s long-awaited sequel to Avatar was nothing short of a technical marvel. With a $350 million budget, the film revolutionized underwater motion capture and CGI technology, bringing Pandora’s oceans to life. Cameron took over a decade to perfect the film’s groundbreaking effects, and it paid off—The Way of Water grossed $2.3 billion worldwide, proving that sometimes, high costs lead to cinematic masterpieces.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – $330 million
Marvel’s smallest hero had a surprisingly massive budget—Quantumania cost $330 million, mainly due to its CGI-heavy Quantum Realm sequences and costly reshoots. Unfortunately, despite its financial investment, the film failed to impress critics and underperformed at the box office, earning just $476 million globally. Its lackluster reception raised concerns over Marvel’s increasingly high-budget productions and the overreliance on VFX-heavy storytelling.
Where To Watch The Most Expensive Movies Ever Made Streaming Online
With ballooning production costs and audience expectations for grander spectacles, these films represent Hollywood at its most ambitious and expensive. Our guide below shows you how and where to watch all these movies on streaming platforms in India. From streaming offers to options to buy or rent them, the list below will take you through it all.
