This is the most expensive film in the history of cinema: it cost 533 million dollars and it's science fiction.

An unprecedented figure in Hollywood and a multi-million dollar gamble to revive a legendary franchise: $533 million was the total cost of a science fiction film that, despite its hefty budget, ended up being a resounding box office success. The operation, designed by Disney to breathe new life into a legendary saga, not only took the biggest risk but also marked a turning point in the film industry.

This is Star Wars: The Force Awakens , released in 2015 as Episode VII of the famous galactic franchise. With director JJ Abrams at the helm and a cast that combined classic faces like Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher with new talents like Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver , the film not only revived the enthusiasm of millions of fans, but was also crowned the most expensive film in the history of cinema, according to Forbes magazine .

The numbers are staggering: the $533 million figure not only covered production costs but also other subsequent costs related to distribution, promotion, and long-term operations. Although the gross figure was extraordinary, Disney managed to reduce part of that investment thanks to tax incentives in the United Kingdom , where much of the film was shot. The so-called Film Tax Relief allowed for a refund of $86.6 million, bringing the net budget to $446 million, although the official figure is still considered the original.

Despite the risk, the move paid off. The film grossed $2.071 billion in theaters, ranking fifth among the highest-grossing films of all time. Beyond the film's premiere, revenue from streaming , home video sales, and television licensing consolidated an unprecedented financial return.

Thus, Star Wars: The Force Awakens not only tops the list of the most expensive blockbusters ever filmed, but also remains a success story that redefines what it means to invest and profit on the big screen.