MEMBER Login Register

City of God (2002)

Low-Budget Success

City of God

Drama

|

2002

|

Brazil

A $3.3M Brazilian epic that turned local realism into $30M worldwide and global acclaim.

Production Facts

Director:

Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund

Starring:

Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva, Alice Braga

Distribution:

Miramax / O2 Filmes

Platform:

Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Budget:

$3,300,000

Gross:

$30,000,000

ROI:

Key Lesson:

You don’t need big stars or gear — you need tension, timing, and a story people talk about. Peli shot this entirely in his home with a consumer camcorder and built terror from atmosphere. The film’s viral word-of-mouth campaign redefined how indie horror could reach audiences.

Legacy:

Spawned a billion-dollar franchise, revived found-footage horror, and proved that creative storytelling can outperform CGI-heavy blockbusters. A landmark example for filmmakers on how to leverage simplicity and authenticity into massive profit.

IMDB:

/ 10

📊

+

Audience Ratings

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did City of God cost to make?

The film was produced for around $3.3 million and shot largely in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro using non-professional actors.

How much did City of God make worldwide?

It grossed approximately $30 million globally and became one of Brazil’s most internationally recognized films.

Why is City of God considered a landmark in world cinema?

Its raw authenticity, visual innovation, and unflinching realism set a new standard for international filmmaking.

Where can I stream City of God?

It’s available on Max (HBO), Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.