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My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

Low-Budget Success

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Comedy

|

2002

|

United States / Canada

A $5M family comedy that earned $368M — no stars, no explosions, just heart.

Production Facts

Director:

Joel Zwick

Starring:

Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Andrea Martin

Distribution:

IFC Films / Gold Circle Films / HBO

Platform:

Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock

Budget:

$4,994,000

Gross:

$368,000,000

ROI:

74×

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 My Big Fat Greek Wedding cost to make?

The film was produced for around $5 million and shot largely in Toronto on a tight schedule.

How much money did My Big Fat Greek Wedding make?

It grossed approximately $368 million worldwide, becoming the most successful romantic comedy of all time.

What made My Big Fat Greek Wedding so successful?

Word-of-mouth buzz, authentic storytelling, and cultural relatability drove the film’s record-breaking run.

Where can I watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding?

It’s available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock.