If one takes inflation into account, the most expensive film ever made in the 1960s was Ben-Hur. Released in 1959, Ben-Hur was a historical epic directed by William Wyler and starred Charlton Heston in the iconic role of Judah Ben-Hur.

The film was a monumental production, filled with grand sets, massive crowd scenes, and intricate costumes. Its production budget was estimated to be around $15 million, which was an astronomical sum for the time. However, when adjusted for inflation, the cost of making Ben-Hur would be equivalent to approximately $125 million in today's dollars.

Despite its high production cost, Ben-Hur turned out to be a massive success both critically and commercially. The film won a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It also became the highest-grossing film of 1960 and held that title for nearly a decade.

The scale and ambition of Ben-Hur were unprecedented in the 1960s. The film featured a legendary chariot race sequence, which required the construction of a massive racetrack and involved nearly 8,000 extras. The production team also faced numerous challenges, including the need to find suitable shooting locations, create realistic battle scenes, and ensure the accuracy of historical details.

Despite the financial risk involved in making such an expensive film, Ben-Hur became a classic and set a new standard for epic filmmaking. Its success paved the way for other large-scale productions in the following decades, inspiring filmmakers to push the boundaries of what was possible on the silver screen.

Even though the film industry has come a long way since the 1960s, with advancements in technology and increased budgets, Ben-Hur remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the dedication of filmmakers. Its impact on cinema cannot be understated, and its place as the most expensive film of the 1960s, when accounting for inflation, solidifies its status as a true cinematic masterpiece.

Sign Up