From on-set disasters to unbearable working conditions, these 10 films stand out as the most difficult productions ever.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Typhoon destroyed sets, delaying production. Martin Sheen suffered a heart attack on set. Marlon Brando arrived unprepared & overweight.
The Revenant (2015)
Filmed in freezing conditions with only natural light. DiCaprio ate raw bison liver & endured extreme cold. Crew quit due to harsh working conditions.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Shot in scorching deserts for months. Reshoots & cast conflicts delayed filming. Crew exhaustion from intense action sequences.
Titanic (1997)
James Cameron’s obsessive attention to detail led to cost overruns Over budget & months behind schedule. Freezing water scenes caused health risks.
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s perfectionism pushed Shelley Duvall to a mental breakdown. 127 takes for one scene pushed Shelley Duvall to the brink.
Waterworld (1995)
Filmed entirely on water Film sank its budget & morale. A hurricane destroyed sets Costner nearly drowned crew members suffered from seasickness
Fitzcarraldo (1982)
Werner Herzog’s obsession with authenticity led to filming in the Amazon jungle. The team dragged a 320-ton ship over a mountain—without CGI.
The Abyss (1989)
James Cameron’s underwater sci-fi was a living nightmare. Ed Harris nearly drowned, actors spent hours submerged. The intense pressure led to crew breakdowns & quitting mid-way.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s classic was plagued with mechanical shark failures. Endless delays, and a budget spiraling out of control. Spielberg feared he’d never work again.
Cleopatra (1963)
Cleopatra’s budget ballooned to $44M due to constant reshoots Elizabeth Taylor’s health issues, and changing directors mid-production.
These films tested the limits of filmmakers, actors & crew, proving that behind every masterpiece lies blood, sweat & tears. Want to read more stories like this? Follow Planet of Films!