9 Movies That Were Improved By Having No Money

5. Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Most people know the story behind the infamous "fight" scene between Indy and the Egyptian swordsman. Showing up on set that day, Harrison Ford had contracted some major intestinal issues and wasn't feeling up for a duel.

So, he suggested to Spielberg that he simply shoot the guy instead. Spielberg loved the idea, because it meant his expenses for the day would be even cheaper (less film, fewer takes, and a helluva lot less time spent on choreography and on shooting.) And although a full-fledged sword fight probably would have looked cool, the finished result added more to the character than any legitimate combat could have.

It wasn't just that scene that benefitted from a budget-minded director, either. Spielberg admitted in an interview with Time magazine that, had he the time and money provided to him on his other films, Raiders "would have turned out a pretentious movie." He credits the quick pace of the production as the primary reason for the brisk, trim looking finished product. "Shoot only what you need... no waste." That should have been the catchphrase for every project Spielberg took part in.