Kevin Smith has come a long way since 1994 when he appeared for the first time as the tight-lipped character Silent Bob. Over the past 20 years, the screenwriter, actor, producer, and director has released a number of cult classics, all featuring that same stoic character. And while Mallrats, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back each have their fans, it probably wouldn’t be wrong to say that none of them have made as much of an impact as his first film, Clerks.

Filmed after hours in the convenience store where Smith worked, Clerks cost only $30,000 to make but went on to earn $3 million in very limited release, winning two awards at the Sundance Film Festival as well as nominations for three more at the Independent Spirit Awards. Needless to say, Smith’s low-budget film was a surprise success, paving the way for a sequel. Clerks 2 in 2006 upped the ante budget-wise, costing $5 million to make and grossing $24 million in wide release.

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