Pay It Forward
“When someone does you a big favor, don't pay it back...”
Synopsis
Like some other kids, 12-year-old Trevor McKinney believed in the goodness of human nature. Like many other kids, he was determined to change the world for the better. Unlike most other kids, he succeeded.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Pay It Forward Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2008-05-08
Top Cast
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Kevin Spacey
Eugene Simonet
Helen Hunt
Arlene McKinney
Angie Dickinson
Grace
Haley Joel Osment
Trevor McKinney
Jay Mohr
Chris Chandler
Jim Caviezel
Jerry
Jon Bon Jovi
Ricky McKinney
David Ramsey
Sidney Parker
Gary Werntz
Mr. Thorsen
Colleen Flynn
Woman on Bridge
Marc Donato
Adam
Kathleen Wilhoite
Bonnie
Liza Snyder
Michelle
Jeannetta Arnette
Nurse
Hannah Leder
Thorsen's Daughter
Tina Lifford
Principal
Loren D. Baum
Rough Kid #1
Nico Matinata
Rough Kid #2
Release History & Theatrical Window
Shanghai International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
October 20, 2000
Wide Cinema Exhibition
May 7, 2021
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$40M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$55.7M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
1.39x
+$15.7M net gain
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Mimi Leder
- Screenplay & Story
- Leslie Dixon
- Original Score
- Thomas Newman
- Original Title
- Pay It Forward
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 2m
- Production Budget
- $40M
- Worldwide Gross
- $55.7M
- Production Studios
- Bel Air Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures, Tapestry Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Mimi Leder
Leslie Dixon, Catherine Ryan Hyde
Thomas Newman
Oliver Stapleton
David Rosenbloom
Steven Reuther, Jonathan Treisman, Mary McLaglen, Robert L. Levy, Peter Abrams
Department Leadership Roster
Leslie Dixon
Screenplay
Mimi Leder
Director
David Rosenbloom
Editor
Oliver Stapleton
Director of Photography
Steven Reuther
Producer
Leslie Dilley
Production Design
Buddy Joe Hooker
Stunt Coordinator
Renee Ehrlich Kalfus
Costume Design
Robert L. Levy
Producer
Jeff Dashnaw
Stunt Coordinator
Johnny Martin
Stunt Coordinator
Thomas Newman
Original Music Composer
Peter Abrams
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Suitable only for 12 years and over.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Pay It Forward.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pay It Forward
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Pay It Forward about?
Like some other kids, 12-year-old Trevor McKinney believed in the goodness of human nature. Like many other kids, he was determined to change the world for the better. Unlike most other kids, he succeeded.
Who directed Pay It Forward?
Pay It Forward was directed by Mimi Leder.
Who stars in Pay It Forward?
The principal cast of Pay It Forward includes Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Angie Dickinson, Haley Joel Osment, Jay Mohr.
When was Pay It Forward released and how long is it?
Pay It Forward was released in 2000 with a total runtime of 2h 2m.
What was the box office and production budget of Pay It Forward?
Pay It Forward had a reported production budget of $40M and grossed $55.7M at the worldwide box office (1.39 return on budget, classified as a budget recovered).
Who composed the musical score for Pay It Forward?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Pay It Forward was composed by Thomas Newman.
Is Pay It Forward based on a book or true story?
Pay It Forward is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Catherine Ryan Hyde".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Pay It Forward?
Pay It Forward holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); GB: 12 (Suitable only for 12 years and over.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).