

Zero Effect
“The world's most private detective.”
Synopsis
Daryl Zero is a private investigator and—along with his assistant, Steve Arlo—he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Although Daryl's a master investigator, he doesn't know what to do with himself when he's not working; he has no social skills, writes bad music and drives Steve crazy.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
"Zero Effect (1998)" Theatrical Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2009-03-29
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Bill Pullman
Daryl Zero
Ben Stiller
Steve Arlo
Ryan O'Neal
Gregory Stark
Kim Dickens
Gloria Sullivan
Angela Featherstone
Jess
Hugh Ross
Bill
Sarah DeVincentis
Daisy
Matt O'Toole
Kragan Vincent
Michele Mariana
Maid
Robert Katims
Gerald Auerbach
Tyrone Henry
Staffer #1
Aleta Barthell
Staffer #2
Tapp Watkins
Firefighter
Wendy Westerwelle
Motel Clerk
Lauren Hasson
Little Kid
David Doty
Officer Hagans
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 30, 1998
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$5M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$2M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.4x
-$3M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jake Kasdan
- Screenplay & Story
- Jake Kasdan, Arthur Conan Doyle
- Original Score
- The Greyboy Allstars
- Original Title
- Zero Effect
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Production Budget
- $5M
- Worldwide Gross
- $2M
- Production Studios
- Castle Rock Entertainment, Manifest Film Company
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jake Kasdan
Jake Kasdan, Arthur Conan Doyle
The Greyboy Allstars
Bill Pope
Tara Timpone
Naomi Despres, Lisa Henson, Janet Yang, Jake Kasdan, Jim Behnke
Department Leadership Roster
Jake Kasdan
Director
Naomi Despres
Producer
Lisa Henson
Producer
Janet Yang
Producer
Jake Kasdan
Producer
Bill Pope
Director of Photography
Gary Frutkoff
Production Design
Tara Timpone
Editor
Kym Barrett
Costume Design
Jake Kasdan
Writer
The Greyboy Allstars
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Zero Effect.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Zero Effect.
My Movies
Master List In Progress
Mind Games
Auto-filled from Letterboxd lists
Abstrusest 2
NEW LIST
Whodunits
English-language detective puzzles with suspects, clues and satisfying solutions. Classic and modern selections with a cosy or playful leaning. Combines BFI, Time Out and TCM recommendations with our own curation. An independent compilation.
Comedy Movies (Top Rated From 1960 To Today)
Similar Titles to Zero Effect
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
More Like Zero Effect
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.












Frequently Asked Questions About Zero Effect
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Zero Effect about?
Daryl Zero is a private investigator and—along with his assistant, Steve Arlo—he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Although Daryl's a master investigator, he doesn't know what to do with himself when he's not working; he has no social skills, writes bad music and drives Steve crazy.
Who directed Zero Effect?
Zero Effect was directed by Jake Kasdan.
Who stars in Zero Effect?
The principal cast of Zero Effect includes Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Ryan O'Neal, Kim Dickens, Angela Featherstone.
When was Zero Effect released and how long is it?
Zero Effect was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 56m.
What was the box office and production budget of Zero Effect?
Zero Effect had a reported production budget of $5M and grossed $2M at the worldwide box office (0.4 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Who composed the musical score for Zero Effect?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Zero Effect was composed by The Greyboy Allstars.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Zero Effect?
Zero Effect holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).




















