The Butterfly Effect
“Change one thing. Change everything.”
Synopsis
A young man struggles to access sublimated childhood memories. He finds a technique that allows him to travel back into the past, to occupy his childhood body and change history. However, he soon finds that every change he makes has unexpected consequences.
Part of the The Butterfly Effect Collection
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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Changing The PastOfficial
Type: Clip • Published 2025-03-26
Top Cast
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Ashton Kutcher
Evan Treborn
Amy Smart
Kayleigh Miller
Melora Walters
Andrea Treborn
Elden Henson
Lenny Kagan
William Lee Scott
Tommy Miller
Eric Stoltz
George Miller
Ethan Suplee
Thumper
Logan Lerman
Evan Treborn age 7
John Patrick Amedori
Evan Treborn age 13
Irina Gorovaia
Kayleigh age 13
Kevin G. Schmidt
Lenny age 13
Jesse James
Tommy age 13
Nathaniel DeVeaux
Dr. Redfield
Kevin Durand
Carlos
Callum Keith Rennie
Jason Treborn
Cameron Bright
Tommy age 7
Lorena Gale
Mrs. Boswell
Kendall Cross
Mrs. Kagan
Release History & Theatrical Window
Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Films
Festival / Special Debut
January 23, 2004
Wide Cinema Exhibition
April 23, 2021
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$13M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$96.8M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
7.45x
+$83.8M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- J. Mackye Gruber, Eric Bress
- Screenplay & Story
- J. Mackye Gruber, Eric Bress
- Original Score
- Michael Suby
- Original Title
- The Butterfly Effect
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 53m
- Production Budget
- $13M
- Worldwide Gross
- $96.8M
- Production Studios
- FilmEngine, Katalyst Films, BenderSpink, New Line Cinema
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
J. Mackye Gruber, Eric Bress
J. Mackye Gruber, Eric Bress
Michael Suby
Matthew F. Leonetti, Vance Burberry, Gregory Middleton
Peter Amundson
J.C. Spink, Anthony Rhulen, Toby Emmerich, Ashton Kutcher, William Shively
Department Leadership Roster
J. Mackye Gruber
Screenplay
Peter Amundson
Editor
Douglas Higgins
Production Design
J. Mackye Gruber
Director
Eric Bress
Screenplay
J.C. Spink
Producer
Anthony Rhulen
Producer
Matthew F. Leonetti
Director of Photography
Eric Bress
Director
Michael Suby
Original Music Composer
Chris Bender
Producer
Carla Hetland
Costume Design
A.J. Dix
Producer
James Bamford
Stunt Coordinator
Ralph Maiers
Visual Effects Supervisor
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
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Parental Guidance for children below the age of 12.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Butterfly Effect.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Butterfly Effect.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Butterfly Effect
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Butterfly Effect about?
A young man struggles to access sublimated childhood memories. He finds a technique that allows him to travel back into the past, to occupy his childhood body and change history. However, he soon finds that every change he makes has unexpected consequences.
Who directed The Butterfly Effect?
The Butterfly Effect was directed by J. Mackye Gruber, Eric Bress.
Who stars in The Butterfly Effect?
The principal cast of The Butterfly Effect includes Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, Elden Henson, William Lee Scott.
When was The Butterfly Effect released and how long is it?
The Butterfly Effect was released in 2004 with a total runtime of 1h 53m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Butterfly Effect?
The Butterfly Effect had a reported production budget of $13M and grossed $96.8M at the worldwide box office (7.45 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for The Butterfly Effect?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Butterfly Effect was composed by Michael Suby.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Butterfly Effect?
The Butterfly Effect holds official age classifications: AU: MA 15+; CA: 18A; DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); IN: UA (Parental Guidance for children below the age of 12.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).