"The Butterfly Effect" is a science fiction thriller that delves into the complexities of life and how small changes can lead to drastically different outcomes.
The story revolves around Evan Treborn, a young man who discovers he has the unique ability to travel back in time to pivotal moments in his life. By making different choices during these moments, he can alter the course of his life and the lives of those around him.
However, each change he makes leads to unforeseen consequences, often worse than the original timeline. As Evan grapples with the weight of his actions and their repercussions, he seeks a way to create a timeline where the people he loves are safe and happy.
Release Information
- Release Date: January 23, 2004
- Duration: 113 minutes
- Rating: R (for violence, sexual content, language, and brief drug use)
- Country of Origin: United States
Cast & Crew
- Main Cast:
- Ashton Kutcher as Evan Treborn
- Amy Smart as Kayleigh Miller
- Elden Henson as Lenny Kagan
- William Lee Scott as Tommy Miller
- Supporting Cast:
- Eric Stoltz as George Miller
- Logan Lerman as Young Evan
- Director: Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber
- Producers: Chris Bender, A.J. Dix, Anthony Rhulen, and J.C. Spink
- Writers: Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber
Where to Watch
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
Stream: Currently, there are no streaming options available in the US.
Buy/Rent: Movie enthusiasts in the US can purchase or rent the film on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, Redbox, DIRECTV, and AMC on Demand.
Australia (AU)
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
Stream: No streaming options are currently available in Australia.
Buy/Rent: Aussies can purchase or rent the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, and YouTube.
United Kingdom (GB)
There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.
Stream: In the UK, the movie is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Icon Film Amazon Channel.
Buy/Rent: For those looking to buy or rent, options include Amazon Video, Apple TV, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
Germany (DE)
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
Stream: Currently, there are no streaming options available in Germany.
Buy/Rent: Germans can purchase or rent the movie on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Sky Store, maxdome Store, MagentaTV, Microsoft Store, and Pantaflix.
Brazil (BR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
Stream: Brazilians can stream the movie on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Oi Play.
Buy/Rent: No buying or renting options are currently available in Brazil.
Spain (ES)
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
Stream: In Spain, the movie is available for streaming exclusively on HBO Max.
Buy/Rent: No buying or renting options are currently available in Spain.
Canada (CA)
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
Stream: Canadians can stream the movie on Netflix and Netflix basic with Ads.
Buy/Rent: For those looking to buy or rent, options include Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube, and Amazon Video.
Production Details
- Production Company: New Line Cinema, FilmEngine, BenderSpink, and Katalyst Films
- Filming Locations: Various locations in British Columbia, Canada, including Vancouver.
- Budget: Approximately $13 million
- Box Office Collection: Over $96 million worldwide
Awards & Nominations
"The Butterfly Effect" garnered a mix of reactions from both critics and audiences. While it wasn't a major awards contender, it did receive some nominations and wins in various categories:
- Teen Choice Awards (2004): Nominated for Choice Movie Actor - Drama/Action Adventure (Ashton Kutcher) and Choice Movie - Thriller/Suspense.
- Saturn Awards (2005): Nominated for Best Science Fiction Film.
- Pegasus Audience Award (2004): Won the award at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.
Reviews & Reception
Critical Reception: "The Butterfly Effect" received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its intriguing premise and Ashton Kutcher's performance, others found the narrative convoluted and the themes heavy-handed.
The film holds a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 168 reviews, with the consensus reading, "The premise is intriguing, but it's placed in the service of an overwrought drama with dubious logic."
Audience Reception: Despite the mixed critical reception, the film found a significant audience, especially among younger viewers. Many appreciated its dark tone, emotional depth, and the thought-provoking nature of its central premise.
Over time, "The Butterfly Effect" has gained a cult following, with fans often discussing its various timelines and the philosophical implications of Evan's time-traveling actions.
Box Office Performance: On a modest budget of $13 million, "The Butterfly Effect" was a commercial success, grossing over $96 million worldwide. Its strong performance at the box office led to the creation of two direct-to-DVD sequels, though neither managed to capture the same level of success or attention as the original.