The Butterfly Effect
The Butterfly Effect fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Fast Pace7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Coming of Age7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy0
World
The mind, everyday modern life, and growing up
- Novelty8
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Non-linear Narrative9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Sound Centrality7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The Butterfly Effect is nerve-racking and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighThe mind, everyday modern life, and growing up
Its world is built around the mind, everyday modern life, and growing up.
All world traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Tech & Humanity7Human stories in a tech world.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Non-linear Narrative9Time-shifts and structure play.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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Questions about The Butterfly Effect
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Butterfly Effect worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 55/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 34%, and Metacritic 30). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Butterfly Effect rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, sexual content, and suicide themes.
How long is The Butterfly Effect?
1 h 53 min
The Butterfly Effect runs 1 h 53 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Butterfly Effect?
Not quite. Audiences rate The Butterfly Effect higher (78) than critics (32). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Butterfly Effect a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $13 million to make and earned $97 million worldwide, 7.4 times its budget.
What language is The Butterfly Effect in?
It was made in English. Produced in Canada, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Butterfly Effect?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Butterfly Effect in 74 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Butterfly Effect use?
TV Tropes lists 122 storytelling tropes for The Butterfly Effect, including Temporal Abortion, Hollywood Law, I Want My Beloved to Be Happy.

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