Ashton Kutcher, Melora Walters, Amy Smart, Elden Henson, William Lee Scott ...( see more  see more... ) , John Patrick Amedori

A young man blocks out harmful memories of significant events of his life. As he grows up, he finds a way to remember these lost memories and a supernatural way to alter his life.

Flixster Users

81% liked it

543,714 ratings

Critics

34% liked it

163 critics

R, 1 hr. 53 min.

Directed by: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber

Release Date: January 23, 2004

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DVD Release Date: July 20, 2007

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Stats: 36,500 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (36,500)


  • February 6, 2010
    If i could go back in time just by reading stuff the first thing i would do is go back the day i tried to watch this, and kick myself in the nuts.
  • September 18, 2009
    Ashton Kutcher is someone I just can?t stand but this film isn't too bad.
  • March 19, 2009
    Why does everybody like this movie? It's stupid, it contradicts itself, and the ending is a total cop-out. (the director's cut isn't any better, only more depressing)
  • January 31, 2009
    Ashton Kutcher's character blocks out painful memories and develops supernatural powers that can alter his life.
  • January 30, 2009
    A complex, yet utterly engrossng story which keeps you on the edge of your seat. The acting from Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart actually surprised me as it was very good and i wasn't expecting much from them in terms of acting skil. The film is cleverly made with a lot of effort ha...( read more)ving gone into it. The film is thought provoking yet also sad and tragic. There are a few special feature documentaries about how the film was made etc. I have ony seen the director's cut and not the theatrical version so i can't say what major differences there are. Nonetheless i still thought this film was great.
  • February 8, 2010
    Gives you something to really think about- how everything in life affects something else.
  • February 7, 2010
    Amazing Film. Really good story. Love the ending
  • February 5, 2010
    best flick i have seen ashton in
  • February 4, 2010
    kinda weird, but the plot kept me interested
  • February 3, 2010
    disturbing and well made. a lesson in human depravity and what happens when you cant get over the past

Critic Reviews


January 29, 2004
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Nothing can save this repetitive bore. Dude, where's your memory? full review

January 23, 2004
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

Ultimately just feels like a mess, screeching back and forth in time, dragging its actors from one miserable scene to another. full review

January 23, 2004
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

It's trash, and yet there will always be a place for this kind of trash at the movies. full review

January 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

There's so much flashing forward and backward, so many spins of fate, so many chapters in the journals, that after awhile I felt that I, as well as time, was being jerked around. full review

January 23, 2004
Ty Burr, Boston Globe

A film of singularly boneheaded conceits, Butterfly is populated by, and appears to have been made by, stoned college dudes more hung up on oh-wow twists than the need to make sense. full review

January 22, 2004
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Profoundly knuckleheaded. full review

View more The Butterfly Effect reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • bleedirony
    August 14, 2009
    I find it sad that people believe this pile of shit was.

    I enjoy good movies, this isn't one at all.

    Engrossing plot? One of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time?

    I didn't see any of that or thought it was in a list other than golden raspberries list. Sometimes I feel like I swim in a sea of stupid when it comes to so-called movie fans/buffs(A vast see of prozac taking ADD buffoons applauding any film made by Michael Bay or The hip new director of such hits as "Charlies Angels" and "Charlies Angels:Full Throttle" McG(you know you shouldn't be directing movies if your name is McG[roper]) . Rent 8 1/2 and then tell me about yourself, I might find it "Engrossing".
  • kaylalynn96
    July 28, 2009
    Ok, first of all this is a fantastic movie. Sad but great. People should learn to appreciate a good movie with true meaning. I find it sad that they can't enjoy a good movie.
  • kropok21
    April 19, 2009

  • bhoyle18
    August 6, 2008
    THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST FILMS I'VE EVER SEEN. I HONESTLY WAS TAKEN BACK BY ASTON KUTCHER'S PERFORMANCE.AT FIRST I WAS A BIT SKEPTICAL. I DIDN'T THINK KUTCHER COULD DO SUCH A GREAT JOB. HE IS ALWAYS PLAYING STUPID ROLES, BUT THAT ALL CHANGED WHEN I SAW THIS. HE SUCKS YOU RIGHT INTO HIS CHARACTER. THEIRS NOT A DULL MOMENT. A MOST SEE!!
  • lisanr35
    January 14, 2008
    this is the best movie iv ever seen i saw it 2 days in a row then i got all my friends 2 c it please watch it it will make u think twice about situations wich u stumble apon a crossroad and hopefully youll take the right path ashton kutcher maby not the best actor for it dont c number 2 though coz its not as good great great movie mad as
  • nohalobaby
    January 1, 2008
    This is one of the best movies that you'll ever see, sure i don't think what this kid goes through is common but it's possible.I know there is two endings, one is where he ends up having to get kaliegh to move in with her mom by telling her he hates her...the other is where he strangles him self with the embelical cord in his moms stomach.I find the first one more sad.Anyway see this movie it is so good!!!!!!!!!!!! P.s c it twice it'll make more sense!!:)
  • taban4ever
    December 8, 2007
    the movie is a bit disturbing but really great. it makes you think about the consequenses of the choices you make. i cant deside if Ashton was the right choice for this movie but..
  • tereshka07
    November 11, 2007
    I'm fond of this film. It's wonderful and makes other people to think.... The ends.. I saw the both, the first was on the Russian variant, it was happy but melancholy... The second was in English.. oh.. it was so sad((( But it's a great idea to creat 2 ends)
  • johntsavlidis
    October 26, 2007
    Ooooh damn God!! This is the best film ever..! The smartest film I've ever watched..!
  • Aritosgold
    October 14, 2007
    This is good Ashton Kutcher is great;;poor guy^^

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Butterfly Effect Trivia


  • What movie shows the consequences of trying to change a moment in your past? (Starring one of the characters from the cast of "that 70's Show")  Answer »
  • In which movie did Ashton Kutcher have the ability to change events in the past?  Answer »
  • In what movie does Evan Treborn alter the lives of brother and sister Kayleigh and Tommy Miller?  Answer »
  • which movie has the 4 main characters evan, tommy, kayleigh and lenny?  Answer »

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