The Butterfly Effect (2004)
A young man's journey into his past to alter tragic events creates a ripple of bleak consequences.
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.
How intense is The Butterfly Effect?
The Butterfly Effect is mildly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What The Butterfly Effect feels like
- Tone
- suspensefulbleakmelancholy
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Butterfly Effect
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Butterfly Effect for you?
Is The Butterfly Effect scary?
Only a little. The Butterfly Effect has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Butterfly Effect gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Butterfly Effect sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is The Butterfly Effect OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is The Butterfly Effect?
The Butterfly Effect runs 1h 53m.
Where can I stream The Butterfly Effect?
The Butterfly Effect is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does The Butterfly Effect have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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