In 1957, when second-graders Bryce Loski and Julianna "Juli" Baker first meet, Juli knows it's love, but Bryce isn't so sure and tries to avoid Juli. By the sixth grade, in 1961, Bryce tries to get rid of Juli by dating Sherry Stalls, whom Juli despises. However, Bryce's best friend, Garrett, takes an interest in Sherry and eventually tells her the truth about Bryce asking her out; she doesn't take it well. From Juli's perspective, Bryce returned her feelings, but was shy. After finding out Bryce and Sherry broke up, she thought she could have Bryce back. But then they reconsider their decisions as time goes on. In 1962, Bryce's grandfather Chet Duncan moves in with the family. Chet has different views about Juli. There's a large, old sycamore tree that Juli loves which no one else understands. One day, it's cut down by a group of landscapers so a house can be built there, despite Juli's opposition. She becomes very depressed afterwards, as the tree let her see the world in a more enlightened way. Her father gives her a painting of the tree.

Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Flipped?

Directed by Rob Reiner, with Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, Rebecca De Mornay leading the cast, Flipped was produced by Reiner / Greisman Productions with a confirmed budget of $14,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for romance films.

At $14,000,000, Flipped was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $35,000,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Beyond Skyline (2017): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $992,181 → ROI: -93% • Red Lights (2012): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $13,551,174 → ROI: -3% • Scream (1996): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $173,046,663 → ROI: 1136% • Perfect Days (2023): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $24,094,016 → ROI: 72% • Brokeback Mountain (2005): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $178,043,761 → ROI: 1172%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Lead Cast Compensation Romantic films depend entirely on the chemistry and appeal of their leads, making star casting decisions the most consequential budget item.

▸ Location Filming Picturesque, often international locations are central to the romantic genre's visual appeal.

▸ Music Supervision & Soundtrack Iconic songs can cost $250,000–500,000 to license per use, and a well-curated soundtrack is often as important to marketing as the trailer itself.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, Rebecca De Mornay, Anthony Edwards, John Mahoney Key roles: Madeline Carroll as Juli Baker; Callan McAuliffe as Bryce Loski; Rebecca De Mornay as Patsy Loski; Anthony Edwards as Steven Loski

DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Del Ruth MUSIC: Marc Shaiman EDITING: Robert Leighton PRODUCTION: Reiner / Greisman Productions, Castle Rock Entertainment FILMED IN: United States of America

Box Office Performance

Flipped earned $1,755,212 domestically and $2,569,605 internationally, for a worldwide total of $4,324,817. Revenue was split 41% domestic / 59% international.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Flipped needed approximately $35,000,000 to break even. The film fell $30,675,183 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $4,324,817 Budget: $14,000,000 Net: $-9,675,183 ROI: -69.1%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

Flipped earned $4,324,817 against a $14,000,000 budget (-69% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.