Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for GoodFellas?

Directed by Martin Scorsese, with Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci leading the cast, GoodFellas was produced by Winkler Films with a confirmed budget of $25,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for drama films.

At $25,000,000, GoodFellas was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $62,500,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• 1408 (2007): Budget $25,000,000 | Gross $133,000,000 → ROI: 432% • A Journal for Jordan (2021): Budget $25,000,000 | Gross $6,700,000 → ROI: -73% • Abandon (2002): Budget $25,000,000 | Gross $10,719,357 → ROI: -57% • All My Life (2020): Budget $25,000,000 | Gross $2,000,000 → ROI: -92% • August Rush (2007): Budget $25,000,000 | Gross $66,122,026 → ROI: 164%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.

▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.

▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino Key roles: Robert De Niro as James Conway; Ray Liotta as Henry Hill; Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito; Lorraine Bracco as Karen Hill

DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Ballhaus EDITING: Thelma Schoonmaker, James Y. Kwei PRODUCTION: Winkler Films, Warner Bros. Pictures FILMED IN: United States of America

Box Office Performance

GoodFellas earned $46,909,721 domestically and $162,606 internationally, for a worldwide total of $47,072,327. The film skewed heavily domestic (100%), suggesting strong North American appeal.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), GoodFellas needed approximately $62,500,000 to break even. The film fell $15,427,673 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $47,072,327 Budget: $25,000,000 Net: $22,072,327 ROI: 88.3%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Modestly Profitable

GoodFellas earned $47,072,327 against a $25,000,000 budget (88% ROI). Full profitability was likely achieved through ancillary revenue streams.

INDUSTRY IMPACT

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Summary: Won 1 Oscar. 44 wins & 38 nominations total

Awards Won: ★ National Board of Review: Top Ten Films ★ Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor — Joe Pesci (63rd Academy Awards)

Nominations: ○ Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (63rd Academy Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Picture (63rd Academy Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Director (63rd Academy Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Film Editing (63rd Academy Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (63rd Academy Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (63rd Academy Awards)