
mid90s
Synopsis
This movie follows a teenager named Stevie growing up in Los Angeles. He's struggling with his family, including his co-dependent single mom and his abusive older brother, and at school, where his richer friends seem to overlook him. When Stevie befriends a crew of skateboarders, he learns some tough lessons about class, race, and privilege.
Production Budget Analysis
What was the production budget for mid90s?
Directed by Jonah Hill, with Sunny Suljic, Katherine Waterston, Lucas Hedges leading the cast, mid90s was produced by A24 with a confirmed budget of $1,700,000, placing it in the micro-budget category for drama films.
At $1,700,000, mid90s was produced on a lean budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $4,250,000.
Budget Comparison — Similar Productions
• Run (2020): Budget $1,700,000 | Gross $5,184,368 → ROI: 205% • Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 2 (2012): Budget $1,670,000 | Gross $4,900,000 → ROI: 193% • Paris, Texas (1984): Budget $1,750,000 | Gross $2,181,987 → ROI: 25% • Sunset Boulevard (1950): Budget $1,752,000 | Gross $5,000,000 → ROI: 185% • Dog Day Afternoon (1975): Budget $1,800,000 | Gross $56,665,856 → ROI: 3048%
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: Sunny Suljic, Katherine Waterston, Lucas Hedges, Na-kel Smith, Olan Prenatt Key roles: Sunny Suljic as Stevie; Katherine Waterston as Dabney; Lucas Hedges as Ian; Na-kel Smith as Ray
DIRECTOR: Jonah Hill CINEMATOGRAPHY: Christopher Blauvelt MUSIC: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross EDITING: Nick Houy PRODUCTION: A24, Waypoint Entertainment FILMED IN: United States of America
Box Office Performance
mid90s earned $7,362,439 domestically and $1,940,583 internationally, for a worldwide total of $9,303,022. The film skewed heavily domestic (79%), suggesting strong North American appeal.
Break-Even Analysis
Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), mid90s needed approximately $4,250,000 to break even. The film surpassed this threshold by $5,053,022.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Revenue: $9,303,022 Budget: $1,700,000 Net: $7,603,022 ROI: 447.2%
Profitability Assessment
VERDICT: Highly Profitable
mid90s was a clear financial success, generating $9,303,022 worldwide against a $1,700,000 production budget — a 447% ROI. After estimated marketing costs, the film still delivered substantial profit to A24.
INDUSTRY IMPACT
The outsized success of mid90s likely influenced studio greenlight decisions for similar drama projects.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Summary: 4 wins & 10 nominations total









































































































































































































































































































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