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.