
There's Something About Mary
Synopsis
Ted was a geek in high school, who was going to go to the prom with one of the most popular girls in school, Mary. The prom date never happened, because Ted had a very unusual accident. Thirteen years later he realizes he is still in love with Mary, so he hires a private investigator to track her down. That investigator discovers he too may be in love with Mary, so he gives Ted some false information to keep him away from her. But soon Ted finds himself back into Mary's life, as we watch one funny scene after another.
Production Budget Analysis
What was the production budget for There's Something About Mary?
Directed by Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly, with Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Ben Stiller leading the cast, There's Something About Mary was produced by 20th Century Fox with a confirmed budget of $23,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for romance films.
At $23,000,000, There's Something About Mary was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $57,500,000.
Budget Comparison — Similar Productions
• The Secret World of Arrietty (2010): Budget $23,000,000 | Gross $149,660,003 → ROI: 551% • Bad Santa (2003): Budget $23,000,000 | Gross $76,500,000 → ROI: 233% • Chasing Liberty (2004): Budget $23,000,000 | Gross $12,195,626 → ROI: -47% • Chéri (2009): Budget $23,000,000 | Gross $9,400,000 → ROI: -59% • Eddie the Eagle (2016): Budget $23,000,000 | Gross $46,152,411 → ROI: 101%
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: Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Ben Stiller, Lee Evans, Chris Elliott Key roles: Cameron Diaz as Mary Jensen; Matt Dillon as Pat Healy; Ben Stiller as Ted Stroehmann; Lee Evans as Tucker
DIRECTOR: Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mark Irwin MUSIC: Jonathan Richman EDITING: Christopher Greenbury PRODUCTION: 20th Century Fox FILMED IN: United States of America
Box Office Performance
There's Something About Mary earned $176,484,651 domestically and $193,415,349 internationally, for a worldwide total of $369,900,000. Revenue was split 48% domestic / 52% international.
Break-Even Analysis
Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), There's Something About Mary needed approximately $57,500,000 to break even. The film surpassed this threshold by $312,400,000.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Revenue: $369,900,000 Budget: $23,000,000 Net: $346,900,000 ROI: 1508.3%
Profitability Assessment
VERDICT: Highly Profitable
There's Something About Mary was a clear financial success, generating $369,900,000 worldwide against a $23,000,000 production budget — a 1508% ROI. After estimated marketing costs, the film still delivered substantial profit to 20th Century Fox.
INDUSTRY IMPACT
The outsized success of There's Something About Mary likely influenced studio greenlight decisions for similar romance projects.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Summary: 17 wins & 17 nominations total
Awards Won: ★ MTV Movie Award for Best Villain — Matt Dillon









































































































































































































































































































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