Is Flipper Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Flipper is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Flipper Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1996, Flipper emerges as a significant entry in the Adventure, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Sandy Ricks is sent by his mom to Coral Key, a rustic island in the Florida keys, to spend the summer with his uncle Porter Ricks. Unlike standard genre fare, Flipper attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Flipper features a noteworthy lineup led by Elijah Wood . Supported by the likes of Paul Hogan and Jonathan Banks , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Flipper (1996) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Flipper Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Flipper is a Adventure, Family film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Flipper Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Flipper attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Flipper reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Flipper?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Adventure films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Flipper Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $20.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Flipper Budget
The estimated production budget for Flipper is $25.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Flipper
- Elijah Wood – Sandy Ricks
- Paul Hogan – Porter Ricks
- Jonathan Banks – Dirk Moran
- Robert Deacon – Bounty Fisherman #1
- Chelsea Field – Cathy
Top Highlights
Elijah WoodSandy Ricks
Paul HoganPorter Ricks
Jonathan BanksDirk Moran
Robert DeaconBounty Fisherman #1
Chelsea FieldCathy
Mary Jo FaraciSandy's Mom
Allison BertolinoSandy's Sister
Jessica WessonKim
Jason FuchsMarvin
Mark CasellaBounty Fisherman #2
Where to Watch Flipper Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Flipper is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Flipper stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flipper movie hit or flop?
Flipper has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Flipper worth watching?
Flipper is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Flipper online?
Flipper is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix depending on your region.
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How Flipper Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Flipper
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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