Michael Reaches $846 Million Worldwide as Backrooms Opens to $118 Million and Tops Scream 7
Updated
Updated · Deadline · May 31
Michael Reaches $846 Million Worldwide as Backrooms Opens to $118 Million and Tops Scream 7
6 articles · Updated · Deadline · May 31
$846.2 million worldwide has put Lionsgate and Universal’s Michael within reach of the $911 million record for a musical biopic, after a $31.8 million sixth weekend and with Japan still to open.
$118 million globally made Backrooms the year’s biggest horror launch, beating Scream 7’s $97.1 million franchise-best start; $36 million came from overseas, where it led in Latin America, the UK, Scandinavia and Italy.
$148 million worldwide lifted Focus Features’ Obsession on a $40.2 million global weekend, helped by a $26.4 million third frame in North America and a 39% rise internationally as it expanded to 45 territories.
$246.6 million is the running total for Disney’s The Mandalorian and Grogu after a 53% international drop, while Devil Wears Prada 2 reached $641.6 million globally in its fifth weekend.
$991.7 million for Super Mario Galaxy Movie still leads 2026 releases through May 31, with Michael second at $846.2 million and Project Hail Mary third at $677.7 million.
How did the Michael Jackson biopic conquer the box office while ignoring his biggest controversies?
Has A24 perfected turning viral internet memes into global box office gold?
Are YouTube creators with micro-budgets becoming the new titans of Hollywood horror?
Box Office 2026: How "Backrooms" and Legacy Franchises Redefined Hollywood’s Top-Grossing Films
Overview
In 2026, Hollywood experienced a major shift as Backrooms, a film born from internet culture, broke box office records and outshined even legendary franchises like Star Wars. This success highlighted the power of viral, internet-born ideas and a smart focus on Gen Z audiences. Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old director who started on YouTube, brought a fresh vision inspired by web series and video games, connecting deeply with digital-native viewers. By bypassing traditional industry barriers and drawing from viral online content, Backrooms proved that authentic, internet-driven storytelling can achieve mainstream cinematic triumph.