3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 16
Summary
$286 million worldwide has turned Curry Barker's $750,000 horror film "Obsession" into the biggest hit in Focus Features' 24-year history, with the movie still drawing strongly in theaters.
$19 million in its fifth weekend put "Obsession" behind only Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," after an unusual run of repeated $20 million-plus weekends following a $17 million debut.
Focus paid $15 million for the film after its Toronto premiere and has delayed its video-on-demand release as the movie outgrosses "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" in North America.
Barker, 26, built his audience on YouTube and TikTok, and industry executives say "Obsession" and A24's "Backrooms" show digital creators can pull Gen Z audiences into theaters for original films.
The breakout has already made Barker one of Hollywood's most in-demand young directors, with a Blumhouse feature completed, an A24 "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" reboot announced and an "Obsession" sequel expected.
Why is Gen Z trading blockbuster fatigue for the raw stories of YouTube-bred filmmakers?
With YouTube creators topping the box office, is Hollywood's traditional star-making system becoming obsolete?
"Obsession" Shatters Box Office Records: The $286 Million Indie Horror That’s Reshaping Hollywood
Overview
As of June 16, 2026, the horror film 'Obsession' has achieved an unprecedented box office run, shattering expectations and surpassing the performance of 'Blair Witch Project.' This success is driven by extraordinary word-of-mouth and strong audience support, leading to a rare box office pattern where third weekend earnings could nearly double the opening weekend. 'Obsession' set a new film festival record and its growing popularity highlights a shift in audience preferences, especially among younger viewers. The film’s triumph is part of a broader trend, showing that original horror stories can outperform established franchises and reshape industry expectations.