Small Budget, Massive Box Office Success
The supernatural horror film Obsession has become one of the biggest surprise box office hits of 2026. Released in US theaters on May 15, the film has now crossed $400 million worldwide, turning a small-budget project into a major global success story.
According to the latest box office figures, Obsession has earned $403 million globally. The film has collected $245.3 million from North America and another $157.7 million from international markets. Its success is even more remarkable because the movie was reportedly made on a budget of only $750,000.
YouTube Filmmaker Curry Barker Creates a Breakout Hit
Obsession was written and directed by Curry Barker, a filmmaker known for his work on YouTube. His move from online filmmaking to mainstream cinema has now become one of the most talked-about success stories in the horror genre.
The film stars Inde Navarrette, Michael Johnston, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter. The story follows Bear, played by Michael Johnston, whose wish for Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, to love him more than anyone else leads to terrifying and deadly consequences.
Before its theatrical release, Focus Features acquired the film for around $15 million after it premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. The decision proved highly successful, as the movie later became the studio’s highest-grossing release.
Strong Theater Run Continues Despite Digital Release
Obsession opened in North American cinemas with around $17.1 million from 3,016 theaters during its first weekend. Since then, the film has continued to perform strongly at the box office and has broken several expectations for a low-budget horror release.
The movie is also performing well after its arrival on premium video on demand. Even with digital access available, Obsession earned another $5.3 million from 2,640 North American theaters over the weekend.
The film’s success shows that horror remains one of the strongest genres at the global box office. It also proves that original storytelling, strong word of mouth, and smart distribution can still turn a small film into a major worldwide hit.
