Two horror thrillers have taken the global box office by storm, shattering expectations and redefining the genre’s commercial potential. Obsession, distributed by Focus Features, and Backrooms, released through A24, have collectively generated over $660 million in worldwide ticket sales. As both films prepare to make their digital debut, entertainment analysts are closely monitoring the streaming landscape for these highly anticipated releases.
Obsession Breaks Records for Focus Features
Curry Barker’s psychological horror thriller Obsession has become the defining success story of the theatrical season. Starring Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston, the film opened in North American theaters on May 15 and immediately established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
The production, which operated on a remarkably modest budget of $750,000 before marketing expenses, was acquired by Focus Features at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival for $15 million. This strategic acquisition proved to be extraordinarily profitable for the studio.
The opening weekend saw Obsession earn $17.1 million from 2,615 North American theaters, demonstrating exceptional audience appeal from the get-go. What followed was unprecedented in modern theatrical releases—a remarkable 39% increase in business during its second weekend domestically, followed by an additional 14% spike in ticket sales during the third weekend.
While natural declines occurred in subsequent weeks, the film maintained remarkable resilience. The fourth weekend saw only a 7% drop, followed by a mere 25% decline in the fifth weekend and a 30% decrease in the sixth weekend. These figures represent extraordinary holding power rarely seen in the horror genre.
Currently, Obsession has accumulated approximately $217.4 million in domestic ticket sales, with an additional $117 million from international markets, bringing its worldwide total to $334 million. This performance has cemented the film as Focus Features’ highest-grossing release and the most successful film festival acquisition in cinema history.
The narrative follows a man whose longing for a co-worker’s affection spirals into dangerous, obsessive behavior—a premise that has resonated powerfully with audiences worldwide.
According to streaming analytics platform When to View, Obsession is scheduled to arrive on premium video on demand platforms on Tuesday, June 30. The film will be available for digital purchase or rental across major platforms including Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and YouTube Movies & TV. Typical pricing ranges from $19.99 to $29.99 for purchase or $14.99 to $24.99 for 48-hour rental periods.
Industry sources suggest Focus Features strategically delayed the PVOD debut from an initial June 2 target to maximize the film’s lucrative theatrical window, though the studio has not officially confirmed the June 30 release date.
Backrooms Dominates Global Box Office for A24
Kane Parsons’ Backrooms has emerged as A24’s most successful worldwide release in the studio’s history. The horror thriller, featuring performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, opened domestically on May 29 and rapidly became a cultural phenomenon.
The film, produced on a $10 million budget, premiered with a staggering $81.4 million from 3,442 North American theaters during its opening weekend—May 29-31. This performance instantly established Backrooms as a blockbuster.
Most recent box office figures show the film earning nearly $1.3 million from 2,386 theaters domestically, achieving a respectable sixth-place finish. Domestically, Backrooms has accumulated $184.1 million, while international markets have contributed $145.9 million through Sunday, bringing the worldwide tally to an impressive $330 million.
This achievement positions Backrooms as A24’s highest-grossing release worldwide, surpassing previous champions including 2025’s Marty Supreme ($191.1 million), 2022’s Everything Everywhere All at Once ($147.9 million), 2024’s Civil War ($127.2 million), and 2025’s Materialists ($107.9 million).
The storyline centers on Clark, a furniture store owner who inadvertently discovers an interdimensional portal leading to “The Backrooms”—a labyrinthine realm of unsettling liminal spaces that has captivated audiences and sparked extensive online discussion.
According to When to View, the R-rated Backrooms is expected to launch on premium video on demand on Tuesday, July 7. The release will be available for purchase at $24.99 or rental at $19.99. However, A24 has not yet issued an official confirmation regarding this date, and the timeline remains subject to potential changes.
Worth The Wait
Both Obsession and Backrooms represent exceptional achievements in contemporary horror cinema, demonstrating that strategic releases and compelling storytelling can yield extraordinary commercial results. As these films prepare to transition to digital platforms, streaming audiences will soon have the opportunity to experience these record-breaking thrillers from the comfort of their homes.
Also Read:
“Obsession” Review: A Chilling Deconstruction of the ‘Nice Guy’ Myth
“Obsession”: Everything You Need to Know About Curry Barker’s Horrifying Debut
