The summer of 2026 saw a resurgence in original horror, with two films, in particular, captivating audiences and critics alike. Focus Features' Obsession, the directorial debut of former YouTuber Curry Barker, quickly became a sensation. Hailed as one of the finest debuts of the decade, the film, starring Inde Navarrette in an Oscar-buzzworthy performance, redefined box office expectations. It became the highest-grossing original horror movie of the century and remarkably stayed in the box office top ten for over 40 consecutive days, turning a sub-$1 million budget into over $500 million worldwide.

Yet, released alongside this juggernaut was Backrooms, a film that carved out its own impressive niche. Directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, also a former YouTube talent, Backrooms saw Parsons become the youngest director in history to claim the #1 spot at the North American box office. His adaptation of the viral online creepypasta translated into a mind-bending feature film that resonated deeply with audiences. Produced on a reported budget of just $10 million, Backrooms amassed a global revenue of $393 million during its theatrical run.

Four months on, Backrooms's reign continues, transitioning seamlessly from a theatrical hit to a streaming powerhouse. The film is officially ranked as the most-watched movie on Amazon in the U.S., remarkably surpassing even Obsession in viewership. This sustained popularity underscores the film's enduring appeal and Parsons's remarkable ability to translate internet phenomena into mainstream cinematic success.

What Did Critics Say About 'Backrooms'?

While it didn't quite achieve the universal acclaim of Obsession, Backrooms was met with widespread critical praise. Collider's Aidan Kelley lauded it as a "near-flawless film that demands to be seen," drawing comparisons to the works of cinematic masters like Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch. The film secured a "certified fresh" score of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, just 6% shy of Obsession's impressive rating. Starring Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor, with a script penned by Will Soodik (known for his work on Homeland's "Tower of David"), Backrooms proves that viral origins can indeed lead to critical and commercial triumphs.

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**Film Details for Backrooms:**

  • Release Date: May 27, 2026
  • Runtime: 110 minutes
  • Director: Kane Parsons
  • Writer: Will Soodik
  • Producers: Chris Ferguson, Dan Cohen, Dan Levine, James Wan, Jenno Topping, Kori Adelson, Michael Clear, Osgood Perkins, Peter Chernin, Roberto Patino, Shawn Levy