Obsession, the horror film that captivated audiences worldwide, has now surpassed the $500 million mark at the global box office, marking a significant milestone for original films in the 2020s. The movie, directed by Curry Barker and released on May 15, has become the highest-grossing original movie since the pandemic, outperforming Pixar’s Elemental, which grossed $494.6 million globally.
With a modest budget of $750,000, Obsession has become the most successful film produced for less than $1 million in the history of cinema. The film’s storyline revolves around a woman consumed by violent obsession triggered by a supernatural wish from a young man. Despite its low budget, Obsession has managed to outshine big-budget productions, including the iconic Enter the Dragon.
Throughout its theatrical run, Obsession saw a steady increase in weekly grosses, a feat not achieved since E.T. The film grossed $263.4 million in the U.S. and $238.1 million internationally, bringing its total earnings to over $501.5 million. A release in South Korea is still on the horizon, promising further success for the film.
Focus Features acquired Obsession after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, making it the highest-grossing festival acquisition in history. The film’s commercial triumph has propelled its cast to new heights, with lead actors Inde Navarette and Michael Johnston securing roles in major upcoming projects.
The overwhelming success of Obsession has set the stage for Curry Barker’s next venture, a horror film titled Anything but Ghosts, in which he will also star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson. The filmmaker’s future looks promising following the blockbuster success of Obsession.