Much has been said about director Curry Barker’s Obsession. It’s the surprise box office smash hit of 2026, shattering records on its way to becoming one of the most profitable movies ever made, thanks to its sub-$1 million production budget. It also gets to put another pretty impressive feather in its cap, as Barker’s feature directorial debut has overtaken one of the most infamous horror movies ever made.
See also: 10 of the Most Interesting Demonic Possession Movies That Aren’t THE EXORCIST
As of this writing, Obsession has made $442.6 million at the global box office, with some gas left in the tank. That’s particularly surprising since the movie is already available to watch at home. Meanwhile, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist, which remains one of the highest-grossing horror movies ever made, earned $430.8 million worldwide through its various releases over the years. So yes, Obsession has now made more money than The Exorcist (unadjusted for inflation), which is frankly a shocking thing to say.
In its day, The Exorcist was an absolute sensation. Released in 1973, it came at a time when horror was rarely respected in the mainstream. It scared the shit out of people and messed people up. More than just shock value though, it garnered mainstream praise, ultimately going on to be nominated for several Oscars, including Best Picture, becoming the first horror movie to earn that distinction. It was a watershed moment for the genre in general.
Cut to 2026. Barker made his movie for just $750,000 and after hitting the festival circuit, Focus Features acquired it for $14 million. Ever since it opened in May, the movie has been on a tear that seemingly won’t end. Its release also coincided with director Kane Parsons’ Backrooms, which is significant as that movie has also been a huge hit for A24. Both Barker and Parsons cut their teeth on YouTube. Now? The YouTube-to-Hollywood pipeline is the next big thing. Again, a watershed moment.
Barker’s latest centers on a hopeless romantic who breaks a mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart. The wish is granted but he quickly discovers that his desires come at a major cost. Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless and Andy Richter lead the cast.
This isn't about lowering one to raise the other. It's more about illustrating just how insane this movie's success has truly been. Much has been made of it but, at moments like this, it's truly worth marveling at what Barker and everyone involved has accomplished.
Looking ahead, this upcoming weekend sees the release of Pinocchio: Unstrung and Her Private Hell for horror fans. Then the genre takes a week off before Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man opens on August 7.
Obsession is in theaters and on VOD now.
