Curry Barker’s ‘$750K Horror Film’ ‘Obsession’ Breaks Domestic Box Office Records
When Curry Barker began sharing short horror films on YouTube, few could have anticipated that he would soon rewrite the record books for the horror genre. The 26-year-old sketch comedian took on the roles of writer, director, and editor for ‘Obsession,’ a film he shot in Los Angeles in October 2024 for just $750,000. This origin story feels like something straight out of Hollywood lore, yet it is unfolding in real time.
The narrative centers on Bear, a music store employee who acquires a supernatural toy that fulfills his wish for his friend Nikki to fall in love with him, leading to a series of terrifying consequences. After its festival premiere, Focus Features outbid competitors like A24 and Neon, securing the project for $15 million. Given its production cost, this deal initially seemed ambitious, but it has quickly become one of the smartest acquisitions in recent Hollywood history.
The milestones have been coming in at a rapid pace. According to @Luiz_Fernando_J on X, ‘Obsession’ has now surpassed $215.8 million at the domestic box office, eclipsing ‘It Chapter Two’s total US run of $211.6 million to become the seventh-highest-grossing horror film in American history. This record was achieved during the film’s sixth weekend in theaters, which also broke its own records.
During that sixth weekend, ‘Obsession’ earned $14.2 million domestically, marking the highest sixth weekend ever for a horror film in the United States, with a mere 25.3 percent drop despite the release of ‘Toy Story 5’ and the film being shown in 3,053 locations. The film’s success has been fueled by word of mouth and genuine audience enthusiasm, elements that cannot be replicated through marketing. Repeat viewership and authentic passion have propelled ‘Obsession’ far beyond any expectations set by the industry.
Produced for $750,000 and fully financed by Christian Mercuri’s Capstone, the project saw Blumhouse join after Focus completed its acquisition. It has since become Focus Features’ highest-grossing film domestically, surpassing acclaimed titles like Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’ and the beloved continuation of ‘Downton Abbey.’ Discussions are now underway about a domestic total between $250 million and $270 million, a figure that would have seemed ludicrous just weeks ago.
CinemaScore surveys awarded the film an A-minus, while critics have lauded ‘Obsession’ as both disturbingly engaging and skillfully entertaining. Many have drawn parallels to Zach Cregger’s ‘Barbarian,’ highlighting the film’s effective blend of tension, dark humor, and horror grounded in relatable human behavior.
In an interview with NBC News, Barker expressed his surprise at the film’s journey, admitting that they had no idea what to expect when making ‘Obsession,’ although he always believed in the project. He is currently working on a follow-up film titled ‘Anything But Ghosts’ and has been approached by A24 to direct a reimagining of ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.’
A film made on a budget under a million dollars, created by a filmmaker who built his audience through YouTube, has now entered the ranks of the highest-grossing horror films, competing against titles with substantial studio backing, cherished source material, and decades of brand recognition—none of which Barker had. With the film’s run still ongoing and projections continuing to rise, it raises the question of which classic horror films you believe ‘Obsession’ might realistically surpass before its theatrical journey concludes.