A recent report by The Wrap reveals that the horror film “Obsession” has hit a significant milestone by surpassing $500 million at the global box office. This achievement makes “Obsession” the first original film of the 2020s to reach this impressive financial mark. Surpassing Pixar’s “Elemental,” which grossed $494.6 million globally in 2023, “Obsession” now holds the title of the highest-grossing original movie in the post-pandemic era, according to The Express Tribune.
Despite being produced with a modest budget of $750,000, “Obsession” has become the highest-grossing film ever made for less than $1 million. The film, directed and written by 26-year-old Curry Barker, was released on May 15 and has seen a steady increase in weekly grosses since its debut, a rare feat not witnessed since “E.T.” The movie grossed $263.4 million domestically and $238.1 million overseas by the end of its U.S. theatrical run on Aug. 14, bringing its total worldwide earnings to $501.5 million and counting.
Focus Features acquired “Obsession” following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, and it holds the record for the highest-grossing festival acquisition in history. The film’s success has opened doors for its young cast, with lead actress Inde Navarette landing a role as Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” film, and lead actor Michael Johnston possibly joining the cast of Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.
The overwhelming success of “Obsession” has set the stage for Barker’s next project, a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson. The film’s remarkable achievements have not only made headlines in the film industry but have also captured the attention and admiration of audiences worldwide.
