The film “Obsession” has captivated audiences worldwide, achieving a significant milestone at the global box office. According to a report by The Wrap, the horror flick has surpassed $500 million in revenue, making it the first original film of the 2020s to reach this impressive mark. This success overtakes Pixar’s “Elemental,” which grossed $494.6 million globally in 2023, establishing “Obsession” as the top-grossing original movie in the post-pandemic era, as reported by The Express Tribune.
With a modest budget of $750,000, “Obsession” has become the highest-grossing film ever produced for under $1 million. This achievement places it ahead of the 1973 Bruce Lee classic, “Enter the Dragon,” which cost $850,000 to make and has amassed $400 million over various re-releases.
Written and directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” premiered in theaters on May 15. The film enjoyed a rare feat by witnessing an increase in weekly grosses during its first three weeks, a milestone not seen since “E.T.” By the conclusion of its U.S. theatrical run on Aug. 14, “Obsession” had earned $263.4 million domestically and $238.1 million internationally, bringing its total revenue to $501.5 million and counting, as per Box Office Mojo. The movie is yet to be released in South Korea.
Focus Features acquired “Obsession” following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, making it the highest-grossing festival acquisition in history. The film’s commercial triumph 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 in talks to star alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Universal’s new “The Mummy” installment.
The 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.