Surprise Indie Horror ‘Obsession’ Dominates US Box Office Over Memorial Day Weekend

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The independent horror film Obsession has made a notable impact at the U.S. box office during the Memorial Day weekend, increasing overall earnings significantly. This achievement comes at a time when many new releases are primarily available on streaming platforms.

Audiences Are Obsessed With ‘Obsession’

The film is the debut feature from 26-year-old Curry Barker, a former YouTube creator. Obsession has surpassed expectations regarding the performance of horror films in theaters. Released on May 15 in U.S. theaters, the film saw growing attendance, leading analysts to search for historical comparisons.

Distributed by Focus Features, the supernatural horror film earned $23.9 million over the Memorial Day weekend, increasing to over $30 million by Monday. With a production budget of only $750,000, this results in a remarkable profit.

Obsession was filmed over 20 days and received positive critical reviews, notably for 25-year-old Inde Navarrette’s leading role as Nikki.

The film is projected to earn $79 million globally, with $60,734,010 coming from U.S. theaters alone. During the Memorial Day weekend, total box office earnings reached $219,245,046, with Obsession as the primary contributor.

The horror hit achieved its second weekend earnings from 2,655 U.S. theaters, with 39 percent higher ticket sales than its opening weekend’s $17.2 million from 2,615 cinemas, an uncommon occurrence for horror films.

Jason Blum, known for producing horror hits like Get Out and Halloween, praised the film he helped produce.

“Obsession is the ONLY wide-release horror film on record to grow in its second weekend at this scale—$22.4M, up 30 percent over opening,” wrote Blum.

Hila Harary, a trend forecaster at Tectonic Shift, discussed the appeal of the sleeper hit in Newsweek.

The success of Obsession sits at the intersection of a few clear cultural shifts,” Harary said. “There’s a post-pandemic nostalgia for the late ’90s and early 2000s; a period many associate with more optimism and simpler entertainment habits.

At the same time, audiences are actively seeking escapism amid economic pressure and global uncertainty. Going to the movies is still a relatively affordable, contained experience—a two-hour break from everything else, Harary added.

Low-budget films that appear “less corporate” are resonating more with younger audiences.

What Is ‘Obsession’ About?

The supernatural horror follows Bear, played by Michael Johnston, a young music store employee enamored with his best friend Nikki. He buys a supernatural toy that claims to grant wishes. When Bear wishes for Nikki’s affection, the outcome becomes increasingly sinister as the wish’s consequences unfold uncontrollably.

Supporting cast members include Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and comedian Andy Richter.

How ‘Obsession’ Rocked the Box Office

Obsession earned $23.9 million over the Memorial Day weekend.
Total earnings increased to over $30 million, surpassing a $28.2 million projection.
The film has reached $60 million in North America and $75 million worldwide.
Produced on a $750,000 budget.
Overall Memorial Day weekend box office gross was $219,245,046.

What Else Has Been Doing Well at Theaters?

Ask E. Jean, a documentary on writer E. Jean Carroll, premiered in the U.S. on May 22 to positive reviews. Other major releases contributing to the box office rise include Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Michael, and The Devil Wears Prada 2, each surpassing $100 million globally.

The year’s top five films globally are: