How 'Obsession' went from a sub-$1M horror film to a $371.2M box office phenomenon that dethroned 'Sinners'

"Obsession" is absolutely tearing up the box office.

Basic info:

• Plot: After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.
• Cast: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless
• Director: Curry Barker
• Rating: R

LOW-BUDGET HORROR FLICK 'OBSESSION' SHATTERS BOX OFFICE EXPECTATIONS AS NEW STAR WARS FILM COMES UP SHORT

Inde Navarrette stars as Nikki and Michael Johnston as Bear in "Obsession," a Focus Features release. (Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 Focus Features LLC)

"Obsession" sets box office record.

The low-budget horror film (it was made for under $1 million) has been taking the entertainment world by storm since it premiered on May 15th.

It tells the story of a man who uses what he thinks is a gimmick to wish for a woman to fall in love with him. What unfolds is a unique horror story that is unbelievably entertaining, psychologically torturing and incredibly fun.

Despite it receiving limited hype heading into the release, "Obsession" was pretty much an instant hit with fans and that now includes a new box office record.

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Inde Navarrette stars as Nikki and Michael Johnston as Bear in "Obsession," a Focus Features release. (Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 Focus Features LLC)

Obsession has now earned $371.2 million at the box office as of Sunday, making it the highest-grossing live-action English-language original movie of the 2020s, according to The Numbers (via ScreenRant). Its earned $233.9 million domestically and $137.3 million internationally.

It broke the record previously held by Michael B. Jordan's "Sinners" – another excellent film, in my opinion.

More than anything, the incredible success of "Obsession" should be an easy lesson for Hollywood.

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People don't want remakes or another franchise installment. They want fresh and original ideas to dig their teeth into. That's what "Obsession" gave fans, and it's now reaping the words.

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Now, will Hollywood actually learn anything from the success of the low-budget horror flick? That remains to be seen, but it definitely should.

Inde Navarrette stars as Nikki and Michael Johnston as Bear in "Obsession," a Focus Features release. (Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 Focus Features LLC)

Have you already seen obsession? Let me know at [email protected].