Where to Watch Original ‘Backrooms’ Series (& Do You Need It Before The Movie)

If you’ve been hearing buzz about the Backrooms movie and wondering what all the hype is about, you’re not alone. What began as a creepy internet image quickly evolved into an unsettling found-footage phenomenon that captivated millions of horror fans online.

The original Backrooms series expands the eerie lore with mysterious entities, hidden experiments, and endless liminal spaces. But before heading to the theater, you might be wondering where to watch the original series, and if it’s actually necessary viewing before the movie. Well, here’s everything you need to know before stepping into the endless yellow halls.

Backrooms Series Is Available to Stream on YouTube

One of the reasons the Backrooms phenomenon exploded in popularity is that the entire series is incredibly easy to watch. In fact, it’s available to stream for free on YouTube.

Created by Kane Parsons, the series follows the fictional Async Research Institute, whose scientists explore a strange alternate dimension filled with endless, connected rooms and hallways that are mostly empty. It has 24 episodes, and the debut chapter, called The Backrooms (Found Footage) was uploaded on January 7, 2022.

Originally a niche internet horror concept, it became a viral sensation that received millions of views and positive reception, all thanks to its bite-sized episodes, unsettling atmosphere, and surprisingly deep lore.

Instead of relying on jump scares like other horror series, this uses tension through eerie found-footage storytelling, leaving viewers constantly searching the background for clues. This accessibility has helped transform The Backrooms from a simple creepypasta into a sprawling online mystery followed by a devoted fan base.

With the movie now out in theaters, YouTube remains the perfect place to experience the story first and perhaps familiarize oneself with what it’s all about.

Creator Kane Parsons Confirms Movie’s Continuity With The Series

Renate Reinsve in Backrooms / Credits: A24

Parsons has confirmed that the film exists within the same world as his wildly popular show, meaning the lore fans have spent years dissecting still matters. He said via France 24 that the movie is “in direct continuity with the YouTube series.”

To this day, he still cannot believe how much Backrooms has become a mainstream topic after being a niche interest for years. Because of its newfound fame, Parsons asserted that the project is not done. In fact, a sequel is on the way (via Deadline).

According to the same outlet, Parsons is currently searching for a screenwriting partner to help develop the sequel. As of now, the project is in the early stages of development. This decision to expand the franchise only makes sense after its $118 million opening against a budget of $10 million.

This demand for a sequel shows that the film’s success isn’t just curiosity about an internet trend, but people want to see where the story goes next. If Parsons keeps the same eerie mood and slow-building mystery from the original series, Backrooms could grow from a viral hit into a long-running franchise.

Have you watched the Backrooms series yet? Let us know in the comments!

Backrooms (2026) is now showing in theaters worldwide.