Movie enthusiasts worldwide are showing a strong interest in “Obsession,” paralleling the film’s intense narrative about a crazed, murderous girlfriend. The horror flick recently achieved a significant milestone, surpassing the $500 million mark in global box office revenue. This accomplishment positions “Obsession” as the first original film of the 2020s to hit this financial peak.
Notably, the film has outperformed Pixar’s animated hit “Elemental,” which grossed $494.6 million globally in 2023. As reported by The Express Tribune, “Obsession” has now become the highest-grossing original film of the post-pandemic era. Despite its micro-budget origins, the movie has broken records as the highest-grossing film made for less than $1 million, with a production budget of only $750,000.
Written and directed by the talented 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” made its theatrical debut on May 15. The film’s commercial success saw weekly grosses rise steadily over its first three weeks in cinemas, a feat not accomplished since “E.T.” By the end of its U.S. theatrical run on Aug. 14, “Obsession” had raked in $263.4 million domestically and an additional $238.1 million overseas, bringing its total worldwide earnings to $501.5 million and counting.
The film is set for release in South Korea, adding to its international success. Furthermore, “Obsession” secured its position as the highest-grossing festival acquisition in history after Focus Features acquired it following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film’s exceptional performance has opened doors for its young cast members, with lead actress Inde Navarette landing a role as Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” film. Additionally, lead actor Michael Johnston is reportedly in discussions to star alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie.
The runaway success of “Obsession” is paving the way for Barker’s next project, “Anything but Ghosts,” a horror film in which he will also star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson.