Obsession box – Curry Barker’s indie horror hit ‘Obsession’ rose 10% in its third weekend, adding $26.4 million and becoming the first movie since 1982’s ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ to see second- and third-weekend gains outside the holiday season. With a $1 million budget a
For a third weekend, “Obsession” didn’t just hold on—it climbed.
The Curry Barker-directed indie horror movie rose 10% in its third weekend. pulling in an additional $26.4 million after a 39% increase in its second weekend. Focus Features says it’s the first movie since 1982’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” to post both second- and third-weekend increases outside of the holiday season.
That momentum has already turned into serious money. “Obsession” has made over $106 million domestically and $148 million worldwide. The film was made on a $1 million production budget—an unusually lean figure that makes every new dollar at the box office land even louder. It also broke the record for highest-grossing movie of all time for Focus Features. beating 2019’s “Downton Abbey. ” which brought in $96.8 million in North America.
There’s more at stake than numbers, though, because the movie’s appeal is showing up both with critics and audiences. It currently holds a 96% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes among critics and a 95% score among audiences.
“Obsession” hit theaters on May 15. In the story. after breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart (played by Inde Navarrette). a hopeless romantic (Michael Johnston) finds himself getting exactly what he asked for—only to discover that some desires come with a dark. sinister price.
The surprising part isn’t just that the film is performing. It’s how consistently it’s doing it: a 39% jump in the second weekend, then another 10% rise in the third, while still outside the holiday window when theatrical success is usually more predictable.
And as the box office keeps stacking up, the conversation is already turning toward what comes next. The question of whether there will be a sequel is in play, with Barker sharing what he has to say, alongside lead actress Inde Navarrette on a possible follow-up.
Barker’s next move may already be in motion, even before he’s formally pitched anything. The 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-director is reportedly getting offers for his next project, which he hasn’t even pitched yet. One studio has reportedly attempted to make a preemptive offer of $10 million for Barker’s next original project. sight unseen. according to a source.
For viewers curious about how far the film pushes boundaries, there’s also buzz around a moment that nearly earned an NC-17 rating. Even that detail fits the same theme: “Obsession” may be an indie horror story at heart, but it’s making major-business waves at the box office.
Obsession box office Curry Barker indie horror Focus Features Inde Navarrette Michael Johnston E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Rotten Tomatoes Fresh NC-17
So it made $26.4M again? That’s crazy for a horror movie.
Wait, it had a $1 million budget?? How is that even a real number lol. Also why are they comparing it to E.T. like it’s the same vibe
I saw the trailer and it looked dark but idk about “serious money.” If it’s the first movie since 1982 to go up 2nd and 3rd weekend then people must’ve missed it the first time? Or critics gave it high scores so everyone rushed.
E.T. had like aliens and family stuff, so why would this be the same? lol. Also $10 million sight unseen for his next project sounds made up because YouTubers always get deals. If it’s getting an NC-17 almost then maybe that’s why it’s doing numbers? I didn’t even know horror could beat Downton Abbey numbers but apparently it can.