A24’s ‘Backrooms’ stays in theaters while streaming debut on Max remains unconfirmed

A24 released the low‑budget sci‑fi horror film “Backrooms” in U.S. theatres on May 29, 2026. Directed by 20‑year‑old Kane Parsons and written by Will Soodik, the movie was made for about $10 million and has earned roughly $117.9 million worldwide, marking the biggest opening ever for A24 and the highest debut for a first‑time director.

Under A24’s current distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, the film will eventually move to the Max streaming platform, but no official streaming date has been set; industry analysts suggest a possible release around September 2026, contingent on box‑office performance. Before a subscription debut, a premium‑video‑on‑demand window is expected, likely opening in late June. The movie taps into popular internet “liminal” aesthetics—dreamcore, weirdcore and related subcultures—and has been praised for translating a creepypasta origin into a mainstream horror experience, with reviewers noting its “first‑person camcorder perspective” and “surreal labyrinthian nightmare.”