Curry Barker's low‑budget horror 'Obsession' becomes a $300 million box‑office hit
The horror thriller Obsession, written and directed by 26‑year‑old YouTube creator Curry Barker, opened in German cinemas on 25 June 2026 and quickly broke records. Produced for a modest $750,000 budget, the film has earned more than $333 million worldwide, making it Focus Features’ highest‑grossing release and the first movie since E.T. to grow in its second and third weekends.
Barker’s success has spurred major deals: an eight‑figure agreement with Universal/Blumhouse for his next project and a confirmed reboot of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre for A24. He also attended the Thom Browne Milan Fashion Week show, highlighting his rapid rise in Hollywood. Lead actor Michael Johnston described the shoot as emotionally taxing, saying he felt “my life was over” after intense scenes. Critics note the film’s blend of horror and dark comedy, praising its tight storytelling and effective use of practical effects.
The phenomenon illustrates how a low‑budget genre film can achieve mainstream breakthrough, influencing both the horror market and the careers of its young creators.