Indie horror 'Backrooms' tops 2026 box office for A24

The low‑to‑mid‑budget horror film *Backrooms* became the highest‑grossing release for A24 in summer 2026, earning $256.9 million on a $10 million budget. The movie, based on an internet *Backrooms* meme and directed by a 20‑something filmmaker, drew attention for its experimental architecture, psychological horror and distinctive soft‑yellow color palette. Its success, alongside another indie horror title, marked a shift in the market as independent horror outperformed traditional franchise releases, prompting industry discussion about YouTube serving as a new incubator for Hollywood talent.

A mid‑year recap by the Rough Cut Retrospective highlighted this trend, noting that indie horror films were dominating the box office and forecasting how the year‑end slate might be received. Analysts see the *Backrooms* phenomenon as a potential catalyst for a broader “New Hollywood” era where online platforms feed mainstream studios with fresh voices.