Low‑budget 'Backrooms' horror films earn $700 million, shaking Hollywood economics

Two independent horror movies inspired by the online "Backrooms" meme have become blockbuster successes. "Backrooms – Hátsó szobák" was made for about $10 million and has generated roughly $331 million in revenue, while the companion film "Obsession" was produced on a $1 million budget and has earned about $376 million.

The extraordinary returns have prompted industry analysts to note a shift in Hollywood’s production model, with studios such as A24 highlighting the profitability of low‑budget, concept‑driven projects over traditional high‑cost franchise films. The phenomenon is being seen as a sign that audiences are seeking fresh, original storytelling, prompting a reassessment of risk‑taking and budgeting strategies within the U.S. film market.