Horror Film “Obsession” Sets Box‑Office Record and Starts Streaming on Peacock

The low‑budget horror movie Obsession, written and directed by 26‑year‑old former YouTuber Curry Barker, has become one of the most profitable films ever. With a production budget of roughly $750,000, it has earned more than $428 million worldwide, surpassing the per‑dollar returns of The Blair Witch Project and placing it among the top‑grossing releases of 2026.

The success, driven by strong word‑of‑mouth and a Gen Z audience, led Focus Features (Universal) to acquire distribution rights for $15 million. After premiering at the Toronto Film Festival and opening in theatres in May, the movie began streaming on NBC’s Peacock on July 17, while still playing in cinemas. Viewers can watch it for free for a week by linking Peacock to a Prime Video account.

Industry analysts note the film illustrates a growing trend of social‑media creators moving into mainstream cinema, and its unprecedented ROI is being cited as a new benchmark for low‑cost horror productions.