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10 clusters · 48 sources · 69 days · First seen · Last updated

Release and reception of Backrooms film

Overview

The horror film ‘Backrooms,’ directed by Kane Parsons, is an adaptation of a popular internet creepypasta that originated as a 4chan image in 2019. Set in 1990s California, the film follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a furniture store owner, and his therapist, Dr. Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve), as they become trapped in a surreal, infinite labyrinth of empty offices. Produced in partnership with A24, Chernin Entertainment, 21 Laps Entertainment, and Atomic Monster, the project has achieved massive commercial success.

Following its May 2026 premiere, the film surpassed $400 million at the global box office, earning approximately $197.5 million domestically and $202.57 million internationally. Produced on a $10 million budget, it is the highest-grossing film in A24’s history, breaking the record held by ‘Marty Supreme.’ At 20 years old, Parsons became the youngest filmmaker to direct a number one film at the United States box office.

Following its theatrical run, the film debuted on HBO Max on September 25, 2026, with a linear debut on HBO scheduled for September 26. At the Zurich Film Festival Summit, Parsons discussed the film’s transition from a YouTube series to a cinematic phenomenon. He noted that while the film is marketed as horror due to the “path of least resistance,” he does not view it as a traditional horror project and intends to seek more creative control over future works to avoid such labels. Industry executives suggested the success of Parsons and other YouTube-native directors, such as Curry Barker, could represent a shift in the theatrical landscape, potentially drawing Gen Z audiences back to cinemas.

Entities

Kane Parsons · A24 · Backrooms · Chiwetel Ejiofor · HBO Max

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Kane Parsons' Backrooms becomes A24's highest-grossing film

    Kane Parsons’ ‘Backrooms’ has become A24’s highest-grossing film, earning over $380 million and marking a major success for internet-born horror and creators transitioning to cinema.

  2. [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Kane Parsons discusses ‘Backrooms’ success at Zurich Film Festival

    Director Kane Parsons discussed the box office success of ‘Backrooms’ at the Zurich Film Festival, highlighting a shift in cinema driven by YouTube-native creators attracting Gen Z audiences.

  3. [CULTURE] 6 sources
    Backrooms horror film debuts on HBO Max after record box office

    A24’s record-breaking horror film ‘Backrooms’, directed by Kane Parsons, has officially arrived on HBO Max streaming following its $400 million global box office success.

  4. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Backrooms film surpasses $400 million at global box office

    The indie horror film ‘Backrooms’ has grossed over $400 million globally, becoming A24’s highest-grossing release and marking a record-breaking summer for the distributor.

  5. [CULTURE] 6 sources
    A24 to produce Backrooms 2 with director Kane Parsons

    A24 is set to produce ‘Backrooms 2’ with director Kane Parsons returning to helm the sequel to his viral horror hit.

  6. [CULTURE] 12 sources
    Kane Parsons to direct ‘Backrooms 2’ for A24

    Kane Parsons is set to direct ‘Backrooms 2’ for A24, following the first film's massive $400 million global box office success.

  7. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Backrooms horror film to debut on HBO Max in September

    A24’s horror hit ‘Backrooms’, directed by Kane Parsons, will begin streaming on HBO Max on September 25 following a successful theatrical run.

  8. [CULTURE] 12 sources
    Backrooms horror film to stream on HBO Max in September

    A24’s record-breaking horror hit ‘Backrooms’, directed by Kane Parsons, will premiere on HBO Max on September 25, 2026, following a global theatrical run that earned nearly $400 million.

  9. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Kane Parsons' Backrooms film explores psychological horror

    Director Kane Parsons brings the viral 'Backrooms' creepypasta to the big screen with A24, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor in a psychological horror film about an infinite, logic-defying labyrinth.

  10. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Hideo Kojima Praises Kane Parsons' 2026 Horror Film “Backrooms”

    Hideo Kojima praised director Kane Parsons' 2026 horror film “Backrooms”, calling it nostalgic and liminal; the 4chan‑based film broke records on release and sparked fan jokes.

Sources

1470kyyw.com · 24-ore.com · andro4all.com · ara.lu · aullidos.com · begeek.fr · cinemablend.com · cinemacafe.net · cinepop.com.br · cinturaovest.it · comingsoon.net · connectconsult.nl · digitalspy.com · direct-actu.fr · equip.org · es.ign.com · excelsior.com.mx · film.wp.pl · filmofilia.com · filmthreat.com · findacode.com · gamefa.com · geektyrant.com · hollywoodreporter.com · ilcineocchio.it · konbini.com · mafab.hu · metropolitanmagazine.it · millenniumpost.in · mix108.com · moviezine.se · n-gamz.com · netflixjunkie.com · news.mynavi.jp · newsbytesapp.com · nhi.gov.tw · que.es · stylerave.com · syracuse.com · thepeoplesmovies.com · thewrap.com · tob.news · uk.pcmag.com · variety.com · vidaextra.com · wonderchannel.it · yve-style.com · za.ign.com

This summary has been updated 9 times: see revision history