Backrooms has officially claimed the top spot among A24’s film releases, becoming the studio’s first title to cross $200 million at the global box office. The horror phenomenon, directed by YouTuber Kane Parsons, has earned $212 million worldwide — including $135 million from North America — in just 10 days of theatrical run. Its performance now surpasses the lifetime haul of Timothee Chalamet’s Marty Supreme, which previously stood as A24’s highest-grossing release with $191 million globally.
What makes Backrooms’ success especially notable is the speed of its rise. In under two weeks, it outperformed a high-profile release featuring a major star like Chalamet, demonstrating how digital-native storytelling can translate powerfully to the big screen. The film draws on the viral internet mythos of the ‘Backrooms’ — an eerie, liminal space popularised by early 2000s creepypasta and YouTube exploration videos — and adapts it into a theatrical experience that resonated strongly with audiences seeking immersive, retro-horror thrills.
Kane Parsons, known for his YouTube channel Kane Pixels, brought his visual storytelling expertise from digital content to the big screen, marking a significant crossover moment for creators who built their audiences online. His background in creating atmospheric, narrative-driven videos lent authenticity to the film’s aesthetic, helping bridge the gap between internet culture and mainstream cinema. A24, long associated with bold, auteur-driven cinema, has increasingly embraced genre storytelling with cultural traction — and Backrooms represents a high-water mark in that evolution.
The studio’s track record includes critically acclaimed films like Moonlight, Lady Bird, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, but Backrooms marks its first box office record of this scale. Its performance suggests a growing appetite for horror rooted in shared digital folklore, where audience familiarity with source material accelerates engagement and amplifies word-of-mouth. With strong returns already secured in its opening window, Backrooms is poised for sustained legs at the box office, especially as it expands into international markets where the Backrooms mythos holds particular appeal.
https://variety.com/2026/film/news/backrooms-a24-highest-grossing-movie-1236789012/
Frequently asked questions
How much has Backrooms earned worldwide in its opening run?
It earned $212 million globally in its first 10 days, including $135 million from North America, according to the article.
Is Backrooms now A24’s highest‑grossing film?
Yes, Backrooms has become A24’s highest‑grossing release, surpassing the previous record holder Marty Supreme’s $191 million worldwide.
Who directed the horror film Backrooms?
The film was directed by YouTuber Kane Parsons, known for his channel Kane Pixels.
How quickly did Backrooms overtake Marty Supreme at the box office?
In under two weeks—just 10 days of theatrical release—Backrooms surpassed Marty Supreme’s lifetime total of $191 million.
What is the source material for the Backrooms movie?
The movie draws on the viral internet mythos of the “Backrooms,” an eerie liminal‑space creepypasta and early‑2000s YouTube exploration videos.
