Curry Barker’s breakout horror hit has officially crossed $200 million at the global box office. Starring Michael Johnston, the milestone makes Obsession the highest-grossing movie in Focus Features’ history. It previously secured the title of the studio’s biggest domestic release, where it now stands at $151 million. This achievement is particularly notable for the Universal-owned specialty label, which has historically relied on star-driven vehicles and prestigious adaptations rather than low-budget genre fare.
The film’s momentum remains remarkably strong as it enters its fourth weekend. Obsession earned $25.6 million in its recent frame, dropping just 7 percent. This performance sets a new record for the best fourth-weekend hold ever for a horror film, surpassing the previous record set by The Blair Witch Project in 1999. That classic found-footage film had dropped 9 percent during its fourth weekend while earning $24.2 million, a run that made it the first movie since 1982’s E.T.: The Extraterrestrial to increase in attendance during weekends two and three.
Barker shot the movie independently for $750,000 with a cast of unknowns. Focus Features later acquired the project out of the Toronto International Film Festival for around $15 million. The film has now outperformed major studio titles, including the continuation of a beloved TV show, 2019’s Downton Abbey, which earned $193.3 million globally. It also surpassed the $181.8 million global gross of Nosferatu from resident horror auteur Robert Eggers, the George Clooney and Brad Pitt-led Burn After Reading at $164.3 million, and the historical Oscar winner Darkest Hour at $150.3 million.
The director’s background lies deeply in digital content. Barker was previously known for the horror short The Chair and the found-footage movie Milk & Serial, which he posted to YouTube for free. He also ran the sketch comedy channel That’s A Bad Idea with partner Dr Cooper Tomlinson. The success of Obsession has launched him into A-list territory as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after directors. He has already shot his follow-up movie, Anything But Ghosts, and is attached to helm a new The Texas Chainsaw movie for A24.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-grossing film in Focus Features' history?
Obsession has surpassed $200 million at the global box office to become Focus Features' highest-grossing film.
How much did Curry Barker spend on making Obsession?
Curry Barker shot the movie independently for $750,000 with a cast of unknowns.
What is the previous record for the best fourth-weekend hold ever for a horror film?
The previous record was set by The Blair Witch Project in 1999, which dropped 9 percent during its fourth weekend.
How much did Obsession earn in its recent frame?
Obsession earned $25.6 million in its recent frame, dropping just 7 percent.
What is Curry Barker's background in filmmaking?
Barker was previously known for the horror short The Chair and the found‑footage movie Milk & Serial, which he posted to YouTube for free.
What is the title of Curry Barker's follow‑up movie?
Barker has already shot his follow‑up movie, Anything But Ghosts.
