The Horror Boom: How ‘The Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Are Redefining the Box Office—and What It Means for Hollywood

In a summer dominated by blockbuster failures and franchise fatigue, two unexpected horror films have emerged as the biggest surprises at the box office. The Backrooms, a low-budget adaptation of a viral YouTube horror series, has already grossed over $81 million worldwide in its opening stretch—far exceeding expectations for a film that cost less than $10 million to make. Meanwhile, Obsession, a psychological thriller with a cult following, continues its steady climb, proving that horror’s staying power isn’t just a seasonal trend but a lasting shift in audience tastes.

This isn’t just a story about two films breaking records. It’s evidence of a broader cultural moment: the rise of internet-born horror as a mainstream phenomenon, the resurgence of mid-budget thrillers in an era of $200 million tentpoles, and a growing demand for films that feel intimate, unsettling, and deeply personal. For studios, creators, and fans alike, the success of these movies raises critical questions: Can horror sustain this momentum beyond the summer season? What does it say about the future of filmmaking in the digital age? And why, in an industry obsessed with spectacle, are audiences flocking to stories that thrive on ambiguity and dread?

To unpack the implications, we’ll break down the numbers behind The Backrooms’s breakout performance, trace the origins of its source material, examine Obsession’s slow-burn strategy, and explore what these films reveal about the evolving relationship between internet culture and Hollywood. We’ll also look at the challenges ahead—from franchise potential to the risks of over-saturation—and why this summer’s horror boom might just be the beginning of a new era.

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From YouTube to the Big Screen: The Unlikely Rise of The Backrooms

The Backrooms didn’t just open strong—it opened like a horror movie should: with a gasp. The film, based on the 2019 YouTube short film of the same name by 5JACOB5, has become the fastest-growing horror movie of the year, defying industry skepticism about its commercial viability. But its success isn’t just about box office numbers. It’s about the power of internet culture to shape blockbuster storytelling.

The original Backrooms short, a 10-minute creepypasta-style video, went viral for its eerie atmosphere and unsettling premise: a labyrinthine, fluorescent-lit office space where something inhuman lurks. The film adaptation, directed by Cory McAbee and produced by Blumhouse (the studio behind Get Out and Halloween), takes that premise and expands it into a feature-length nightmare. Yet despite its modest budget, the film has resonated with audiences in a way few horror movies do—by tapping into the same sense of existential dread that made its digital predecessor so compelling.

Key figures from its opening weekend:

• $81 million+ worldwide in its first two weeks (as of latest reports), making it one of the highest-grossing horror films of 2024.
• Over $30 million domestically, outperforming similar low-budget horror films like Talk to Me (2023) and Smile 2 (2022) in their opening frames.
• 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences praising its atmosphere and commitment to the source material.
• Strong word-of-mouth, driven by social media buzz, memes, and fan theories about the film’s hidden details.

But how did a film about an endless, bureaucratic hellscape become a box office sensation? The answer lies in three factors: nostalgia, authenticity, and the Backrooms’s unique place in internet horror lore.

The Internet’s Favorite Horror: How The Backrooms Became a Cultural Phenomenon

The original Backrooms short wasn’t just a viral video—it was a participatory horror experience. Viewers didn’t just watch; they dissected, theorized, and expanded on its lore through fan art, podcasts, and even alternate endings. The film adaptation leverages that built-in audience, offering something rare in Hollywood: a movie that feels like it was made for fans, not just about them.

This isn’t the first time internet-born horror has made the jump to the silver screen. Films like Host (2020), based on a creepypasta, and Smile (2022), inspired by a viral short, proved that digital horror has commercial potential. But The Backrooms stands out because it didn’t just adapt its source material—it elevated it. The film’s practical effects, sound design, and deliberate pacing make the Backrooms feel like a living nightmare, not a cheap knockoff.

Why this matters:

• Proof of concept: Studios now have evidence that internet horror can be both profitable and critically respected.
• Audience engagement: The film’s success shows that horror fans aren’t just passive consumers—they’re active participants in the storytelling process.
• Low-risk, high-reward: With budgets under $10 million, films like The Backrooms offer studios a way to test new IP without the financial stakes of a $200 million franchise.

Yet for all its triumphs, the film’s success also raises questions about sustainability. Can The Backrooms sustain a franchise? Will studios rush to adapt every viral horror concept, risking oversaturation? And perhaps most importantly—what happens when the next big internet horror trend comes along?

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Obsession’s Steady Climb: The Art of the Slow Burn in a Fast-Paced Market

While The Backrooms made headlines with its explosive opening, Obsession has been playing the long game—and it’s paying off. The psychological thriller, directed by Stephen Gaghan (Syriana, Traffic) and starring Colin Farrell and Jenna Ortega, has quietly become one of the most talked-about horror films of the year. Unlike The Backrooms, which relies on jump scares and atmosphere, Obsession thrives on tension, ambiguity, and a haunting central performance from Farrell.

Released in late June, Obsession hasn’t matched The Backrooms’s opening weekend numbers—but it hasn’t needed to. The film has been growing steadily through word of mouth, driven by strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a marketing strategy that leaned into intrigue rather than hype. As of mid-July, it has grossed over $50 million worldwide, with no signs of slowing down.

So what’s Obsession’s secret? Three key elements:

1. A Star-Driven, Character-Focused Approach

Horror movies often rely on monsters or supernatural threats to drive the plot. Obsession flips the script by making its protagonist—the unhinged, obsessive John (Farrell)—the real horror. The film’s success proves that audiences still crave human horror stories, where the scariest thing isn’t a ghost or a demon, but a person’s capacity for madness.

This aligns with a broader trend in horror: films like Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019), and The Babadook (2014) have shown that psychological horror resonates deeply with modern viewers. Obsession takes this further by blending psychological tension with supernatural ambiguity, leaving audiences questioning what’s real and what’s not.

2. A Smart, Low-Key Marketing Strategy

Unlike the saturation marketing campaigns behind Smile 2 or Talk to Me, Obsession’s promotional push was deliberate and mysterious. Trailers focused on Farrell’s performance, hinting at the film’s themes without giving too much away. Social media campaigns played on the film’s ambiguity, with hashtags like #WhatIsObsession encouraging fans to share their theories.

This approach mirrors the success of Get Out (2017), which thrived on word-of-mouth and organic buzz. In an era where audiences are inundated with trailers and ads, Obsession proves that sometimes, the best strategy is to let the film speak for itself.

3. The Power of the Right Release Window

Obsession didn’t open in May during the crowded summer blockbuster season. Instead, it arrived in late June, positioning itself as a must-see for horror fans tired of superhero movies and sequels. This timing allowed it to avoid direct competition with Deadpool & Wolverine and Jurassic World Dominion, while still capitalizing on the momentum of The Backrooms’s success.

Industry observers note that Obsession’s strategy could serve as a blueprint for future horror releases. In a market where studios often rush to release films during peak seasons, Obsession shows that patience—and precision—can pay off.

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Beyond the Box Office: What This Summer’s Horror Boom Means for Hollywood

The success of The Backrooms and Obsession isn’t just excellent news for horror fans. It’s a sign of broader shifts in the film industry, from the rise of digital-native storytelling to the growing demand for authentic entertainment. Here’s what these films reveal about the future of Hollywood:

1. The Internet Is No Longer a Niche—It’s the New Frontier

For decades, Hollywood has looked to books, comics, and video games for source material. But the rise of The Backrooms signals that the internet itself is becoming a primary storytelling medium. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch are breeding grounds for new narratives, and studios are taking notice.

Blumhouse’s acquisition of the Backrooms rights wasn’t just a bet on a single film—it was a recognition that internet horror is a viable franchise builder. Other studios are following suit: Universal has optioned rights to Beneath, another viral horror series, while Lionsgate is developing adaptations of Slender Man and The Rake.

Potential risks:

• Oversaturation: If too many studios rush to adapt viral horror, the market could become crowded, diluting the magic of the original concepts.
• Authenticity challenges: Not every internet horror story translates well to film. Studios must balance fan expectations with cinematic storytelling.
• Legal and rights issues: Many viral horror works exist in legal gray areas, making acquisition and adaptation complex.

2. Mid-Budget Horror Is Making a Comeback

The last decade has seen a surge in high-budget horror (It, Annabelle, Smile), but The Backrooms and Obsession prove that audiences still crave intimate horror experiences. With production costs rising and studio budgets tightening, mid-budget films offer a compelling middle ground—allowing for creative risk without the financial exposure of a tentpole.

This trend aligns with the success of films like Talk to Me (2023) and Pearl (2022), both of which proved that horror doesn’t need a $100 million budget to succeed. For independent filmmakers and smaller studios, this opens up new opportunities to compete with the majors.

3. Psychological Horror Is the New King of Scares

Jump scares and gore aren’t going away, but Obsession’s success underscores a growing appetite for horror that challenges audiences intellectually and emotionally. Films like Hereditary, The Lighthouse, and Saint Maud have shown that horror’s most powerful moments come from character and tension, not just special effects.

This shift reflects broader cultural trends:

• Audiences are fatigued by spectacle: After years of CGI-heavy blockbusters, viewers are seeking stories that feel real—even when they’re terrifying.
• The rise of “elevated horror”: Films that blend genre conventions with arthouse sensibilities (e.g., Midsommar, The Witch) are gaining mainstream traction.
• Mental health awareness: Stories that explore obsession, trauma, and psychological breakdown resonate in an era where anxiety and depression are increasingly discussed.

4. The Franchise Question: Can The Backrooms Sustain Its Momentum?

The Backrooms’s success has already sparked speculation about sequels, spin-offs, and even a TV series. But expanding the franchise won’t be easy. The original short’s appeal lies in its mystery—the more the lore is explored, the harder it will be to maintain its eerie ambiguity.

For comparison:

• Smile (2022) struggled to recapture its original short’s impact, with Smile 2 (2024) underperforming expectations.
• Host (2020) had a modest box office run but developed a cult following, proving that internet horror can thrive even without massive budgets.
• The Rake (2023) became a surprise hit, leading to a sequel already in development.

If The Backrooms is to avoid the fate of Smile 2, it will need to balance expansion with the original’s core appeal—something that will require careful storytelling and fan engagement.

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What’s Next for Horror? Expert Predictions and Industry Watch

The summer of 2024 has been a turning point for horror, but the genre’s future depends on several key factors. Industry analysts, filmmakers, and horror enthusiasts offer these insights on where things might be heading:

1. The Rise of “Digital Horror” as a Franchise Model

With The Backrooms’s success, studios are likely to explore more internet-born horror properties. However, not all adaptations will succeed. The key will be finding stories with built-in mysteries—like The Backrooms or Beneath—rather than those that rely on shock value alone.

What to watch for:

• More Blumhouse adaptations of viral horror (e.g., Beneath, The Rake sequel).
• Streaming platforms like Netflix and Shudder developing original internet horror series.
• Video game studios (e.g., Bandai Namco) exploring horror IP for film and TV.

2. The Psychological Horror Wave Continues

Obsession’s success suggests that 2024-2025 could see more films blending horror with psychological drama. Upcoming releases like Infinite (starring Mark Wahlberg) and Perfect Days (a Japanese horror-thriller) may follow a similar path.

Why it works:

• Audiences are seeking emotional horror experiences, not just scares.
• Streaming platforms favor character-driven stories that keep viewers binge-watching.
• The genre allows for more diverse storytelling (e.g., Get Out, The Lovebuilding).

3. The Challenge of Avoiding Oversaturation

With so many horror films in development, the risk of market fatigue is real. The key for studios will be differentiation—whether through unique source material, innovative storytelling, or standout performances.

Potential solutions:

• Hybrid genres: Horror-comedies (Talk to Me) or horror-sci-fi (Annihilation) can carve out new niches.
• International horror: Films like Train to Busan and The Wailing prove that global horror has untapped potential.
• Limited releases: Theaters and streaming platforms can rotate horror releases to avoid direct competition.

4. The Role of Social Media in Horror Marketing

The Backrooms’s success wasn’t just about the film—it was about the community around it. Horror fans on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Twitter played a crucial role in its promotion, sharing theories, memes, and hidden details.

Future horror marketing will likely lean even harder into participatory campaigns, where audiences feel like they’re part of the story. Expect more:

• Interactive trailers (e.g., Smile’s ARG-style marketing).
• Fan-driven lore expansion (like The Backrooms’s internet community).
• Live reactions and watch parties tied to release dates.

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Key Takeaways: What This Means for Fans and Filmmakers

The summer of 2024 has proven that horror is more than just a seasonal genre—it’s a cultural force with staying power. For fans, this means more opportunities to discover new scares, whether through internet-born films or psychological thrillers. For filmmakers, it signals a shift toward authentic, engaging storytelling over empty spectacle.

But the biggest takeaway may be this: Horror is no longer just about fear—it’s about connection. Whether through the shared dread of The Backrooms or the intimate terror of Obsession, these films remind us that the scariest stories are the ones that resonate on a personal level. In an era of algorithm-driven content and disposable entertainment, that’s a rare and powerful thing.

As the industry looks ahead, one thing is clear: the horror boom isn’t just a summer trend. It’s a reflection of how storytelling is evolving—and how audiences are hungry for something real.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Summer’s Horror Boom

Q: How does The Backrooms’s box office performance compare to other horror films?

The Backrooms has already surpassed many recent horror films in its opening weekend, including Talk to Me ($23M), Smile 2 ($28M), and Pearl ($19M). Its $81M+ gross puts it in the same league as It (2017, $700M+) and Annabelle (2014, $540M+), though on a much smaller budget.

Q: Is The Backrooms based on a real YouTube series?

Yes, the film is adapted from a 2019 YouTube short by 5JACOB5, which itself was inspired by a creepypasta (a collaborative online horror story). The original short has over 20 million views and spawned a massive fanbase, including fan art, podcasts, and even alternate endings.

Q: Why is Obsession doing so well if it’s not a big-budget film?

Obsession’s success comes from its character-driven approach, strong reviews, and a smart release strategy. Unlike many horror films that rely on jump scares, Obsession thrives on tension and Colin Farrell’s performance, making it a standout in a crowded genre.

Q: Will there be a The Backrooms sequel?

While no official announcement has been made, Blumhouse has expressed interest in expanding the franchise. However, any sequel would need to balance fan expectations with the original’s mysterious, ambiguous tone—a challenge many horror sequels struggle with.

Q: Are more internet horror films coming to theaters?

Yes, studios are increasingly adapting viral horror series. Upcoming projects include Beneath (from Universal) and potential adaptations of Slender Man and The Rake. However, not all will succeed—success depends on strong source material and careful execution.

Q: What’s the difference between The Backrooms and Obsession?

The Backrooms is a supernatural horror film about an endless, bureaucratic hellscape, while Obsession is a psychological thriller centered on a man’s unraveling mind. One relies on atmosphere and jump scares; the other on tension and character study.

Q: Can horror films still make money without big budgets?

Absolutely. Films like The Backrooms ($81M on a $10M budget), Talk to Me ($40M on a $10M budget), and Pearl ($25M on a $3M budget) prove that horror doesn’t need a $200M budget to succeed. The key is strong marketing, audience engagement, and a compelling story.