Movie audiences worldwide have shown immense interest in the film “Obsession,” much like the movie’s deranged, murderous character. According to recent reports from The Wrap, the horror film has exceeded $500 million in global box office revenue, making it the first original film of the 2020s to achieve this milestone. Surpassing Pixar’s “Elemental,” “Obsession” has become the highest-grossing original movie of the post-pandemic era, as noted by The Express Tribune.
Despite its modest budget of $750,000, “Obsession” has now become the top-grossing film ever produced for less than $1 million. This accomplishment places it ahead of the 1973 martial arts classic “Enter the Dragon,” which cost $850,000 to create and has earned $400 million through various re-releases.
Directed and written by Curry Barker, a 26-year-old talent, “Obsession” premiered in theaters on May 15. The film witnessed a rare achievement by increasing its weekly earnings during each of its first three weeks, a feat not seen since “E.T.” By the end of its U.S. theatrical run on August 14, “Obsession” had raked in $263.4 million domestically and an additional $238.1 million internationally, bringing its total earnings to $501.5 million and counting, as reported by Box Office Mojo. A release is still pending in South Korea.
Following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, Focus Features acquired “Obsession,” making it the highest-grossing festival acquisition in history. The film’s commercial success has opened doors for its young cast, with lead actress Inde Navarette set to portray Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” installment. Lead actor Michael Johnston is also in talks to star alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Universal’s latest “The Mummy” project.
The overwhelming success of “Obsession” has set the stage for Barker’s next venture. The filmmaker is currently working on a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” where he will co-star with Cooper Tomlinson, as reported by The Wrap.