A new wave of internet-born filmmakers is reshaping Hollywood’s box office, as two horror films created by YouTube-origin directors surged ahead of major studio releases this weekend — including a new Star Wars entry.
The breakout hit Backrooms and the low-budget thriller Obsession drew massive Gen Z audiences to cinemas, signaling a major shift in viewing habits and theatrical demand.
‘Backrooms’ Leads Box Office With Surprise $81 Million Opening
Released by A24, Backrooms earned an estimated $81.5 million in its opening weekend across more than 3,400 theaters in the U.S. and Canada.
The film, directed by 20-year-old YouTube creator Kane Parsons, is based on a viral internet horror concept that originated as a “creepypasta” and later evolved into a popular online series.
Made on a reported $10 million budget, the film has already become one of the most profitable openings in A24’s history and has earned over $100 million globally including international markets.
‘Obsession’ Continues Strong Run in Second Place
The second major breakout, Obsession, directed by former YouTuber Curry Barker, earned $26.4 million in its third weekend, marking a 10% increase from the previous week.
Produced on a micro-budget of under $1 million, the film has maintained unusually strong audience retention, with steady box office growth driven largely by younger moviegoers.
Industry analysts say both films demonstrate the growing influence of digital-native creators transitioning into mainstream cinema.
‘Star Wars’ Falls Behind in Third Place
In contrast, the latest installment in the franchise, The Mandalorian and Grogu, dropped sharply in its second weekend, earning around $25 million domestically.
Despite its global brand recognition, the film was overtaken by smaller, internet-originated horror titles, marking a surprising weekend outcome for Hollywood’s biggest franchise.
Gen Z Drives Theater Comeback
Industry data shows that a large majority of Backrooms audiences were under 35, with more than half under 25 — and a significant portion under 21.
The strong turnout suggests that younger audiences, often associated with streaming and short-form content consumption, are still willing to attend theaters when content connects with online culture and viral storytelling.
The success of both films has been credited to their roots in digital platforms such as YouTube and online storytelling communities, where early fanbases helped generate global anticipation before theatrical release.
Industry Reaction: A Turning Point for Hollywood?
Executives from Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and other studios say the weekend performance could mark a shift in how Hollywood discovers and develops new talent, with increased focus on online creators.
The success of Backrooms also highlights the continued strength of the horror genre, particularly among younger audiences, where low-budget productions can deliver outsized returns.
Analysts say the trend may encourage more studios to scout creators from platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where viral storytelling often precedes mainstream success.
Box Office Snapshot
- Backrooms — $81.5 million
- Obsession — $26.4 million
- The Mandalorian and Grogu — $25 million
- Michael — $11.7 million
- The Breadwinner — $7.5 million
Outlook
With both films continuing to perform strongly and international earnings rising, industry experts suggest that YouTube-origin filmmaking may no longer be a niche pipeline — but a central force in shaping the future of theatrical entertainment.
