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From YouTube to the multiplex: How low-budget horror films are beating big-budget studio bets
Key takeaways
- Two of the biggest box-office standouts of 2026 so far were not made by established studio directors or built on franchise IP.
- “Obsession” and “Backrooms” — horror films from internet-native directors in their 20s — have outperformed far more expensive studio releases.
- The breakout success of these films has ignited debate across Hollywood about what made these movies so popular, especially among Gen Z moviegoers who haven’t been flocking to cinemas in recent years.
Renate Reinsve in “Backrooms,” left, and Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston in “Obsession.” (Asterios Moutsokapas / A24; Focus Features) By Cerys Davies Staff Writer Follow June 20, 2026 3 AM PT 5 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Two of the biggest box-office standouts of 2026 so far were not made by established studio directors or built on franchise IP.
“Obsession” and “Backrooms” — horror films from internet-native directors in their 20s — have outperformed far more expensive studio releases.
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