Story perspectives

Indie Horror “Obsession” Nets $234 M on $750 K Budget

6/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The horror film “Obsession” has earned $234.5 million since its May 15, 2026 release.
Made for $750,000, the film opened with $17.1 million in North America.
In its fourth weekend the movie earned $25.6 million, a 7 percent drop that set a new indie-horror record.
Focus Features paid about $15 million for distribution at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
Roughly 75 percent of viewers are aged 18-34, with word-of-mouth—not ads—driving its box-office strength.

History

Historical Context

The Blair Witch Project began development in 1993, was shot in eight days in 1997, and after premiering at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival was released on July 30, 1999 through Artisan Entertainment. Its viral grassroots campaign proved low-budget horror could earn blockbuster returns, prompting studios to favor word-of-mouth marketing for later indie hits such as the 2026 film Obsession.

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Story summary

The horror film “Obsession” has earned $234.5 million since its May 15, 2026 release.
Made for $750,000, the film opened with $17.1 million in North America.
In its fourth weekend the movie earned $25.6 million, a 7 percent drop that set a new indie-horror record.
Focus Features paid about $15 million for distribution at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
Roughly 75 percent of viewers are aged 18-34, with word-of-mouth—not ads—driving its box-office strength.

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