Movie audiences worldwide are showing immense interest in the film “Obsession,” mirroring the intense fixation portrayed by the movie’s deranged protagonist. According to a report by The Wrap on Sunday, the horror hit has officially exceeded the $500 million mark in global box office revenue, making it the first original film of the 2020s to achieve this milestone. Surpassing Pixar’s 2023 animated success “Elemental,” which grossed $494.6 million worldwide, “Obsession” now holds the title of the highest-grossing original film in the post-pandemic era, as reported by The Express Tribune.
This micro-budget film, depicting a woman consumed by violent obsession triggered by a selfish wish from a young man, has also earned the distinction of being the highest-grossing movie ever made for under $1 million. Produced with a budget of merely $750,000, “Obsession” has outperformed the 1973 Bruce Lee martial arts classic “Enter the Dragon,” which cost $850,000 to create and has accumulated $400 million through multiple re-releases.
Written and directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” premiered in theaters on May 15. The film’s success has been remarkable, with weekly grosses increasing consistently during its initial three weeks, a feat not seen since “E.T.” By the conclusion of its U.S. theatrical run on August 14, “Obsession” had garnered $263.4 million domestically and an additional $238.1 million internationally, pushing its global earnings to $501.5 million and continuing to climb, according to Box Office Mojo. A release in South Korea is still pending, as per The Wrap.
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 triumph is propelling its young cast towards significant opportunities, with lead actress Inde Navarette set to portray Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” installment, and lead actor Michael Johnston in discussions to join Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie.
The overwhelming success of “Obsession” is laying a solid foundation for Barker’s next venture. The filmmaker is currently working on a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will also star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson, as per The Wrap.