The YouTube-to-movie trend is gaining momentum this weekend. The top film at the box office is “Backrooms,” based on Kane Parsons’ eerie YouTube series about a strange office space that defies the laws of physics. This film adaptation is expected to pull in around $81 million in its opening weekend, setting a record for indie studio A24, eclipsing its previous highest earner, “Civil War,” which made $25.7 million.
Coming in second is “Obsession,” bringing in an estimated $26.4 million. This film tells the story of a romantic desire that spirals into chaos. What’s remarkable is that “Obsession” made more money in its second weekend than its first, with projections showing it could increase by another 10% in its third weekend. This is rare; most films see a drop of 50 to 70% in their second weekends. In fact, it’s been over 40 years since a film has shown growth in both its second and third weekends—making this achievement even more notable.
Both movies were directed by filmmakers who started on YouTube. Parsons is just 20, and Barker, who directed “Obsession,” is 26 and previously created a found footage horror film. Barker is already set to direct a remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” This shift from YouTube to feature films is surprisingly challenging. According to Mark DelVecchio, manager of Rutgers Cinema, many YouTubers have struggled to make the leap. What makes Parsons and Barker stand out is their ability to build a loyal following over time.
On a related note, earlier this year, Mark Fischbach, known as Markiplier on YouTube, directed “Iron Lung,” which earned $41 million. This continuing trend of YouTube creators transitioning into mainstream films shows how digital platforms now shape what we watch.
As for “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” the latest entry in the Star Wars franchise, it’s on track to earn $24 million this weekend—trailing behind both “Backrooms” and “Obsession.”
In short, these films highlight a new wave of horror, blending online creativity with traditional filmmaking. It’s a fascinating time for cinema lovers, as we see these new voices rise from the digital landscape to Hollywood.
For more details on these trends, you can check out articles from resources like The New York Times or Hollywood Reporter.
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backrooms,Curry Barker,Kane parsons,obsession,YouTube
