This weekend marked a significant moment for the horror genre as “Backrooms” shattered box office records. Directed by Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old filmmaker known from YouTube, the film earned an impressive $81 million domestically and $118 million globally during its opening weekend. This debut sets a new high for A24, surpassing the previous record held by “Civil War,” which made $25.5 million. Not only that, but “Backrooms” also holds the title for the biggest opening weekend for an original horror movie. With a budget of about $10 million, it’s already a massive success.
“Backrooms” stems from Parsons’ web series that explores the unsettling concept of liminal spaces—those eerie, endless rooms and corridors discussed widely on platforms like Reddit and TikTok. The story follows a furniture store owner who discovers a mysterious doorway leading to a seemingly infinite expanse of bland rooms. His therapist embarks on a journey into this maze to rescue him.
Analyst Jeff Bock noted, “Nobody expected this to open above $80 million. There’s a real obsession with ‘Backrooms’ mythology, and that’s part of the reason behind its success.”
While there’s no confirmed sequel yet, Parsons has hinted at the idea of creating a franchise, signifying a potential new direction for horror films.
A Surge in Younger Audience Engagement
Post-pandemic, there were fears that younger audiences might shy away from theaters. However, the turnout over the weekend proved those concerns wrong. Almost 85% of “Backrooms” viewers were under 35, with half of them being 25 or younger. Surprisingly, the horror film “Obsession,” also popular among younger audiences, saw a 10% increase in ticket sales during its third weekend, crossing the $100 million mark domestically.
Bock suggested that both films reached success because of distinct themes: “Backrooms” dives into mind-bending horror while “Obsession” focuses on romantic thriller elements, catering to different tastes among viewers.
Shifts in Franchise Appeal
Hollywood faces a challenge when it comes to appealing to Gen Z and younger viewers. They’re selective, preferring originality over nostalgia. For instance, Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” despite being part of the beloved “Star Wars” franchise, experienced a steep drop in ticket sales, indicating that older properties may not resonate with this demographic as strongly.
As summer rolls out blockbuster releases like “Toy Story 5” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” studios will need to rethink their strategies if they want to keep younger audiences engaged.
YouTube Stars Transitioning to Film
The success of “Backrooms” reflects a growing trend where YouTube creators are making their mark in Hollywood. Mark Fischback, known as Markiplier, recently produced the horror film “Iron Lung,” which grossed $50 million on a $3 million budget. Blumhouse producer Jason Blum recognizes that YouTube is now a rich source for new talent, urging Hollywood to support creators with potential. This pathway from online content to big-screen success could change the landscape of filmmaking.
Evolving Horror Genre
Horror films have shifted from mere shock and gore to compelling storytelling. Recent hits, such as “M3GAN” and “The Black Phone,” show that audiences now crave depth alongside scares. David Gross, an industry analyst, argues that today’s horror films are more than just frights—they explore intricate narratives that engage viewers on multiple levels.
Blumhouse, once struggling, is experiencing a resurgence with films like “Black Phone 2” and upcoming titles such as “Insidious: Out of the Further.” With these projects, the studio appears poised to continue its legacy of innovative horror.
As “Backrooms” sets the stage for what’s to come, it not only highlights the evolution of the horror genre but also signals a new era for younger audiences in theaters.
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