Kane Parsons' 'Backrooms' and Curry Barker's 'Obsession' dominated the box office this weekend, highlighting YouTubers' successful leap into mainstream filmmaking.
Record-Breaking Weekend
'Backrooms,' directed by Kane Parsons, expanded from his YouTube series into a full-length feature, grossing $38 million on Friday. The film, featuring eerie found footage, is projected to earn between $80 million to $90 million domestically by weekend's end. This marks the biggest opening for indie studio A24, surpassing 'Civil War,' which previously held the record with $25.7 million.
Unexpected Growth for 'Obsession'
Curry Barker's 'Obsession,' although second with $8 million on Friday, is performing exceptionally. The romantic horror film, which made more in its second weekend than its first, is projected to grow another 19% in its third weekend, reaching $28.5 million. Such growth is rare, as most films see a 50-70% drop by their second weekend. According to the Hollywood Reporter, 'Obsession' is the first since 1982 to grow on both its second and third weekends, excluding holiday releases.
YouTube Directors Making Waves
Like 'Backrooms,' 'Obsession' is helmed by a YouTuber turned filmmaker. Barker, known for 'Milk & Serial,' has already completed his next project and will direct a new version of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.' The trend continues with Mark Fischbach's 'Iron Lung,' a game adaptation that grossed $41 million earlier this year.
Industry Insights
According to Mark DelVecchio from Rutgers Cinema, the success of Parsons, Barker, and Fischbach is due to their longevity and ability to cultivate a loyal audience. DelVecchio noted, "Lots of YouTubers have tried to make the leap to mainstream movies and come up short." However, the dedication and experience of these young filmmakers (Parsons is 20, Barker is 26) have allowed them to stand out.
The rise of YouTube filmmakers like Parsons and Barker signals a shift in the industry, where digital creators are increasingly recognized for their storytelling skills and ability to engage audiences beyond online platforms.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/30/this-weekends-two-biggest-movies-were-both-directed-by-youtubers/
