A24 has achieved a major box office milestone as Backrooms, the film adaptation of the viral online horror phenomenon, opened to an impressive $81.5 million across North America.

The movie’s remarkable debut has established several new industry records and delivered one of the strongest openings ever seen for a horror release based on an original concept.

Kane Parsons Makes History With Stunning Debut

The success of Backrooms marks a historic achievement for director Kane Parsons, who first introduced the concept through a YouTube horror series while still in his teens.

Now 20 years old, Parsons has become the youngest filmmaker to launch a feature film directly to number one at the domestic box office.

The film’s opening weekend also represents the biggest domestic debut for an original horror movie and the strongest opening performance in A24’s history.

What Is Backrooms About?

The story centers on a furniture store owner, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who discovers a strange and seemingly endless structure hidden beneath his business.

After he mysteriously vanishes inside the maze-like environment, his therapist, portrayed by Renate Reinsve, enters the unsettling underground world in an effort to locate him.

As the search unfolds, she encounters the disturbing secrets that exist within the mysterious space.

Viral Internet Horror Inspires Hollywood Hit

The Backrooms concept first gained widespread attention online in 2022 through a series of short horror videos.

It quickly became associated with the internet’s “creepypasta” culture, where users expand and reinterpret horror stories by adding new characters, locations, creatures, and supernatural elements.

The growing popularity of the online series eventually paved the way for its transition to the big screen.

Obsession Continues Strong Performance in Theaters

Landing in second place was Focus Features’ psychological horror title Obsession, which continued to attract audiences during its third week of release.

The film generated another $26.4 million at the domestic box office, further strengthening its successful theatrical run.

Positive audience reactions and favorable reviews have played a significant role in maintaining its momentum.

Low-Budget Horror Delivers Big Results

Directed by Curry Baker, the movie has emerged as one of the year’s most profitable releases.

Despite being produced for less than $1 million. Obsession has now amassed nearly $150 million worldwide, underscoring its impressive commercial success.

Inde Navarrette Earns Critical Recognition

Actress Inde Navarrette has received widespread praise for her performance as a young woman whose emotions spiral out of control after a magical wish alters her life.

Her character becomes dangerously attached to a man portrayed by Michael Johnston, setting the stage for the film’s dark and unsettling storyline.

Star Wars Feature Experiences Significant Second-Weekend Drop

Disney’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu secured third place after earning $25 million during its second weekend in theaters.

The film saw its revenue decline by nearly 70 percent compared with its opening weekend.

Serving as a continuation of the popular streaming series The Mandalorian, the project also marks the first theatrical Star Wars release since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.

Michael Continues Successful Global Run

Biographical drama Michael remained among the top-performing films at the box office, extending its stay in the top five to six consecutive weekends.

The movie added $11.7 million domestically and continues to attract audiences worldwide.

Worldwide Earnings Approach New Milestone

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson as legendary entertainer Michael Jackson.

Current figures show that the movie has earned approximately $340 million in North America and more than $845 million globally, making it one of the year’s strongest performers.

The Breadwinner Opens Inside the Top Five

Sony’s comedy The Breadwinner debuted in fifth position with an opening-weekend total of $7.5 million.

The film features comedian Nate Bargatze, whose observational humor and family-oriented comedy have made him one of the most successful stand-up performers in the United States.

Comedy Focuses on Family Responsibilities

In the story, Bargatze plays a father who suddenly finds himself managing household duties and caring for his children alone while his wife is away on a business trip.

The film explores the challenges, frustrations, and humorous moments that emerge as he adapts to his new role at home.