Obsession is off to a strong start at the box office, and early numbers show the low-budget horror film is connecting with audiences in a big way. The film opened May 15, 2026, and took third place in its first weekend with $17.2 million in ticket sales. It stars Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette in a story about a young man who makes a wish on a toy to win over his crush, only to face violent consequences.
After one full week in theaters, Obsession has earned $30.2 million domestically. That total puts it well ahead of expectations for a modestly budgeted horror release. The film currently holds a 95 percent Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore, two indicators that audience satisfaction is high. Strong word of mouth appears to be driving steady attendance, which could help the film hold or even grow in its second weekend.
Obsession | Official Trailer
Industry watchers often point to past breakout hits like Paranormal Activity as a model for this kind of success. That film famously cost just $15,000 to produce and built momentum through audience buzz before expanding wide. It eventually topped the box office with $21.1 million in a single weekend and went on to earn $107.5 million domestically and $193.3 million worldwide. While Obsession is still early in its run, the early trajectory suggests a similar pattern could be forming.
The timing also works in the film’s favor. While The Mandalorian and Grogu is expected to lead the Memorial Day weekend box office, Obsession offers a clear alternative for moviegoers looking for something darker. Counter programming has long been a reliable strategy, and this film appears to be benefiting from that split audience.
There is new competition on the horizon. A24 is set to release Backrooms on May 29, a sci-fi horror film based on a viral online series. That release could cut into Obsession’s momentum, especially among younger viewers who are already familiar with the source material. Even so, the numbers suggest Obsession is already a financial success. Reports indicate the film earned roughly twenty times its production budget in its opening weekend alone.
The strong performance also puts a spotlight on Inde Navarrette, whose role could draw attention later in the year if the film maintains its cultural footprint. In a market where major studio releases often dominate headlines, the early success of Obsession shows that smaller films can still break through when audiences respond.
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Karina Smitt
I'm not as much of a "CoMiCs NeEd MoAr DiVeRsItY & iNcLuSiOn" advocate as my girlfriend often is, but we both love funny books, crispy bacon, straight bourbon and hip hop. Add yet, we never vote the same, so we cancel each other out... and that works perfectly in my book!
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