The horror film has grossed over $400 million globally and is a cultural phenomenon
Category: Arts & Culture
Curry Barker’s breakout horror hit Obsession will start streaming on Peacock on July 17, 2026, as seen in a trending post on r/movies. The film follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a hopeless romantic who wishes for his co-worker Nikki (Inde Navarrette) to love him more than anything else, resulting in Nikki becoming dangerously obsessed with him. The film's digital release date was delayed due to its overwhelming success in theaters.
Obsession has grossed $370 million worldwide on a budget of less than $1 million, making it the highest-grossing Focus Features release to date. The company acquired the film for $14 million at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Its success can be attributed to strong word-of-mouth, earning an “A-” grade on CinemaScore exit polls and a remarkable 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film had a $17.2 million domestic debut weekend, which grew to $23.9 million in its second weekend and $27.4 million in its third weekend, an impressive and rare increase. Critics are already buzzing about the film's potential for award season. Variety's Clayton Davis noted that Obsession could follow the successful path of Jordan Peele’s Get Out, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, stating, "The ingredients are here. It’s a cultural phenomenon at the box office with a star-making performance, a director with a once-in-a-generation origin story and a distributor with everything to gain by betting on it."
Written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker in his feature directorial debut, Obsession has captivated audiences with its unique narrative and engaging performances. Alongside Johnston and Navarrette, the film features Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter in supporting roles. The film's premise revolves around a shy music store employee whose wish for love spirals into chaos, highlighting the dark consequences of unfulfilled desires.
After its theatrical release, which began in May 2026, Obsession made its home debut on digital platforms in the United States on June 30, 2026. The film is also set to be available on 4K UHD combo pack, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 14, 2026, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The film's executive producers include Jason Blum, Leonora Darby, Mark Lane, David Haring, and Ruzanna Kegeyan, all of whom have notable experience in producing successful horror films.
Looking ahead, Curry Barker is set to release another film titled Anything but Ghosts, starring Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard. He is also lined up to direct a reboot of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre for A24, indicating a promising future for the director who has already made a mark in the horror genre.
As Obsession continues to dominate the box office and generate discussions about its potential for awards, industry insiders are keeping a close watch on its performance. The film's blend of horror and romance, coupled with Barker's innovative storytelling, positions it as a strong contender in upcoming award seasons.
With its streaming debut on Peacock approaching, fans and newcomers alike are set to experience the chilling tale that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. As the film's success story continues to evolve, it is uncertain how Barker's next projects will build on this impressive foundation.
As the excitement builds for the streaming release, viewers can anticipate a mix of horror and romance that has resonated with many. The film's unique narrative and Barker's direction have set a high bar for future horror releases, making Obsession a must-watch for fans of the genre.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.