The movie 'Backrooms,' directed by 17-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, is projected to gross between $80 million and $90 million at the domestic box office this weekend, according to TechCrunch. This opening weekend performance sets a new record for studio A24, Deadline reported. The film's immediate financial success signals a powerful new force in film, demonstrating how online creators can draw massive audiences to traditional cinematic releases.
Hollywood has historically viewed online creators as separate from mainstream cinema. However, YouTubers are now delivering blockbuster box office numbers that rival established studio productions. Another example is 'Obsession,' directed by Curry Barker, which is estimated to achieve a $28.5 million weekend haul, according to TechCrunch.
Based on these early box office successes, it appears likely that the film industry will increasingly seek out and invest in projects from popular online creators, blurring the lines between digital and traditional entertainment. The strong performance of these new movies directed by YouTubers released in 2026 challenges established industry models.
- The movie 'Backrooms,' directed by Kane Parsons, is projected to earn between $80 million and $90 million at the domestic box office this weekend, TechCrunch reported.
- This opening is a record for A24, according to Deadline.
- The film 'Obsession,' directed by Curry Barker, is estimated to have a $28.5 million weekend haul, TechCrunch stated.
- 'Backrooms' made $38 million on Friday, according to TechCrunch, while Deadline reported $38.4 million for its first-day/previews.
- 'Obsession' made $8 million on Friday, TechCrunch reported.
Based on TechCrunch's reporting of 'Backrooms' projected $80-90 million domestic weekend, Hollywood's traditional gatekeepers are now directly competing with a new generation of filmmakers. These creators bypass established industry structures entirely, proving that audience connection often trumps studio backing.
Do YouTuber-Directed Films Succeed Globally?
'Backrooms' is expected to earn an estimated $36 million offshore this weekend, leading to a global start between $121 million and $124 million, according to Deadline. The film made $38 million on Friday, while 'Obsession' made $8 million on Friday, both figures reported by TechCrunch. The substantial international earnings and consistent daily performance across both films underscore the broad appeal and commercial viability of content originating from the creator economy.
The record-breaking opening weekend for A24 with 'Backrooms,' as reported by Deadline, signals that even 'indie' studios are finding unprecedented success. They are leveraging pre-existing online communities, forcing a re-evaluation of how talent is discovered and how films are marketed.
How Do Online Creators Challenge Film Studios?
The sheer scale of 'Backrooms'' opening weekend, achieved by a 17-year-old YouTuber, suggests that established age and experience barriers in Hollywood are becoming irrelevant to audience engagement and box office performance. The rapid accumulation of box office revenue, with 'Backrooms' making $38 million on Friday and 'Obsession' making $8 million on Friday, indicates that the audience for YouTuber-directed films is highly engaged. This viewing is front-loaded, likely driven by existing fan bases and immediate social media buzz rather than traditional marketing cycles.
The combined domestic weekend haul of over $100 million for just two YouTuber-directed films, 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession,' in a single weekend demonstrates this is not an isolated phenomenon. It is a burgeoning market segment capable of competing directly with, and even surpassing, traditional studio releases. The combined $100M+ domestic weekend haul for 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession' (TechCrunch) demonstrates that YouTuber-directed films are not a niche curiosity but a formidable new segment capable of consistently delivering blockbuster numbers, challenging the very definition of a 'studio picture'.
What YouTubers Are Releasing Movies?
What YouTubers have directed movies?
Beyond Kane Parsons and Curry Barker, other YouTubers have moved into film. Markiplier, a prominent YouTuber, is directing and starring in the 2026 horror film 'Iron Lung.' Scott Cawthon, creator of the 'Five Nights at Freddy's' game series, co-wrote the screenplay for its successful film adaptation.
Are there any new movies from YouTubers in 2026?
Yes, 2026 sees the release of 'Backrooms' by Kane Parsons and 'Obsession' by Curry Barker. Additionally, Markiplier's 'Iron Lung' is slated for release, further expanding the presence of online creators in feature films.
Which YouTubers are releasing movies this weekend?
This weekend, Kane Parsons released 'Backrooms' and Curry Barker released 'Obsession.' These two films mark significant box office achievements for directors who originated from digital platforms.
