Obsession Could Become One of the Most Profitable Films Ever

Obsession, an indie horror film directed by 26-year-old YouTuber Curry Barker, opened in theaters on May 15 and has posted uncommon weekend gains, earning more in its third weekend than its second and more in its second than its first. It has reached $104 million domestically and $148 million worldwide, and Discussing Film projects it could exceed $250 million by the end of its run.

Made for an estimated $750,000 to $1 million, Obsession’s return on investment is extraordinary. Using the lower budget figure, the film could make about 333 times its cost. By contrast, 2009’s Avatar cost $237 million and grossed $2.92 billion, roughly 12.33 times its budget—more pure profit but a far smaller ROI.

Other low-budget horror successes set the bar high: The Blair Witch Project was made for about $200,000 and grossed $248.6 million (roughly 1,243 times its budget), and Paranormal Activity, with an adjusted budget near $215,000, grossed $193.35 million (about 899 times).

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