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This weekend’s two biggest movies were both directed by YouTubers
This weekend, both top box office films were directed by YouTubers: 'Backrooms' directed by Kane Parsons grossed an estimated $81 million, marking A24’s biggest opening, while 'Obsession' by Curry Barker grossed $26.4 million, becoming the first film since 1982 to grow its earnings on both its second and third weekends. Both films highlight the emerging trend of successful YouTuber directors in mainstream cinema.
Key points
- 'Backrooms' directed by Kane Parsons grossed around $81 million, the largest opening for indie studio A24.
- 'Obsession' directed by Curry Barker earned $26.4 million, with week-over-week growth, a rare occurrence for mainstream films.
- 'Obsession' is the first film since 1982 to increase earnings in both its second and third weekends.
- These releases follow the success of 'Iron Lung,' a video game adaptation directed by Mark Fischbach, which grossed $41 million.
- Mark DelVecchio mentions that the success of Parsons, Barker, and Fischbach is due to their longevity and loyal audiences built over years.
Why it matters
- The rise of YouTube filmmakers into mainstream Hollywood reflects changing dynamics in the film industry.
- The trend indicates a shift in audience engagement and content creation, aligning with 2025 IT trends around digital media convergence.
- This boom shows the potential for social media influencers to transition to traditional media successfully, something not commonly achieved before.
The success of 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession' illustrates a significant shift in the film industry, showcasing that YouTubers can become successful directors, marking a new chapter in how films are made and marketed.