Indie horror films are currently outperforming major studio releases across the globe. Recent reports indicate that titles like Obsession and Backrooms have secured the top two positions, even surpassing the latest Star Wars installment.

Obsession and Backrooms eclipse the latest Star Wars release

The 2022 box office landscape is witnessing a significant shift as low-budget horror titles disrupt traditional blockbuster dominance. According to recent reporting, the films Obsession and Backrooms have claimed the number one and number two spots respectively, effectively pushing the latest Star Wars entry out of the top tier.

The financial performance of Obsession is particularly staggering. The report notes that the film has already grossed more than 100 times its original production budget in worldwide earnings. Unlike typical theatrical releases that experience a sharp decline in revenue after their opening weekend, Obsession has demonstrated unusual staying power by increasing its weekly box office haul since its debut .

Adam Scott's Hokum climbs Apple TV charts following June 2 digital launch

The success of indie horror is not limited to theatrical windows , as the R-rated film Hokum has transitioned successfully to digital platforms. Directed by Damian McCarthy, known for his work on Oddity, the film stars Severance actor Adam Scott and has garnered strong critical and audience reception.

Data from FlixPatrol indicates that Hokum has become a major digital hit, currently ranking as the fourth most popular movie on the Apple TV Store in the United States. The film's reach extends internationally, appearing in the top three most popular movies in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Canada. This global traction follows a strong theatrical run that earned an 89% critic rating and an 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The mystery of the 100x budget multiplier for Obsession

While the current trend favors small-scale horror, several details regarding this market shift remain unverified. The source reports on the massive returns of Obsession but does not specify the exact productoin budget that allowed for such a 100x multiplier. Furthermore, while the report highlights the strugle of the latest Star Wars film,it does not name the specific installment or provide its exact box office figures for comparison.

It also remains unclear whether the success of Hokum is driven primarily by Adam Scott's star power or if the genre's current popularity is a broader seasonal trend. Without seeing the specific marketing spend for these indie titles, it is difficult to determine if their dominance is a result of organic word-of-mouth or a highly efficient, low-cost digital strategy.