VOD, Streaming Haven’t Killed This Horror Sensation

It’s the film that keeps breaking all the rules.

Director Curry Barker’s “Obsession” refused to obey box office gravity. The film’s second and third weekends made more money than its debut. A lot more money.

That just doesn’t happen.

The indie smash also stuck around the top 5 releases for longer than anyone expected.

Now, this.

“Obsession” hit the VOD cyber shelves on June 30. That should have marked the film’s theatrical finish without an ounce of shame. The few folks who missed the movie in theater (it made $261 million stateside) could now see it from the comfort of their home.

And, if more than one person watched it, at a smaller price point.

They did just that, of course. But the film kept chugging along in theaters.

RELATED: ‘OBSESSION’ DIRECTOR IS SHAMING HOLLYWOOD TO THE CORE

“Obsession” came in 6th place the following weekend, then 7th and then 8th before landing in 10th place in the rankings this past weekend.

There’s another wrinkle here. 

Peacock began streaming “Obsession” on July 17.

No, no, no, no, NO! #Obsession is streaming on Peacock. pic.twitter.com/YfvYFnMCiy

— Peacock (@peacock) July 18, 2026

So the film is now available two different ways at home, and it’s “free” if you’re already a Peacock subscriber.

And it kept drawing a crowd in theaters, and during the height of the summer movie season at that.

The film’s performance offers some valuable lessons.

• Box office rules are made to be broken
• Make the right movie and people will leave their homes to see it
• Horror is the go-to genre at this moment in time
• We may not see another film perform like “Obsession” for a while

Either way, the film’s VOD/theatrical engagement suggests films can straddle both worlds with some success. 

Sometimes.

Case in point? “Supergirl” is flying to VOD July 28 

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