A24's low-budget horror hit Backrooms surpasses $400M globally! 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons breaks studio records. Read the full box office breakdown inside.
Independent cinema giant A24 has achieved its highest-grossing film release of all time as Backrooms, directed by 20-year-old YouTube creator Kane Parsons, officially crossed $400 million at the global box office. Produced on a modest $10 million budget in collaboration with 21 Laps Entertainment, Atomic Monster, and Chernin Entertainment, the sci-fi psychological horror sensation features an star-studded cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, and Mark Duplass. The film opened theatrically on May 29, 2026, generating $197.5 million domestically and $202.57 million internationally for a global total of $400.07 million.
How Did Backrooms Become A24's Highest Grossing Film of All Time?
Over its four-month theatrical run, the viral analog horror adaptation outperformed major studio releases to deliver unprecedented market share for A24.
- Shattering Previous Studio Records: Backrooms overtook Timothée Chalamet's Marty Supreme ($192 million) to become A24's top-earning global release.
- Massive Opening Weekend: The film generated an extraordinary $81 million domestic launch and $118 million worldwide debut, setting a company record.
- Gen Z and Online Creator Momentum: Strong word of mouth and heavy engagement across viral platforms propelled massive turnout among younger cinema audiences.
- International Territory Dominance: Outside North America, China led foreign markets with $27.8 million, followed closely by Mexico with $17.8 million and the United Kingdom with $17.6 million.
Who Is Director Kane Parsons and What Is His Next Project?
At just 20 years old during the film's premiere, director Kane Parsons secured a unique place in Hollywood history.
- Historic Box Office Milestone: Parsons became the youngest director in cinema history to launch a movie at No. 1 at both the domestic and global box office.
- Origins in Analog Horror: The film expands on Parsons' viral YouTube series The Backrooms (Found Footage), which turned internet creepypasta lore about liminal spaces into an online pop culture phenomenon.
- Backrooms Sequel Status: While A24 has not formally announced a release date, Parsons has re-partnered with the studio to develop a theatrical sequel alongside expanding his original YouTube web series.
Watch Backrooms today on Apple TV or purchase it digitally across major streaming storefronts.