A24's 'Backrooms' Surpasses Box Office Expectations, Outperforming 'Mandalorian and Grogu'

A24's latest horror release, 'Backrooms,' has shattered box office expectations with a $90 million opening weekend. According to TheWrap, this figure more than triples the studio's previous high, emphasizing the ongoing dominance of horror films in the current cinematic landscape. Meanwhile, 'Obsession,' another horror title, has seen an impressive 19% increase in its third weekend, signifying strong staying power at the box office. ScreenRant notes that 'Backrooms' has outperformed 'Mandalorian and Grogu,' making it the top horror debut of 2026 and underscoring the genre's broad appeal beyond traditional sci-fi blockbusters.

Industry experts like Jason Blum have commented on the trend, drawing parallels to the 1970s era of groundbreaking horror films. As reported by TheWrap, Blum highlights how today's success stories often come from directors who refined their craft online, echoing the audacity and innovation of '70s horror. Variety adds that these results should serve as a reminder to Hollywood of the lucrative potential in thinking outside the box, catering to diverse and unconventional stories that resonate with audiences.

With 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession' both defying box office norms, the stage is set for a potential reigniting of interest in bold and inventive horror narratives. As more filmmakers step into the spotlight from non-traditional backgrounds, the genre's future seems poised for both commercial and creative growth.