Steven Spielberg Applauds ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’ Box Office Success: “I Just Applaud Them”
Steven Spielberg recently commented on hit horror movies during a red carpet interview for his upcoming film Disclosure Day, which premieres in theaters on June 12. He commented on horror films Obsession and Backrooms and how quickly they managed to captivate audiences.
Spielberg has publicly praised a new wave of horror filmmakers after two low-budget films, Obsession and Backrooms, delivered strong results at the global box office. Speaking at the Disclosure Day screening, Spielberg said he was impressed by how successful both films became despite being made with very small budgets.
He said in the interview, “I’m so happy for them. I think it’s so fantastic.” He added that it was surprising to see how much both films achieved financially. He pointed out that Obsession was made for under one million dollars, while Backrooms reportedly had a budget of around nine to ten million dollars. He said, “They’re doing so well, and I just applaud them.” Spielberg also mentioned that he had already seen Obsession and enjoyed it, while saying he plans to watch Backrooms later.
The box office success of both films has been widely discussed in the industry. Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, premiered on May 15 and quickly grew into a major hit for Focus Features. It has earned over 151 million dollars in the United States alone, making it the studio’s highest grossing domestic release to date.
Critics have responded strongly to the film’s intense style and psychological focus. Many reviews highlight its low-budget approach as a strength, noting how it builds tension through simple settings and character-driven storytelling rather than large effects. Some critics described it as uncomfortable and disturbing in a way that stays with viewers, while others praised its tight direction and emotional intensity. Audience reactions have also been strong, with word-of-mouth helping it grow beyond its initial release expectations.
Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons, has also performed beyond expectations. The film is based on Parsons’ earlier online horror series and marks his debut as a feature film director at a very young age. It opened with 81.4 million dollars in the domestic market and has reached 118 million dollars worldwide. It is now the highest grossing A24 film in the United States and the first from the studio to cross the 100 million dollar mark domestically.
Critical reception for Backrooms has focused on its atmosphere and visual style. Reviewers have praised its unsettling tone and the way it translates internet horror concepts into a full cinematic experience. Some critics noted that its structure feels experimental, while others said that its sense of mystery and visual design are its strongest points. However, a few reviews also pointed out that the narrative can feel unclear at times, especially for viewers unfamiliar with the original online series.
Spielberg’s comments come at a time when both films are being discussed as examples of how low-budget horror can still reach large audiences. His praise highlights how the genre continues to support new filmmakers and experimental ideas, especially when driven by strong concepts and online fan interest.
Both Obsession and Backrooms are now seen as breakout successes in the horror genre, not just financially but also in terms of cultural impact. Their performances suggest that audiences are increasingly open to smaller, original horror films, especially when they offer something different from mainstream studio releases.
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