Backrooms Boom
Backrooms shattered box office records now
Kane Parsons / Petaluma, United States / A24 /

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Last Updated
6/25/2026
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The Breakdown 98

  • "Backrooms," directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, has shattered records as A24's biggest domestic release, grossing $81 million in its opening weekend and a stunning $118 million globally, marking the largest opening for an original horror film.
  • The film's inspiration comes from a viral YouTube series created by Parsons, tapping into the fascination with eerie liminal spaces that resonates with today’s younger audiences.
  • As the youngest director to top the box office, Parsons represents a new wave of YouTuber filmmakers redefining the industry landscape and engaging Gen Z viewers in theaters.
  • The film's success is underscored by its competition with major franchises like "Star Wars," highlighting a significant shift in cinematic tastes toward indie horror.
  • Parsons has voiced strong opposition to artificial intelligence in filmmaking, calling it detrimental to creativity, which reflects a generational commitment to maintaining artistic authenticity.
  • The triumph of "Backrooms," alongside films like "Obsession," signals a resurgence of interest in horror cinema, drawing audiences back to theaters and redefining what success looks like in an evolving film industry.

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Kane Parsons / Curry Barker / Petaluma, United States / A24 /

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