Backrooms storms past $400 million at the global box office

Backrooms has surpassed $400 million at the global box office, marking a major milestone for the low-budget horror film and A24.

After nearly four months in cinemas, the movie has earned $197.5 million in North America and $202.57 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $400.07 million. The film was reportedly produced on a $10 million budget.

Directed by YouTuber Kane Parsons, Backrooms has become A24’s highest-grossing release to date. It has also emerged as one of the year’s most profitable films, exceeding the previous studio record held by Marty Supreme, which earned $192 million worldwide.

The movie’s commercial success has been driven by strong word of mouth and interest among younger audiences. Its performance has also highlighted the growing influence of online creators in theatrical filmmaking.

Backrooms contributed to A24’s strongest summer at the box office, with the distributor finishing the season ahead of Paramount and Warner Bros. in market share. The film also set an A24 record for its opening weekend, earning $81 million domestically and $118 million worldwide.

Parsons, who was 20 when the film topped the box office, also became the youngest filmmaker to direct a movie that opened at No. 1.

Internationally, China was the film’s biggest market outside the US and Canada, generating $27.8 million, followed by Mexico with $17.8 million and the UK with $17.6 million.

Based on Parsons’ web series about eerie liminal spaces, Backrooms stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve and Mark Duplass. A sequel has not been confirmed, although Parsons has expressed interest in developing the story into a film franchise.