Every year one horror movie comes out of nowhere and takes over. In 2026 that was Obsession, a tiny-budget film from a YouTube comedian that turned into one of the most profitable movies ever made. Now, after its theatrical run and a stint on Peacock, it’s coming to Netflix.
Here’s the cast, the story (no spoilers) and how a $750,000 movie made half a billion dollars. If you’re looking for the Hindi-dub release in India, see our Obsession Hindi dub OTT guide.
| Movie | Obsession |
| Netflix US release | November 17, 2026 |
| Writer-director | Curry Barker |
| Genre | Supernatural horror |
| Runtime | 109 minutes |
| Budget | Under $750,000 |
| Worldwide box office | About $519 million |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 93% |
What is Obsession about?
Bear is a shy guy who works at a music store and has a crush on his friend and coworker Nikki. One day he buys a cheap novelty toy called the One Wish Willow and makes a wish. It comes true, sort of: Nikki suddenly can’t stop thinking about him. At first it looks like a dream. Then it starts to look like a nightmare.
Rotten Tomatoes’ critics consensus calls it an “icky conceit” twisted into crowd-pleasing thrills, which is about right. Be warned: Barker had to trim a scene to avoid an NC-17 rating.
Obsession cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Michael Johnston | Bear |
| Inde Navarrette | Nikki |
| Cooper Tomlinson | Ian |
| Megan Lawless | Sarah |
| Andy Richter | Carter, the store boss |
| Haley Fitzgerald | Viola |
| Darin Toonder | Harry |
| Curry Barker | Voice of the One Wish Willow customer service rep |
Michael Johnston (Bear) is best known as Corey on MTV’s Teen Wolf. Inde Navarrette (Nikki) appeared in 13 Reasons Why and Superman & Lois, and her performance here is the one everyone talks about. Andy Richter, Conan O’Brien’s longtime sidekick, plays the store boss. Cooper Tomlinson is Barker’s longtime comedy collaborator.
How a $750,000 movie made $519 million
Curry Barker built his following making comedy and horror sketches on YouTube. In 2023 he posted a short horror film called The Chair, which caught the eye of producer James Harris. Harris offered to help him turn it into a feature, and Barker pitched Obsession instead.
The movie premiered in the Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. Focus Features bought US rights in a deal reported at $14 to 15 million, with Universal handling most international markets. It opened in US theaters on May 15, 2026, and word of mouth did the rest: about $263 million in the US and Canada and roughly $519 million worldwide. That’s around 700 times its budget.
Where else can you watch Obsession?
It hit premium video on demand in June 2026 and streamed on Peacock from July 17, 2026. In the US, it arrives on Netflix on November 17, 2026, following the usual window for Universal-distributed films.
FAQ
When is Obsession on Netflix?
November 17, 2026, in the US.
Who directed Obsession?
Curry Barker, a YouTube creator who also wrote and edited it.
Who plays Nikki in Obsession?
Inde Navarrette.
How much did Obsession make?
About $519 million worldwide on a budget of under $750,000.
Is Obsession rated R?
It’s an adult horror film. A scene was trimmed to avoid an NC-17 rating.
What is the One Wish Willow?
The novelty wish toy Bear buys in the film. His wish on it sets off the horror.
Watch the official trailer on YouTube.
