2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for horror, with Obsession and Backrooms already raking in a combined $600 million globally on shoestring budgets. Now, a new contender from Down Under is making its mark: Leviticus, an Australian horror film distributed by Neon, has just crossed its first major box office milestone.
Directed by Adam Chiarella and starring Joe Bird, Stacey Klausen, and Mia Wasikowska, Leviticus opened in just over 1,000 domestic theaters last week. Despite its limited release, the film has grossed more than $5 million, outperforming the same-week release The Death of Robin Hood. This achievement is especially notable given the film's modest production costs and its debut in a crowded horror landscape.
Critics have embraced Leviticus with a Certified Fresh 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus reads: “Merging an emotionally-involving queer relationship with its clever monster concept, Leviticus executes its intriguing hook with eerie aplomb.” For comparison, Obsession holds a 94% score, while Backrooms sits at 88%.
The film premiered earlier this year at the Midnight section of the Sundance Film Festival, where it earned praise for its weighty themes and emotionally driven take on classic horror tropes. Australia, already home to modern classics like The Babadook, continues to prove itself a fertile ground for innovative horror.
Neon, which previously delivered its biggest hit with Longlegs in 2024, is betting big on Leviticus. The distributor's strategy of championing bold, auteur-driven horror is paying off, as audiences flock to theaters for fresh experiences rather than recycled franchises. This trend is echoed in the success of Obsession, which reportedly cost under $1 million to produce, and Backrooms, both of which have become cultural phenomena.
For fans of the genre, Leviticus offers a compelling blend of emotional depth and scares. Its queer relationship storyline adds a layer of intimacy rarely seen in horror, while the monster concept keeps viewers on edge. If you're looking for more terrifying reads, check out our list of 6 horror books that still haven't hit the screen.
As 2026 continues, horror shows no signs of slowing down. With Leviticus joining the ranks of Obsession and Backrooms, it's clear that younger audiences are driving a renaissance in the genre, favoring originality over legacy franchises. For more on the best R-rated horror franchises, see our ultimate ranking.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for updates on Leviticus and other horror sensations making waves in 2026.
