One of 2026's biggest horror surprises is now making waves on streaming. Obsession, a micro-budget thriller from Blumhouse, has climbed to the top of Peacock's charts just days after landing on the platform. The film, which cost less than a million dollars to produce, has become a cultural phenomenon — and it's showing no signs of slowing down.
Directed by Curry Barker, who runs the popular YouTube channel "That's a bad idea" (1.55 million subscribers), Obsession follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a young man who uses a magical "One Wish Willow" to make his friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) fall hopelessly in love with him. The wish works, but the consequences are terrifying. It's a modern twist on the classic monkey's paw trope, and audiences can't get enough.
During its theatrical run, Obsession earned a staggering $443 million worldwide — a massive return on its $750,000 budget. It even outperformed major blockbusters like The Mandalorian and Grogu, which failed to crack the top 10. The film now ranks as the seventh highest-grossing movie of 2026, a remarkable feat for an indie horror flick. For context, check out how this tiny film beat The Exorcist at the global box office.
Now, Obsession is dominating streaming. It sits at #1 on Peacock's Top 10 in the United States and has also landed at #6 on Vudu's movie chart, sandwiched between Backrooms and Petty Woman. The film's success on streaming mirrors its theatrical run, proving that word-of-mouth and strong reviews can drive long-term interest.
Critics have been overwhelmingly positive. Obsession holds a 94% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes and a Verified Hot audience rating, plus a 4.1-star average on Letterboxd. Reviewers have praised Barker's ability to connect with his target audience, as well as the film's tight pacing and eerie sound design. Collider's Hannah Hunt gave it an 8/10, calling out Navarrette's "star-making performance" as a highlight. Her only critique was that some side characters felt underdeveloped.
While some critics note that the monkey's paw premise isn't new, audiences have embraced Obsession for its originality and relentless tension. It's a testament to how a fresh take on a familiar idea can still feel groundbreaking. Barker joins a growing list of YouTube creators — like Markiplier and Kane Parsons — who are successfully crossing over into Hollywood filmmaking.
If you're looking for something to watch this weekend, Obsession is now streaming exclusively on Peacock. And if you're curious about other horror hits, check out the most influential horror books of all time for more spine-tingling recommendations.
