Curry Barker’s micro-budget horror film Obsession has officially crossed $224 million globally according to Box Office Mojo, and while it has surpassed Paranormal Activity ($193 million) in total box office, it now faces The Blair Witch Project ($248.6 million) in the ultimate battle for horror profitability. However, the real story is about ROI: Paranormal Activity still dominates with a 433,900% return.
The 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-director’s psychological horror masterpiece, which was made on a mere $750,000 budget, has already generated roughly 298 times its production cost and needs just a few more million to claim the ultimate horror profitability crown.
How Much Does Obsession Need to Beat Paranormal Activity?
Obsession/ Credit:- Focus Features
Paranormal Activity (2007) holds the undisputed title of the most profitable horror film ever by ROI percentage, earning $193 million worldwide against an alleged $15,000 budget, a 433,900% return on investment that remains the highest ROI in horror history. The Blair Witch Project (1999) ranks second in horror ROI, with $248,639,099 in global box office on $60,000 in production costs, delivering a 414,233% ROI. (Via The Wrap)
Obsession, made for $750,000, has earned $224 million as of early June 2026, generating 29,766.67% ROI by simple calculation, a remarkable achievement but still 14.5 times lower than Paranormal Activity‘s legendary return.
Obsession opened to $17.2 million on May 15, 2026, then climbed 39% in its second weekend with $23.9 million — becoming the only wide-release horror film to grow at this scale. In its fourth weekend, it grossed $25.9 million with only a 7% decline, setting a new retention benchmark. (Via People)
MovieBudget (reported)Box OfficeROI %Paranormal Activity (2007)$15,000$193,355,800433,900% Blair Witch Project (1999)$60,000$248,639,881414,233% Obsession (2026)$750,000$224,795,930 (as of June 8, 2026)29,766.67% [calc]
While Obsession will likely finish with $250-270 million globally (33,333-35,999% ROI), it is a difficult feat to surpass Paranormal Activity’s 433,900% ROI or Blair Witch Project’s 414,233% ROI. Those records belong to ultra-micro-budget films ($15K and $60K) that became cultural phenomena. Obsession, released May 15, 2026, and is still in theaters!
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