This summer's movie season has been significantly shaped by two unexpected horror hits: 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms.' These low-budget films have not only exceeded box office expectations but have also solidified horror as a lucrative segment for Hollywood and attracted younger demographics to theaters in large numbers. As of the halfway point of the summer season, 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms' rank second and fourth, respectively, on the domestic charts, surpassing releases from major franchises like 'Star Wars' and DC.
While movies directly inspired by these successes may take time to materialize and could potentially be derivative, audiences seeking similar experiences can find them on streaming services. A curated list of ten films offers elements that echo one or both of the recent horror blockbusters.
Companion Films
Osgood Perkins, a notable figure in contemporary horror, has released three distinct horror films in the past two years, with another anticipated in 2026. His most recent, 'Keeper,' serves as a companion piece to 'Obsession.' This stripped-down film focuses on a woman on a weekend getaway whose unsettling experiences lead her to question her sanity. While the relationship dynamics differ from the wish-caused possession in 'Obsession,' 'Keeper' maintains a similarly intimate and unnerving atmosphere, largely adhering to the protagonist's point of view. 'Keeper' is available on Hulu.
For viewers drawn to the atmospheric and experimental nature of 'Backrooms,' the film 'Skinamarink' offers a more abstract approach. This experimental horror film, notable for its wide theatrical release in the U.S., is less narrative-driven and aims to evoke the disquieting feelings of a child's unsupervised moments. While its lack of conventional characters and plot may alienate some, it provides a unique, albeit polarizing, cinematic experience. 'Skinamarink' can be streamed on Tubi.
Zach Cregger's 'Us,' a 2019 film starring Lupita Nyong'o, is described as an ur-text for the current era of horror. Similar to 'Obsession,' it uses gender politics as a vehicle for its narrative, initially appearing to be a story about a man and woman wary of each other, but ultimately pivoting to a different thematic focus. 'Us' explores themes of doppelgängers and familiar discomfort, aligning with 'Backrooms'' interest in evoking eerie feelings over jump scares. The film is available on HBO Max.
While not strictly a horror film, 'Ingrid Goes West' shares thematic similarities with 'Obsession' through its exploration of imbalanced relationships, albeit through the lens of social media obsession. The film follows Ingrid as she moves to Los Angeles to stalk her idol, an influencer. The dark humor and keen understanding of internet psychology make it a fitting, albeit darkly comedic, companion piece to both 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms.' 'Ingrid Goes West' is available on Tubi.
Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman's dark comedy 'Being John Malkovich' is suggested for those who found 'Backrooms' too devoid of humor. The film's premise involves a puppeteer discovering a portal into actor John Malkovich's consciousness, offering a blend of surreal corporate settings and unconventional possession that bridges aspects of both 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms.'
Found-Footage and Liminal Spaces
'The Blair Witch Project,' the pioneering found-footage horror film, shares a low-budget success story with 'Obsession.' Both films, made for under a million dollars, achieved worldwide box office returns in the hundreds of millions. The marketing campaign for 'The Blair Witch Project,' which suggested the footage was real, is also recalled by the way 'Backrooms' transitioned from internet phenomenon to blockbuster, blurring reality and fiction in its promotion. 'The Blair Witch Project' is available on HBO Max.
From Canada, the late '90s cult film 'Cube' offers a more fantastical take on liminal space horror. While its setup resembles 'Saw' with strangers trapped in deadly situations, the infinite-seeming network of passages in the film's mysterious, bare rooms directly influenced the 'Backrooms' phenomenon. 'Cube' can be streamed on Pluto TV.
Andrzej Żuławski's 'Possession' is noted for its psychological depth and depiction of a horrifically dysfunctional relationship, making it a precursor to modern relationship-focused horror. Isabelle Adjani delivers a powerful performance as a woman exhibiting extreme behavior, with doppelgängers playing a role in the surreal narrative. 'Possession' is available on Shudder.
Director Herk Harvey's 'Carnival of Souls' is a dreamlike proto-horror film about a woman haunted after surviving a car crash. Harvey's use of real locations and his background in industrial films contributed to its vivid atmosphere. Initially ignored, the film gained notoriety over decades through television and repertory screenings, becoming a seminal work of mid-century horror. 'Carnival of Souls' is available on HBO Max.