This weekend’s two biggest movies were both directed by YouTubers
techcrunch.com May 31, 2026

This weekend’s two biggest movies were both directed by YouTubers

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Two YouTube personalities, Kane Parsons and Curry Barker, have achieved significant success with their directorial debuts in the film industry. Parsons' film "Backrooms" took the number one spot at the box office, expected to bring in $80-90 million domestically, while Barker's "Obsession" is showing unusual growth, increasing its earnings by 19 percent in its third weekend. Both films are horror movies, with "Backrooms" expanding on Parsons' YouTube series and "Obsession" being Barker's first feature film. This success follows the surprise hit "Iron Lung," directed by YouTuber Mark Fischbach, which grossed nearly $41 million domestically. Parsons, Barker, and Fischbach have developed loyal audiences through their long-term presence on YouTube.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The success of these YouTubers-turned-filmmakers underscores the importance of longevity and a loyal audience in transitioning to mainstream movies.
  • · Their ability to leverage their online presence has set them apart from others who have attempted to make the leap.