The global audience has shown a strong interest in the movie “Obsession,” matching the intense fixation of its deranged protagonist. According to The Wrap, the horror film has officially exceeded the $500 million mark in worldwide box office sales, making it the first original movie of the 2020s to achieve this milestone.

“Obsession” has outperformed Pixar’s 2023 animated hit “Elemental,” which earned $494.6 million globally, becoming the highest-grossing original film of the post-pandemic era, as reported by The Express Tribune. Notably, this micro-budget film, revolving around a woman consumed by violent obsession triggered by a selfish wish, has become the most successful movie made for under $1 million US, with a production budget of only $750,000.

Directed and written by 26-year-old Curry Barker, the film premiered in theaters on May 15 and has seen a rare trend of increasing weekly grosses, a feat not seen since “E.T.” By the end of its U.S. theatrical run on August 14, “Obsession” had garnered $263.4 million domestically and $238.1 million internationally, bringing its total earnings to $501.5 million and still climbing, as per Box Office Mojo. Additionally, a release in South Korea is anticipated in the near future.

Focus Features acquired “Obsession” after its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, making it the highest-grossing festival acquisition in history. The film’s immense commercial success has opened doors for its young cast, with lead actress Inde Navarette landing a role as Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” installment and lead actor Michael Johnston in talks to star in Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.

The triumph of “Obsession” has set the stage for Barker’s next project, a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will also star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson, as per The Wrap.