Move over, Grogu. Internet culture soars as 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession' top the box office

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

Internet culture is showing up in a big way in theaters, as low-budget horror films “Backrooms” and “Obsession” led this weekend’s box office and beat out big franchise films like “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.”A24’s “Backrooms” topped the charts with $81.5 million in the U.S.and Canada in its opening weekend, according to studio estimates.

The film is directed by 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, who based it on his internet series of the same name.“Backrooms,” which reportedly had a production budget of about $10 million, stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as a furniture store owner who finds a mysterious portal in his basement.The film made a total of $118 million worldwide.In second place was Focus Features’ “Obsession,” which hauled in $26.4 million in its third weekend in theaters, up 10% from the previous weekend’s total.

The film, which had a production budget of less than $1 million, has now grossed $104.7 million domestically for a global total of $148 million.“Obsession” director Curry Barker is also known for his YouTube sketch comedy channel.

The success of two YouTube-native filmmakers at the box office indicates the growing power of the platform — and online culture as a whole — in attracting audiences to cinemas.Walt Disney Co.and Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” fell to third place this weekend with a domestic gross of $25 million.

Lionsgate’s musical biopic “Michael” ($11.7 million) and Sony Pictures’ family comedy “The Breadwinner” ($7.5 million) rounded out the top five at the box office, according to Comscore data.The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, which include arbitration and a class action waiver.

You agree that we and our third-party ven...