The breakout film has earned approximately $212 million worldwide, including $135 million from North American theaters alone, according to the latest box office tracking. Remarkably, the milestone was achieved just 10 days after its theatrical debut, underscoring the unusually rapid momentum behind the release.
With these numbers, “Backrooms” has overtaken the previous record-holder within the studio’s slate, Timothée Chalamet’s “Marty Supreme,” which closed its run at $191 million globally.
Gen Z-Fueled Demand Powers Record-Breaking Opening
Directed by YouTuber Kane Parsons, the film has become a cultural talking point, particularly among Gen Z audiences who helped drive its explosive opening weekend performance.
The movie debuted with $81 million domestically, marking the largest opening weekend in A24’s history and more than tripling the previous record set by Alex Garland’s 2024 thriller “Civil War,” which opened at $25.5 million.
The film is based on Parsons’ viral “Backrooms” web series, which popularized the concept of unsettling liminal spaces—endless, fluorescent-lit rooms that feel both familiar and disorienting.
A24, in partnership with Chernin Entertainment, produced the film on a modest budget of around $10 million, making its current performance one of the most profitable ventures in the studio’s history.
Strong International Performance Across Multiple Regions
Internationally, “Backrooms” has also performed strongly, adding about $77 million from 57 overseas territories.
The film set opening weekend records for A24 in 41 countries, including Spain, and reached number one in 42 markets such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy. Latin America has emerged as the strongest international region, contributing $24.2 million so far and becoming the studio’s top-performing release in that market.
In Australia and New Zealand, the film earned $7.9 million, surpassing “Marty Supreme” to become A24’s highest-grossing title in the region.
Sharp Second Weekend Drop, But Strong Overall Momentum
Despite its explosive start, “Backrooms” experienced a 70% decline in its second weekend. Even so, it still generated a strong $25.8 million across 3,565 theaters, suggesting sustained audience interest beyond the initial surge.
The steep drop is not unusual for viral-driven horror releases, which often see front-loaded demand from highly engaged early audiences.
From Web Series to Potential Franchise
The film follows a furniture store owner, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who discovers a hidden doorway leading into an endless maze of eerie, identical rooms. When he disappears, a therapist played by Renate Reinsve ventures into the unknown to find him.
The premise is adapted from Kane Parsons’ popular online “Backrooms” series, which built a large following for its unsettling portrayal of infinite, empty spaces.
While no sequel has been officially announced, Parsons has hinted that the concept could expand into a broader franchise, a possibility now more likely given the film’s extraordinary box office success.
A24’s Commercial Turning Point
Known for critically acclaimed titles such as “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Lady Bird,” and “Moonlight,” A24 has traditionally balanced prestige filmmaking with modest commercial performance.
“Backrooms,” however, signals a new scale of mainstream box office power for the studio, combining viral internet culture, genre filmmaking, and youthful audience engagement into a record-breaking commercial formula.