‘Obsession’ Becomes 2026’s Highest-Rated Horror Movie With 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Supernatural horror film Obsession achieved a 96% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 57 reviews, establishing itself as 2026’s highest-rated horror release ahead of its May 15 theatrical debut.

The film marks feature directorial debut for Curry Barker, who wrote, directed, and edited the Focus Features production. The project secured a distribution deal valued at over $15 million following its September 2025 premiere at Toronto International Film Festival.

Obsession follows Bear, a music store employee portrayed by Michael Johnston, who purchases a mysterious supernatural toy called the One Wish Willow and uses it to wish for his childhood friend Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, to fall in love with him. The wish grants immediately but transforms into a nightmare as Nikki’s affections spiral into dangerous obsession. She grows increasingly clingy and erratic while experiencing disturbing hallucinations that only she perceives.

Critics praised Barker’s ability to transform a familiar concept into what Bloody Disgusting described as a shocking and unsettling descent into horror. The Guardian characterized the film as satisfyingly slick proof that Barker understands how to elevate material when scaling up to theatrical features. RogerEbert.com highlighted Barker’s refusal to pull punches, noting the film grows darker, creepier, and bloodier with each scene in its critique of extreme emotional dependence.

The Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus reads: “Taking an icky conceit and twisting it to deviously crowd-pleasing ends, Obsession is dauntingly disturbing while also skillfully amusing and thrilling.” IndieWire awarded the film a B+ grade and drew comparisons to Barbarian for its blend of sadistic violence, darkly comic needle drops, and social commentary, describing it as proof that the Cregger-ification of modern horror remains in full effect.

Barker developed the project after impressing Tea Shop Productions producer James Harris with his 2023 YouTube horror short film The Chair. Harris initially wanted Barker to adapt that short into a feature but Barker pitched Obsession instead. The success led to Barker signing with William Morris Endeavor talent agency. Barker revealed in interviews that he cut a head-smashing scene down by six or seven impacts to avoid receiving an NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America.

Obsession premiered during the Midnight Madness block at Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025 before appearing at Fantastic Fest and winning the Sitges People’s Choice Award. Focus Features acquired worldwide distribution rights excluding France, New Zealand, and Russia in October 2025, with Universal Pictures International handling international territories outside the United States. Jason Blum joined as executive producer under his Blumhouse Productions banner in December 2025.

The cast includes Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter in supporting roles alongside Johnston and Navarrette. Rock Burwell composed the film’s score. The official trailer amassed 15 million views, demonstrating significant audience anticipation ahead of the nationwide theatrical release through major cinema chains. Box Office Pro projects Obsession will earn between $7 million and $10 million during its May 15-17 opening weekend in North America.

Focus Features has not announced streaming or video-on-demand release plans, positioning Obsession as a theatrical-first experience.

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