'Obsession' takes hold: YouTube creator's micro-budget horror film becomes 2026's biggest genre surprise | Movie Releases & Trends – Weekend of May 15, 2026

Michael’s been topping the admissions chart but this week it claimed the #1 spot in both revenue and admissions for the first time since premiering three weeks ago. It is a rare feat for a film in its fourth weekend to climb into the top overall position, especially in a marketplace that is typically driven by new releases.  

The film continues to resonate because it delivers exactly what audiences are looking for in a theatrical experience: high energy, crowd-pleasing entertainment, and major musical spectacle. Rather than focusing heavily on the controversies surrounding Michael Jackson’s later years, the film leans into his immense talent, iconic performances, and nostalgia factor. Repeat viewing and strong word-of-mouth also appear to be driving momentum, particularly among older millennials and Gen X audiences who grew up with his music.

What new movies broke the top ten this week?

While it was a relatively quiet weekend overall, there were still a few new options for moviegoers. Obsession, a well-made, low-budget horror title, significantly overperformed expectations. Playing in just over 2,600 theaters, it took in 16% in revenue and 15% admissions. Particularly impressive is that in a limited number of theaters it came in #2 in admissions. 

One horror-loving member of our team praised Obsession for its sinister humor and swiftly escalating dread — plus a star-making, truly deranged performance by Inde Navarratte as Nikki, a young woman cursed to fall in love against her will.

Written, directed, and edited by breakout YouTube creator Curry Barker, the micro-budget indie has quickly become one of the biggest horror success stories of 2026, opening to nearly 20 times its reported production cost. Horror continues to prove itself as one of the most reliable genres. Even modestly budgeted horror films can generate substantial profits because they attract younger audiences, thrive on social buzz, and create “must-see with a crowd” viewing experiences that are difficult to replicate at home.

Also opening was In the Grey, an action thriller directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. However, it launched in just over 2,000 theaters, giving it a much smaller footprint than the weekend’s major titles. Early reactions praise the fast-paced banter and chemistry between the cast, though many critics point to a thin storyline and familiar action beats. With significantly stronger competition arriving over Memorial Day weekend, the film may struggle to maintain momentum in its second frame.

The final truly new title this weekend in the top ten was Is God Is, a critically acclaimed, genre-bending revenge thriller following twin sisters on a violent mission across the American South. With a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, it is praised for blending Greek tragedy with 1970s aesthetics and stellar performances from the lead cast and Sterling K. Brown. With these kinds of reviews and word of mouth it may be able to make a dent for people looking for an alternative, even with its more meager 1,500-theater opening.

What’s old is new again. How did a 40-year-old movie crack the top ten?

Top Gun celebrated its 40th anniversary with a double feature of Top Gun and Top Gun Maverick by Paramount Pictures. The 4-hour theatrical event offered immense value for fans, effectively turning a simple retrospective screening into a major cinematic event. Additionally, for the first time ever, the original film was upgraded and presented in immersive premium formats, including IMAX 2D.  

Because both movies rely heavily on intense, scale-driven aerial dogfights, the opportunity to view the upgraded 1986 visuals this way helped drive high per-theater averages and propelled the event into the top 10. 

May the box office be with you: Din Djarin and Grogu ignite the summer

Memorial Day weekend is historically one of the most important corridors on the theatrical calendar, often serving as the unofficial kickoff to the summer movie season, and this year should be no exception.  

Leading the charge is Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu, which is tracking for a 4-day holiday opening north of $80M. Advanced ticket sales have been pacing ahead of Project Hail Mary and in line with Avatar: Fire & Ash, signaling very strong interest heading into the holiday frame.

The film will debut in more than 4,300 theaters, including 425 IMAX screens, and benefits from a three-week exclusive IMAX run — a major advantage for premium format revenue. Premium large format screens continue to account for an increasing share of box office dollars, especially for franchise-driven tentpoles where audiences are willing to pay higher ticket prices for spectacle-driven experiences.

That said, early reviews have been somewhat polarizing, with the film currently sitting at a modest 62% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics largely praise the large-scale action sequences, the emotional father-son dynamic between Din Djarin and Grogu, and the sweeping musical score. However, many reviews also criticize the film for its thin, low-stakes narrative and heavy reliance on fan service. Some critics have suggested the movie is positioned more for families, younger audiences, and casual viewers who may not have followed every Disney+ series, rather than the deeply invested Star Wars fanbase. 

Memorial Day audiences have historically shown a willingness to prioritize event-level entertainment over critical reception, particularly for recognizable franchises. Combined with schools beginning to let out for summer, cooler temperatures keeping people from the beach, and strong demand for premium formats, the holiday weekend is shaping up to deliver another major boost to what has already been a very strong year at the movies.

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