One of 2026’s biggest theatrical surprises is heading to streaming. Focus Features’ breakout horror hit Obsession will begin streaming exclusively on Peacock on July 17, less than two months after its theatrical debut. The announcement comes while the film is still playing in cinemas, marking a relatively quick transition from the big screen to streaming for one of the year’s most successful original films.
Written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker in his feature directorial debut, Obsession has become one of Hollywood’s most remarkable success stories of the year. Produced on a reported budget of around $750,000, the supernatural horror film has grossed more than $400 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing release in Focus Features’ history and the highest-grossing acquisition ever to emerge from the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film stars Michael Johnston as Bear, a hopeless romantic who secretly harbors feelings for his co-worker and childhood friend, Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette. When Bear discovers the mysterious One Wish Willow, he wishes for Nikki to love him more than anything else in the world. His wish is granted—but with horrifying consequences. Nikki’s affection quickly transforms into an uncontrollable obsession, triggering a chain of increasingly violent and supernatural events that prove deadly for everyone around them. Supporting roles are played by Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter.
Obsession first premiered in the Midnight Madness section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it quickly became one of the festival’s most talked-about titles. Shortly after its premiere, Focus Features acquired worldwide distribution rights in a deal reportedly valued at more than $15 million, making it the festival’s biggest acquisition. The studio later partnered with Blumhouse Productions, with Jason Blum joining the project as an executive producer ahead of its theatrical release in May 2026.
The film’s theatrical performance has exceeded virtually every expectation. Built almost entirely through word of mouth, Obsession steadily expanded its audience over the following weeks instead of relying on a front-loaded opening weekend. Even after several weeks in release, the horror film has remained among the top-performing titles at the domestic box office, demonstrating unusually strong legs for the genre.
Its streaming debut also comes after the film’s recent digital release on Premium Video on Demand, where audiences have been able to rent or purchase the title. The move to Peacock follows NBCUniversal’s established distribution strategy, bringing successful theatrical releases to its streaming platform after an exclusive cinema window. In Obsession‘s case, the theatrical window spans approximately 63 days, with the film continuing to play in select theaters even as its streaming release approaches.
Beyond its commercial success, Obsession has also become one of the year’s most acclaimed horror films. Critics praised Barker’s confident direction, the film’s blend of supernatural horror and psychological suspense, and its exploration of obsession, desire, and unhealthy relationships. Inde Navarrette’s performance, in particular, has drawn widespread acclaim, while Barker has emerged as one of the industry’s most closely watched new filmmakers.
The film’s success has already sparked conversations about expanding the property. Rather than a traditional sequel, cast members have suggested that the mysterious One Wish Willow could serve as the foundation for an anthology series, allowing future films to tell new stories built around different wishes and their supernatural consequences. Although no sequel or follow-up project has been officially announced, the box office performance has positioned Obsession as a potential long-term horror franchise.
For viewers who missed the film during its theatrical run—or those eager to revisit one of the year’s biggest horror sensations—Obsession will be available to stream exclusively on Peacock beginning July 17. Even as it makes the move to streaming, the film continues its theatrical run, capping off one of the most extraordinary journeys from festival discovery to global box office phenomenon in recent years.
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