No One Can Stop ‘Obsession’ With the Horror Phenomenon Smashing $25 Million At The Australasian Box Office
Horror is alive and well at the cinema, and Obsession has become the latest film to prove that nothing beats experiencing genuine terror on the biggest screen possible.
The breakout horror sensation has officially smashed $25 million at the Australian and New Zealand box office, with distributor Rialto Distribution celebrating a phenomenal theatrical run that has transformed the film into one of the biggest horror success stories of recent years.
Even more impressively, Obsession is now set to claim the title of the highest-grossing horror release across Australia and New Zealand in the last decade, cementing its status as a genuine cinematic phenomenon.
A Horror Event Audiences Couldn’t Resist
Great horror has always been built around shared experiences.
Whether it’s the collective gasp, nervous laughter or outright screams echoing through a packed auditorium, the genre has consistently delivered some of cinema’s most memorable theatrical moments; and Obsession has tapped directly into that magic.
Powered by exceptional word-of-mouth and an ever-growing legion of horror fans, the film has become one of the year’s true must-see theatrical events, demonstrating that audiences are still eager to leave the couch behind when a film offers a truly unforgettable experience.
For Kelly Rogers, CEO of Rialto Distribution, the achievement reflects both the enduring popularity of horror and the power of the theatrical experience.
“To see Obsession reach $25 million across Australia and New Zealand is an incredible achievement,” Rogers said.
“Horror has always been one of the most powerful theatrical genres, and audiences have embraced this film in a way few could have predicted. This milestone is a testament to strong word-of-mouth, passionate fans and the enduring appeal of seeing a truly terrifying story unfold on the big screen.”
Another Landmark For Rialto Distribution
While Obsession has become the distributor’s latest box office juggernaut, it also continues an extraordinary run of success for New Zealand-born distributor Rialto Distribution.
Long recognised as one of Aotearoa’s biggest champions of local cinema, Rialto has released more New Zealand productions than any other distributor, bringing 19 Kiwi films to cinemas over the past five years while consistently delivering record-breaking performances at the domestic box office.
Among those successes are Tenor: My Name Is Pati, which became the highest-grossing New Zealand film of 2026 to date with more than $1.19 million, Prime Minister, the country’s biggest documentary release in more than a decade, Muru, the highest-grossing New Zealand film of 2022, alongside acclaimed local releases including Not Only Fred Dagg, Bookworm and Sgt. Haane.
Together, these films showcase Rialto’s remarkable ability to connect New Zealand audiences with stories that matter—whether they’re homegrown dramas and documentaries or major international theatrical releases.
The Big Screen Strikes Back
At a time when streaming continues to dominate entertainment conversations, Obsession serves as another powerful reminder that cinemas still possess a unique magic.
Audiences are increasingly turning out for films that promise more than just another night of entertainment; they’re seeking genuine event cinema, shared experiences and unforgettable moments that can only be found in a packed theatre.
With Obsession now standing as the highest-grossing horror film released across Australia and New Zealand in the past decade, the film has firmly established itself as one of the defining theatrical success stories of 2026.
For horror fans, one thing is abundantly clear: fear has never been so profitable.
Image: Rialto Distribution
