Obsession, the horror film that became one of the biggest box-office surprises of 2026, arrives on Netflix in the US on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Written and directed by Curry Barker and distributed by Focus Features, it is about a shy music store clerk whose wish for his crush to love him goes terribly wrong. This guide covers the release date, where else you can watch it, the cast and what the story is about, without spoilers.
Last updated on November 10, 2026. Netflix dates in other countries can differ, and we will add them when they are confirmed.
Obsession at a Glance
| Detail | Obsession (2026) |
| Netflix US release | Tuesday, November 17, 2026 |
| Genre | Supernatural horror |
| Writer and director | Curry Barker (his feature debut) |
| Distributor | Focus Features |
| Cast | Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter |
| Premiere | Toronto International Film Festival, September 2025 |
| US theatrical release | May 15, 2026 |
| Already streaming on | Peacock (since July 17, 2026) |
| Budget | About $750,000 |
| Box office | More than $400 million worldwide |
When Is Obsession Coming to Netflix?
Netflix confirmed on October 18 that Obsession streams on its US service on November 17. Other countries follow separate licensing windows, so the date may differ if you are outside the US.
If you do not have Netflix, the film has been available elsewhere for months:
- Theaters: it opened in US theaters on May 15, 2026 after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025.
- Digital rental and purchase: it reached premium video on demand on June 30, 2026.
- Peacock: it began streaming on Peacock on July 17, 2026.
Do not confuse it with Netflix’s 2023 limited series of the same name. That show is a different story with a different cast, and you can read about it in our report on Richard Armitage’s Obsession.
What Is Obsession About?
Bear is a lonely music store employee who has a crush on his friend and co-worker Nikki but cannot bring himself to ask her out. He breaks a novelty toy called the One Wish Willow, and his wish is granted, but it carries a sinister cost. The film turns on what happens when the thing you wished for does not feel the way you imagined.
Obsession Cast
| Actor | Role |
| Michael Johnston | Bear, the shy music store employee |
| Inde Navarrette | Nikki, Bear’s friend and co-worker |
The supporting cast includes Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless and Andy Richter.
How Obsession Became a Box-Office Hit
Obsession premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, and Focus Features bought it out of the festival. It was made for about $750,000, and after its May 2026 release it grossed more than $400 million worldwide. Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter reported it became Focus Features’ highest-grossing film ever, and TheWrap described it as the highest-grossing film made on a budget under $1 million.
What to Watch Next
Looking for more scares? Our guide to new horror movies and shows to stream has more picks, and the Netflix Top 10 this week page tracks what US viewers are watching after the film arrives. The rest of the month is in our best TV shows to watch in November 2026.
Obsession FAQ
When does Obsession come to Netflix?
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 in the US. Other countries may get it on different dates.
Is Obsession streaming on Peacock?
Yes. It began streaming on Peacock on July 17, 2026.
Who directed Obsession?
Curry Barker wrote and directed it, and it is his feature debut.
Who stars in Obsession?
Michael Johnston plays Bear and Inde Navarrette plays Nikki, with Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless and Andy Richter in the cast.
What is Obsession about?
A shy music store employee breaks a toy called the One Wish Willow and wishes for his crush to love him, and the wish has a frightening cost.
How much money did Obsession make?
More than $400 million worldwide on a budget of about $750,000.
Is the Netflix series Obsession the same as the movie?
No. Netflix released an unrelated limited series called Obsession in 2023, based on a novel and starring Richard Armitage.
Where can I rent Obsession?
It has been available to rent or buy digitally since June 30, 2026.
Sources: release dates and cast are from Netflix’s announcement and Focus Features as reported by What’s on Netflix, Dread Central, Outlook India and Wikipedia, and box-office figures are from Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap. This page is not affiliated with Netflix or Focus Features.
