Curry Barker, only 26, directed Obsession, a supernatural thriller that started with a tiny budget and blew up into one of the biggest surprises of 2026. Shot fast on a shoestring, it turned into a box office hit with strong scares, smart themes around consent and real tension that keeps you hooked.

COURTESY OF “THE BACKROOMS”

On the other side Kane Parsons, who is just 20 years old, brought The Backrooms from viral YouTube creepypasta to a full A24 feature. He went from making short films online to directing a theatrical movie with stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mark Duplass.

The film expands that unsettling liminal space vibe into something bigger and more terrifying, using practical sets and found footage style that feels fresh and genuinely creepy.

COURTESY OF FOCUS FEATURES

What is good about both is how they show young creators getting real chances and running with them. Barker made his film in 20 days and turned it into a phenomenon. Parsons skipped traditional paths and brought his internet native style to the big screen.

JASON ARMOND

These movies mix horror with deeper ideas while still delivering the thrills people want. The hype is real because they feel new and made by people who understand what scares this generation.

FRAZER HARRISON

It is exciting to see directors in their 20s leading projects that are both commercial and creative. Obsession and Backrooms prove you do not need decades of experience to make something that hits hard. Keep an eye on these guys.

They are just getting started and the future of film looks a lot more interesting because of them.