3 movies like 'Obsession' to stream after watching the $376 million hit horror

Published: Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 6:45 am

The supernatural horror film "Obsession" has achieved remarkable success, grossing $376 million at the box office and becoming Focus Features' highest-grossing movie to date. The film, starring breakout actress Inde Navarrette, recently became available for digital streaming.

"Obsession" centers on Nikki, portrayed by Navarrette, who becomes the object of affection for a music store employee named Bear. Bear uses a mysterious "One Wish Willow" to compel Nikki to fall in love with him. While the wish is granted, it results in Nikki developing an intense and all-consuming obsession with Bear, leading to a dangerous and difficult situation for her.

For audiences captivated by "Obsession" and seeking similar cinematic experiences, several other films explore themes of obsessive romance and psychological horror.

One such film is the 1981 surreal drama "Possession." Directed by Andrzej Żuławski, it is considered a foundational work in the "obsessive romance" genre, offering a more cerebral and unsettling exploration of the theme than "Obsession." The film follows Mark, who suspects his wife Anna is leaving him for another man. However, his investigation uncovers far more disturbing and bizarre behavior. What begins as a study of a failing marriage quickly devolves into intense body horror, featuring a memorable and disturbing subway scene.

Another recommendation is the 2022 prequel "Pearl," directed by Ti West. This film delves into the backstory of Pearl, a farm girl in 1918 Texas. Trapped by her circumstances and yearning for stardom, Pearl's unfulfilled fantasies lead her to eliminate anyone who stands in her way. The film's portrayal of Pearl's increasingly disturbing actions is seen as a potential influence on Navarrette's performance in "Obsession," offering a more extreme and deeply unsettling take on obsessive behavior.

Finally, the 1990 Stephen King adaptation "Misery" presents a chilling depiction of true obsession. James Caan stars as Paul Sheldon, a novelist who, after a car accident, finds himself at the mercy of Annie Wilkes, played by Kathy Bates. Wilkes, a self-proclaimed "number one fan," initially appears to be a savior. However, her demeanor shifts dramatically when she discovers Sheldon has killed off her favorite character in his latest manuscript. Bates's Oscar-winning performance highlights Wilkes's extreme instability and willingness to go to horrific lengths to control Sheldon and his writing.

BNN's Perspective:
The success of "Obsession" highlights a persistent audience appetite for stories that delve into the darker aspects of human desire and fixation. While "Obsession" has clearly resonated, the recommended films offer varying degrees of intensity and thematic depth, suggesting that the genre of obsessive romance and psychological horror continues to evolve and provide compelling narratives for viewers. The exploration of these themes, when handled with skill, can offer profound insights into the human psyche, even within the framework of genre filmmaking.

Tags: Obsession, supernatural horror, Inde Navarrette, $376 million, Focus Features, digital release, obsessive romance, Possession, Pearl, Mia Goth, Misery, Stephen King, Kathy Bates, psychological horror, streaming

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