The horror film "Obsession" has set a new box office record, becoming the highest-grossing festival acquisition of all time.

With a global total of $225.5 million, the movie has surpassed Michael Moore's 2004 political documentary, "Fahrenheit 9/11," which previously held the record with $222 million worldwide.

This achievement highlights the film's unexpected commercial success following its acquisition.

Focus secured "Obsession" at the Toronto Film Festival, outbidding competitors like Neon and A24 in a deal reportedly worth around $15 million after a day of negotiations.

Despite its strong reception at Toronto, the film's eventual box office performance was unforeseen, propelling filmmaker Curry Barker into the ranks of top Hollywood directors.

"Obsession" demonstrated unusual staying power at the box office, earning more in its second and third weekends than in its opening weekend—a feat not seen since "E.T.: The Extraterrestrial" in 1982.

In its fourth weekend, the film experienced only a 7 percent decline in revenue.

This sustained success also led to "Obsession" becoming Focus's top-grossing movie globally, surpassing 2019's "Downton Abbey."

For comparison, "Fahrenheit 9/11" premiered at Cannes in May 2004, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or.

The film, which was critical of the George W.

Bush administration, faced distribution challenges when then-Disney owners refused to release it.

Miramax founders Harvey and Bob Weinstein ultimately purchased the film themselves, partnering with Lionsgate and IFC for its release.

"Fahrenheit 9/11" was, for a period, Lionsgate's highest-grossing film before being overtaken by "The Hunger Games."