YouTube at the movies

YouTube at the movies

From Today, Explained by Vox

June 12, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of low-budget horror films from YouTubers on Hollywood during blockbuster season.

It's blockbuster season, but low-budget horror films from YouTubers — like Iron Lung, Obsession, and Backrooms — are what's got Hollywood talking. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A still from the movie Backrooms. Courtesy A24 Films. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Sean Rameswaram

Topics covered

  • YouTube
  • movies
  • horror films
  • Hollywood
  • blockbuster season

Keywords

  • YouTube
  • horror films
  • Hollywood
  • blockbuster
  • Iron Lung
  • Obsession
  • Backrooms

Sponsors

Vox

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: A24 Films, Vox

Books & works: Iron Lung, Obsession, Backrooms

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