With Backrooms set to arrive in cinemas later this week, horror fans are already wondering when the viral internet phenomenon will make its way to streaming.
Based on the hugely popular YouTube horror series from Kane Parsons, the upcoming sci-fi horror film is receiving an exclusive theatrical release first. However, thanks to a major new deal involving A24 and HBO Max, we already have a strong idea of where the film will likely stream in the US.
What is Backrooms about?
Backrooms follows therapist Dr. Mary Kline as she ventures into a terrifying otherworldly dimension in search of her missing patient, Clark. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark and Renate Reinsve as Dr. Mary Kline, alongside Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell and Avan Jogia.
Directed by Kane Parsons in his feature directorial debut, the film is based on the creator’s viral Backrooms web series and the wider internet creepypasta phenomenon. Produced by A24, Chernin Entertainment, Atomic Monster and 21 Laps Entertainment, the film reportedly constructed over 30,000 square feet of practical Backrooms sets during production.
Where will ‘Backrooms’ stream in the US?
Following a newly renewed multi-year agreement between A24 and HBO Max, Backrooms has already been confirmed as part of HBO Max’s future streaming slate in the United States. That means the film will almost certainly stream exclusively on HBO Max during its Pay-1 streaming window after its theatrical release. Because of this agreement, Backrooms will almost certainly stream on HBO Max in the United States following its theatrical run.
Recent A24 releases have continued to follow this strategy closely. Pillion will arrive on HBO Max in the US on June 6, while Undertone is scheduled to join the platform on June 26. Releases have typically arrived on streaming around three to five months after their cinema debut, meaning Backrooms could potentially begin streaming in August-September 2026.
Where will ‘Backrooms’ stream in the UK?
Unlike most A24 films released in Britain, Backrooms is being distributed directly in UK cinemas by A24 itself.
That makes the film part of a relatively small group of titles to receive direct UK distribution from A24, alongside films including On The Rocks, Tuesday, Warfare, Highest 2 Lowest and Eternity. Because of this, the film’s UK streaming future is less predictable than its US release.
Recent directly distributed A24 films have landed across multiple streaming services in the UK. Warfare later streamed on Prime Video, while Highest 2 Lowest and Eternity headed to Apple TV. Other titles, such as Tuesday, are still unavailable on subscription streaming services.
At the moment, no UK streaming platform has officially been confirmed.
Will ‘Backrooms’ be available to rent or buy digitally first?
Before arriving on streaming services, Backrooms will likely become available to rent or purchase digitally through platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video and Google Play.
Most A24 releases receive a Premium Video On Demand window several weeks after their theatrical debut, allowing viewers to watch the film at home before it reaches subscription streaming platforms.
Backrooms releases in cinemas on May 29. Check out a trailer below:
