With audiences increasingly drawn to stories “based on true events,” it’s natural to question whether the drama unfolding on screen actually happened. The answer, however, depends on which Obsession you’re talking about. Several films and series share the same title, leading to plenty of confusion among viewers. Here’s a closer look at the facts behind the most popular projects named Obsession.

1. Obsession (2026) - The Viral Horror Sensation

Directed by filmmaker and content creator Curry Barker, Obsession has emerged as one of the biggest indie horror success stories in recent years. The supernatural thriller follows a seemingly harmless crush that spirals into a nightmare involving a mysterious shop known as the “One Wish Willow.”

Is It Based on a True Story?

No. The film is entirely fictional. Despite speculation online, Obsession is not inspired by any real-life events. Instead, Barker drew heavily from classic horror storytelling traditions, particularly the famous “monkey’s paw” concept-where wishes come with unintended and often devastating consequences.

The film’s creators have also cited inspiration from popular culture, including The Simpsons’ well-known parody of W.W. Jacobs’ 1902 short story The Monkey’s Paw. Rather than retelling a true event, Obsession builds its horror around timeless cautionary tales about desire, consequences, and obsession itself.

2. Obsession (2023) - Netflix’s Psychological Drama

Netflix’s British miniseries Obsession stars Richard Armitage and Charlie Murphy in a provocative story about a respected surgeon who becomes entangled in a secret affair with his son’s fiancée.

Is It Based on a True Story?

No, but it is based on a novel. The series adapts Damage, the bestselling 1991 psychological novel by Josephine Hart. While the show’s themes of desire, betrayal, and emotional manipulation may feel strikingly realistic, the characters and events are fictional. Interestingly, Hart’s novel was previously adapted into the acclaimed 1992 film Damage, starring Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche. The Netflix version simply offers a modern retelling of the same fictional story.

3. Secret Obsession (2019) - Netflix’s Amnesia Thriller

Another title that often sparks curiosity is Netflix’s Secret Obsession. The film stars Brenda Song as a woman who loses her memory following a violent attack and gradually discovers that the man caring for her may not be who he claims to be.

Is It Based on a True Story?

No. The story is completely fictional. Although the film borrows elements from real-world crimes involving stalking, identity deception, and manipulation, the plot itself was created specifically for the screen. Its suspenseful storyline draws inspiration from classic psychological thrillers rather than any documented case.

While each version of Obsession explores dark themes ranging from dangerous desire to psychological manipulation, none of the major films or series carrying the title are based on actual events. Whether you’re watching Curry Barker’s supernatural horror hit, Netflix’s steamy British drama, or the suspense-filled thriller Secret Obsession, the stories are works of fiction designed to entertain, shock, and keep viewers guessing until the very end. So if Obsession left you unsettled, you can take comfort in knowing that the terrifying events on screen belong firmly in the world of imagination-not reality.

ALSO READ: Loved Obsession? Stream These 9 Mind-Bending Psychological Thrillers Directed By Curry Barker