From YouTube to the big screen, aspiring filmmakers have taken a leap from digital platforms to the world of cinema. Here's a look at some YouTubers who have successfully transitioned into filmmaking in Hollywood.
Curry Barker, a sketch-comedian turned director, made his horror debut with Obsession (2026), which explores male entitlement and the 'nice guy' archetype. Barker built an audience on his YouTube channel 'that's a bad idea' with his duo, Cooper Tomlinson, who stars in Obsession.
Kane Parsons, known by his YouTube channel Kane Pixels, is the pioneer of the Backrooms lore. He is now the youngest director to work with A24 at just 20 years old.
Markiplier, a YouTube gaming legend, directed Iron Lung (2026), which became a massive box office success and features popular YouTuber Jacksepticeye and video game voice actor Troy Baker.
Chris Stuckmann, a film critic on YouTube, wrote and directed Shelby Oaks (2024), a crowdfunded passion project that became the highest funded horror film on Kickstarter.
The Philippou brothers, known online as RackaRacka, directed the highly acclaimed 2022 horror movie Talk To Me and the 2025 film Bring Her Back.
David F Sandberg, a Swedish filmmaker, started creating no-budget horror shorts on YouTube and went on to direct massive Hollywood blockbusters such as Anabelle: Creation (2017) and DC's Shazam! (2019).
