Curry Barker (born September 22, 1999) is an American filmmaker, actor, comedian, and YouTuber. He is known for creating and starring on the sketch comedy YouTube channel "that's a bad idea" with his creative partner Cooper Tomlinson. Barker directed, wrote, and acted in the horror films Milk & Serial (2024), Obsession (2025), and Anything but Ghosts (2027). His film Obsession grossed over $520 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time.
Early life Barker was born on September 22, 1999, and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. His mother is a graphic designer, and his father was a psychiatric nurse practitioner who later became a professional screenwriter. He has two brothers named Riley and Jeffrey, both of whom have collaborated on his films.
In a 2026 interview, he stated that he had an interest in horror from a young age, noting that his viewing of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) when he was 11 years old led him to want to chase the feeling of being shocked. A self-described "straight-C and -D student", Barker participated in the marching band, had his own rock band, and ran a YouTube channel with friends. He attended Baker High School.
Career Aspiring to be an actor, Barker left home at age 18 to study at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) campus in Los Angeles. During his first week, he met fellow student Cooper Tomlinson, and they soon began making videos together on YouTube, which they described as "our film school outside of film school", forming the sketch comedy duo "that's a bad idea". Barker and Tomlinson soon dropped out, moved in together, and began publishing comedy sketches and short films on YouTube and TikTok, while Barker worked at Starbucks. Barker had occasional acting roles in other productions, including guest appearances in television series Dave and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia in 2023.
In 2023, Barker wrote and directed the horror short film The Chair and uploaded it to YouTube, where it was watched more than 10 million times. Film producer James Harris of Tea Shop Productions contacted Barker, suggesting he adapt it into a feature, but Barker instead pitched Obsession (2025), a horror film.
Barker directed the $800 found footage horror film Milk & Serial (2024). After spending a year trying to get distribution, Barker ultimately decided to release the full film on YouTube. The film went viral, leading to a representation deal with United Talent Agency in early 2025.
On September 3, 2025, in advance of Obsession Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiere, it was announced that Barker would direct and co-write his third feature horror film, Anything but Ghosts, and co-star in it. The project is produced by Jason Blum, Roy Lee, and Steven Schneider through their Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and Spooky Pictures banners, respectively, alongside Divide/Conquer. The film is set to be released by Focus Features on May 7, 2027.
On a $750,000 budget, Obsession became a sensation, grossing over $500 million worldwide. TheWrap compared Barker and Kane Parsons—whose Backrooms (2026) was simultaneously very successful—to Swedish filmmaker David F. Sandberg. All three began by creating YouTube videos before directing Hollywood feature films.
In April 2026, it was announced that Barker would be writing and directing a reboot of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with A24.
In June 2026, it was announced that Barker would be writing, directing, and producing an original horror film for Universal Pictures. Blum, James Wan, Lee, Schneider, Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath will produce through their Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Spooky Pictures and Divide/Conquer banners, respectively.
In September 2026, Barker was named on the TIME100 Next 2026: The World's Most Influential Rising Stars list.
Filmography + Key Denotes film or television show still in production
Feature film Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor Actor Character Notes Ref. 2024 Marshall "Milk" Feature directorial debut 2025 Obsession One Wish Willow customer service representative Theatrical debut 2027 Mouse Post-production
Short film Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor Actor Character Notes Ref. 2019 Real World Rivers Rivera 2020 Contemplation Greg We Don't Feel Pain!! (we tried a ritual) Himself Meanwhile Outside the Bank Ryan 2021 Drywall David 2022 Heavy Eyes Seth The Cowboy with No Hat Andre Curtis 2023 Warnings Seán / Kyle Enigma Mikey The Chair I Can't Cry Justin 2024 Striking Gold Jimmy the Bartender Also titled Western Town 2025 Fly Me to the Earth Cotton Weary The Chip Thief Officer Barker
Television series Year Title Role Notes Ref. 2023 Dave Seymore Tamzarian Episode: "Rebirthday" It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Joey McPoyle
Web series Year Title Role Notes Ref. Various, himself Sketch comedy YouTube channel
Music videos Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor Actor Singer Character Notes Ref. 2024 Himself 2026 C.E.O. Music Video Director / Himself
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External links