KPOP DEMON HUNTERS SLAYS BOX OFFICE

In the vibrant summer of 2025, KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix’s animated musical sensation, took an unexpected leap from streaming screens to global cinema dominance, claiming the number-one spot at the box office. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film had already captivated audiences since its June 20, 2025, Netflix debut, amassing over 184.6 million views and becoming the platform’s most-watched animated film ever.

The story centers on Huntr/x, a fictional K-pop girl group—Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo)—who balance stadium sellouts with secret demon-hunting missions. Guided by their mentor Celine (Yunjin Kim), they maintain the Honmoon, a magical barrier sealing demons away from humanity. When the Saja Boys, a rival boy band secretly composed of demons, threaten to unleash chaos, Huntr/x must use their music and combat skills to save their fans and the world. The film’s blend of K-pop culture, dazzling animation, and universal themes of self-acceptance resonated globally, earning a 97% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

On August 23, 2025, Netflix released a sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters in 1,700 theaters worldwide, a rare move for the streamer known for limited theatrical runs. Fans, already obsessed with the soundtrack’s chart-topping hits like “Golden” (No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100) and “Your Idol,” flocked to cinemas to belt out the songs. The theatrical release grossed a stunning $19 million in its opening weekend, surpassing projections and outpacing competitors like Weapons, which was expected to lead. By August 25, 2025, the film held the top box office spot, with ticket sales climbing to $25 million in its second week, driven by word-of-mouth and social media buzz on platforms like X, where the #KPopDemonHunters hashtag trended with fan art, cosplay, and dance covers.

The film’s success was fueled by its authentic portrayal of K-pop culture, with choreography inspired by real-life groups like TWICE, whose members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung contributed to the track “Takedown.” The animation, with mouth movements matching Korean pronunciation and details like light sticks and fan signing events, struck a chord with K-pop fans and newcomers alike. Critics lauded its vibrant visuals and heartfelt storytelling, with The Guardian noting it “repackages K-pop for a broader audience” while staying true to its roots.

The theatrical run sparked a cultural phenomenon. Fans filled theaters with light sticks, recreating Huntr/x’s iconic performances. On X, users shared clips of packed sing-along screenings, with one post declaring, “Singing ‘Golden’ in a theater full of stans is a spiritual experience!” The soundtrack’s dominance continued, with “Golden” reclaiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global 200, making Huntr/x the highest-charting K-pop girl group in history.

Netflix, initially caught off-guard by the demand, expanded merchandise lines, flooding stores with Huntr/x and Saja Boys apparel, boosting sales by 400%. The studio announced plans for sequels, a TV series, and a potential stage musical, signaling a burgeoning franchise. KPop Demon Hunters didn’t just conquer the box office; it became a global movement, proving that a story about fierce, flawed, and fabulous K-pop idols could slay demons and audiences alike.