The Hollywood establishment was left stunned this weekend as Netflix’s animated K-pop musical, KPop Demon Hunters, ascended to the top of the box office charts. The film grossed a formidable $18-$20 million in a limited theatrical run, an unconventional victory for a streaming-first movie. This performance pushed aside expected frontrunners and marked a significant moment for Netflix in the cinematic landscape.
This theatrical success was built upon a mountain of streaming viewership. Since its debut, KPop Demon Hunters has become the second-most-watched film on Netflix, creating a global phenomenon. Its soundtrack became a sensation in its own right, with multiple songs topping the Billboard Hot 100 and deepening the audience’s connection to the film.
Netflix leveraged this popularity by launching a special two-day sing-along event in 1,700 North American theaters. The fan response was immediate and overwhelming, leading to a vast number of sold-out shows and proving that a dedicated online community can translate into real-world ticket sales. This success came despite AMC Theaters’ decision to boycott the event.
The film’s plot revolves around Huntr/x, a girl group that uses its pop-star status as a cover for fighting demons. This unique concept has not only found a massive audience online but has now proven its viability on the big screen, offering a jolt of excitement to the end-of-summer box office.
Hollywood Stunned as Netflix’s K-Pop Musical Tops Weekend Charts
