When KPop Demon Hunters premiered on Netflix in late June, few expected it to become one of the biggest entertainment phenomena of the decade. Six months later, the animated film has broken streaming records, topped music charts, and sparked a worldwide fan movement.
The film follows Huntr/x, a fictional K-pop girl group who secretly protect humanity as demon hunters. Their rivals, the Saja Boys, are demons disguised as pop idols. Music, action, and fantasy combine as both groups battle for control of a magical barrier protecting the human world.
Netflix’s Most-Watched Film Ever
By September, KPop Demon Hunters had reached 300 million views, surpassing Red Notice to become Netflix’s most-watched film of all time. In October, the company credited the film with a 17% increase in revenue. Critics and audiences also embraced it, with ratings near 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
A Soundtrack That Took Over the Charts
The film’s soundtrack became one of the biggest music releases of 2025. It was the first soundtrack ever to place four songs simultaneously in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10. It also became Spotify’s second most-streamed album of the year and spent more than four months at No. 1 on global charts.
The hit song “Golden” is now a leading contender for Song of the Year at both the Grammys and the Oscars.
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The soundtrack was created by well-known K-pop producers and artists, including Kevin Woo, Teddy Park, and collaborators linked to BTS and Blackpink. The film’s accurate portrayal of modern K-pop fandom helped fuel its success.
In July, social media mentions of Huntr/x and the Saja Boys were higher than those of global stars like Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, and Billie Eilish.
From Streaming Hit to Box Office Success
Despite being a Netflix release, the film also succeeded in theaters. A special singalong version sold out more than 1,300 screenings across several countries and briefly topped the U.S. box office in August.
A Cultural Win for Korean Storytelling
Director Maggie Kang said Netflix encouraged her to make the film deeply Korean in spirit. The demon hunters are inspired by mudang, traditional Korean shamans who use music and dance to ward off evil. Korean food, customs, and folklore are woven throughout the story.
What Comes Next
A sequel is reportedly planned for 2029, while merchandise, including dolls and toys, is set to arrive in stores in 2026. With Oscar buzz growing and fan demand still rising, KPop Demon Hunters shows no signs of slowing down.
