When Netflix dropped its animated feature KPop Demon Hunters onto its streaming platform on June 20, 2025, no one quite expected the cultural tidal wave that would follow. Within weeks, the movie had not only climbed to become one of the most-watched English-language films on Netflix—second only to Red Notice—but it also ignited a global fandom that spilled far beyond the screen. Fast forward to late August, and the film’s influence was impossible to ignore, culminating in a record-shattering theatrical run and a sing-along craze that has parents, kids, and even dads joining in on the fun, according to a TODAY.com feature published on August 26, 2025.
In a move that surprised industry watchers, Netflix decided to test the old-school waters of theatrical release, albeit with a modern twist. On August 23 and 24, the streaming giant rolled out a special sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters in theaters across North America, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The gamble paid off handsomely. Despite only being shown in about 1,700 theaters—without the support of AMC and with barely any traditional marketing—the film sold out over 1,300 screenings and raked in an estimated $18 to $20 million. That was enough to dethrone Zach Cregger’s horror flick Weapons ($15.6 million) and Disney’s Freakier Friday ($9.2 million), making KPop Demon Hunters the number-one movie in America for that weekend, as reported by Fortress of Solitude.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is that Netflix has long been the streaming world’s champion, often dismissing the traditional movie theater experience as outdated. Yet, with fewer than half the screens of its competitors and almost no advertising, the film’s theatrical run became a box office sensation. Theater owners clamored for a longer engagement, especially given the late-August drought of major releases, but Netflix stuck to its guns. After the two-day event, the company pulled the plug on additional screenings, opting instead to make the sing-along version available to Netflix subscribers worldwide as of August 26, 2025.
The film itself, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, is a kinetic mash-up of K-pop spectacle and supernatural adventure. It follows the fictional girl group Huntr/x—comprised of Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo)—who juggle global stardom with a secret life as demon hunters. Their most daunting challenge? Facing off against an all-demon boy band bent on chaos. The result is a movie that, as The Hollywood Reporter put it, is "a fast and funny genre mash-up that puts most theatrical animated releases to shame." Variety added that viewers might not even realize they’re watching a musical until they catch themselves humming along.
And hum along they do. The film’s soundtrack has become a phenomenon in its own right, with K-pop songwriter Ejae—who is also the singing voice of Rumi—co-writing several of the movie’s biggest hits. As of August 2025, two songs from the film, "Golden" and "Your Idol," have soared to No. 2 and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. Ejae herself seemed overwhelmed by the response, telling fans at an advance sing-along screening in Los Angeles, "I’m speechless. This has all been insane. I’ve been crying a lot."
Critical acclaim has matched the commercial success. KPop Demon Hunters holds an eye-popping 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 69 reviews. Critics and fans alike have praised its energetic animation, catchy tunes, and clever genre-blending. The film’s near-perfect score cements its place as not just a commercial juggernaut but a critical darling as well.
Yet, the impact of KPop Demon Hunters goes beyond numbers and reviews. The movie has sparked trends and inspired a wave of user-generated content across social media. As TODAY.com highlighted in its August 26 segment, dads are now starring in a new trend inspired by the film, joining their kids in sing-alongs and dance routines. The segment showcased the movie’s cross-generational appeal and how its infectious energy has become a family affair. The timing of this trend is no accident, coinciding with the worldwide release of the sing-along version on Netflix. The accessibility of the film at home has made it easy for families everywhere to participate in the fun, belting out tunes and busting moves in their living rooms.
Netflix, for its part, seems both delighted and slightly bemused by the runaway success. The company, which has typically downplayed the importance of traditional box office metrics, didn’t even release official box office numbers for the theatrical run, leaving rival studios and exhibitors to estimate the film’s earnings. But whether streaming, box office, or Billboard charts, the numbers all point to the same conclusion: KPop Demon Hunters is a bona fide phenomenon.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the movie, the plot’s blend of pop stardom and demon-slaying may sound a bit out there—but that’s precisely what makes it work. The film taps into the global popularity of K-pop while giving it a supernatural twist, creating a story that feels both fresh and familiar. The characters’ dual lives—as chart-topping idols and secret saviors—offer a playful metaphor for the pressures and expectations faced by real-life pop stars, with enough humor and heart to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Of course, the film’s success also underscores the evolving relationship between streaming platforms and the big screen. Netflix’s brief but explosive foray into theaters with KPop Demon Hunters suggests that, under the right circumstances, even the most digital-first companies can find value in the communal experience of moviegoing. Still, as the quick pivot back to streaming shows, the real prize for Netflix remains subscriber engagement. By making the sing-along version available worldwide, the company ensures that the film’s momentum continues, driving viewership and, perhaps, a few more sing-along parties at home.
As August draws to a close, KPop Demon Hunters stands as a testament to the unpredictable power of pop culture. It’s a film that has conquered streaming charts, box offices, and the hearts of families everywhere—one catchy tune at a time. And now that the sing-along version is available to anyone with a Netflix account, the only question left is: how loud will you sing?
