Netflix KPop Demon Hunters Breaks Streaming Records, Tops Box Office

Netflix’s animated musical film K-pop Demon Hunters has become a major cultural and commercial success, becoming the most-watched original movie in Netflix history with over 266 million global views. The movie, which follows a fictional K-pop trio battling demons, saw a rare theatrical sing-along release in over 1,700 venues nationwide, grossing approximately $20 million and topping the weekend box office during its run. Its success is attributed to viral social media engagement, catchiness of the soundtrack, and accessibility via streaming, which enabled strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewing, especially among younger audiences. Netflix has leveraged this popularity by releasing a wide range of merchandise, including collectible photocards in the soundtrack album that have sparked a collector's craze and secondary market trading. This phenomenon highlights how streaming platforms can create new entertainment experiences that blend digital accessibility with fan culture and limited theatrical events. The film continues to perform strongly on Netflix charts, reaffirming its status as a breakout hit in the evolving media landscape.