Even after two months since its release, KPop Demon Hunters is still riding high on its unstoppable success.
The Netflix animated hit, which blends the world of K-pop with fantasy action, has not only become the platform’s highest-grossing animated film but is now chasing the title of most-watched Netflix movie overall.
Adding to its momentum, the film is making a rare move back to theaters. Last week, Netflix confirmed that KPop Demon Hunters will be screened in a sing-along format in the U.S. and Canada on August 23 and 24. Audiences will be able to sing to the movie’s standout tracks, including the record-breaking hit “Golden.”
The song became the first K-pop girl group (HUNTR/X) track to top the Billboard Hot 100 and the first by any girl group to reach No. 1 in over two decades. It also reached the top spot on the UK Official Singles Chart, while the full soundtrack soared to No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
The decision to screen the movie theatrically is unusual. While many streaming films debut briefly in cinemas before hitting OTT platforms, KPop Demon Hunters is returning to theaters nearly eight weeks after its release, proof of its overwhelming demand.
The scale of the release also stands out: roughly 7,000 screenings are planned across about 1,100 theaters in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago, Ottawa, and Montreal. Tickets sold out almost immediately after pre-sales began, with some theaters requesting an extension of the run due to the unexpected surge in popularity.
The movie’s reach goes well beyond music charts. In just six weeks, KPop Demon Hunters became the most-watched Netflix animation ever. By its seventh week, it had reached 184.6 million cumulative views, ranking second among all Netflix films.
At this pace, it is projected to surpass Red Notice (230.9 million views), Netflix’s current record holder starring Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, as early as September.
Industry experts see this theatrical return as evidence of how the film has redefined the potential of animated releases. Hailed as Netflix’s Frozen, it is also the only animated title in the streamer’s all-time top 10.
Beyond streaming, music, and theaters, Netflix has begun expanding the property into a full franchise. The company recently launched a dedicated social media account for KPop Demon Hunters on August 13.
They are preparing large-scale expansion projects, including an animated sequel, a live-action adaptation, a stage musical, and related merchandise. Reports also suggest that Sony is negotiating with the directors for future installments and may pave the way for broader theatrical releases.
