The animated film KPop Demon Hunters (directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans) has become Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time.
On August 27, Netflix confirmed through its official channels that the film reached 236 million views in just ten weeks of release. This achievement surpasses Red Notice (directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber), which previously held the record at 230.9 million views. Released in 2021, the movie featured top Hollywood actors Gal Gadot, Dwayne Johnson, and Ryan Reynolds in lead roles.
With 236 million views, KPop Demon Hunters now ranks as the most-watched movie in Netflix history. In the overall category that includes both films and TV series, it currently sits at number three, behind Squid Game (265.2 million views) and Wednesday (252.1 million views). Netflix calculates cumulative viewership over a 91-day period, which gives the film another 22 days to continue adding numbers and climb even higher.
The movie’s popularity has extended far beyond Netflix. Despite being primarily released on the streaming platform, KPop Demon Hunters topped the North American box office with a special “sing-along version” screened in theaters on August 23 and 24.
According to Variety, it played across 1,700 theaters, selling out approximately 1,150 screenings and generating more than 28 billion KRW during the two-day event.
Industry experts noted the immersive atmosphere, with audiences singing along, dancing, and even dressing in costumes. The response was described as a rare “box office upset” for a Netflix original.
Its soundtrack has been a key factor contributing to the film’s global popularity. The lead track Golden topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart, marking a historic achievement for an OST song. Billboard reported on August 26 that Golden reclaimed the top spot on the Hot 100, its second non-consecutive week at number one.
In addition, four tracks from the soundtrack entered the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 simultaneously—another first for an OST album. These include Your Idol (No. 4), Soda Pop (No. 5), and How It’s Done (No. 10). Other songs also charted: What It Sounds Like (No. 20), Free (No. 23), Takedown (No. 25), and a special version of Takedown by TWICE’s Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung (No. 53). In total, eight OST tracks have made it onto the Hot 100.
KPop Demon Hunters follows elite K-pop idols Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—members of the global group HUNTR/X—who moonlight as demon hunters. When these performers aren’t lighting up stadiums, they wield their music-infused powers to protect humanity by sustaining the mystical barrier known as the Golden Honmoon.
Since its release on June 20, the movie has consistently remained in Netflix’s Global Top 10 in the English film category. Critics and audiences have credited its mix of action, music, and cultural themes for appealing to both K-pop fans and general audiences worldwide.
With weeks left in its 91-day performance window, KPop Demon Hunters is expected to continue climbing Netflix’s all-time charts.
