Kpop Demon Hunters has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the most-watched film in Netflix’s history, with over 236 million views since its release in June 2025, surpassing the previous record-holder, Red Notice. This animated musical, blending action, music, and Korean culture, has defied expectations to become a global sensation.
The film, which follows the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x as they secretly battle demons while maintaining their pop star personas, was released on June 20 with a modest premiere but quickly gained momentum through word-of-mouth and viral social media trends. Its vibrant animation and authentic depiction of both traditional and modern Korean elements resonated widely with audiences, leading to a sustained surge in viewership.
According to Netflix’s internal data, Kpop Demon Hunters added 25.4 million views in the week of August 18-24, 2025, pushing its total to 236 million and officially overtaking Red Notice, which had held the top spot since 2021 with 230.9 million views. This achievement places it ahead of other Netflix hits like Carry-On and Don’t Look Up in the all-time rankings.
Beyond streaming, the film’s soundtrack has made significant waves in the music industry. Billboard reported that it became the first soundtrack ever to chart four simultaneous top 10 songs—’Golden’, ‘Your Idol’, ‘Soda Pop’, and ‘How It’s Done’—on its charts, while Spotify streams propelled Huntr/x to become the highest-charting female K-pop group in US history, surpassing real-life acts like BLACKPINK.
Netflix capitalized on this success by releasing a sing-along version of the film in theaters across the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand on August 23-24, which surprisingly topped the US box office. This marked a rare achievement for a streaming-first film and demonstrated its cross-platform appeal.
Directed by Maggie Kang, a Toronto-based filmmaker, Kpop Demon Hunters was not initially anticipated to be a blockbuster but has since been praised for its innovative storytelling and cultural impact. The film’s producers include veterans who have worked with major K-pop groups, contributing to its authentic sound and appeal.
In response to the overwhelming success, Sony and Netflix are already in discussions about producing a sequel, aiming to build on the franchise’s momentum. This potential follow-up could explore new storylines and further integrate the musical and action elements that have captivated audiences.
The film’s triumph highlights the evolving landscape of entertainment, where animated features and global cultural influences can drive unprecedented engagement on streaming platforms. It also underscores Netflix’s ability to create original content that resonates across demographics and borders.
Looking ahead, Kpop Demon Hunters may influence future content strategies in the industry, encouraging more diverse and innovative projects that blend genres and cultures. Its success serves as a benchmark for streaming achievements and could pave the way for similar hybrid releases in theaters and online.
