LOS ANGELES: In a groundbreaking moment for streaming giant Netflix, the animated musical film KPop Demon Hunters has soared to the top of the domestic box office, marking a rare and historic achievement for a Netflix production.
The sing-along version of the animated hit, which follows a fierce K-pop girl group battling supernatural forces, raked in an estimated $18 million across theaters in the U.S. and Canada over the weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. The film surpassed Warner Bros. Discovery’s horror thriller Weapons, which earned $15.6 million in its third weekend.
This win is especially significant as Netflix traditionally avoids wide theatrical releases, favoring its streaming-first model. However, the cultural momentum behind KPop Demon Hunters led the company to organize a limited, one-weekend-only theatrical event, capitalizing on a relatively quiet box office period.
Netflix reported that the event featured over 1,000 sold-out screenings across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand — a feat that highlights the film’s extraordinary global appeal.
A Streaming Hit Turned Cultural Phenomenon
KPop Demon Hunters has become a juggernaut for Netflix, not only dominating the platform’s streaming charts this summer but also launching several chart-topping tracks. The breakout single “Golden” has become a massive hit, while three other songs — “How It’s Done,” “What It Sounds Like,” and “Free” — are currently among the top 10 most-streamed songs globally, according to Luminate for the week ending August 14.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and produced in collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation, the film blends K-pop fandom, action, and animation to deliver a uniquely engaging cinematic experience.
The success of KPop Demon Hunters may prompt Netflix to reconsider its strategy on theatrical releases — particularly for films with strong crossover appeal between music, youth culture, and global fan bases.
