When K‑Pop Demon Hunters premiered on Netflix on June 20, 2025, few anticipated just how massive a cultural force it would become. Blending action-packed animation, mythological fantasy, and the addictive energy of K‑pop, the film has since exploded into a full-blown global phenomenon—smashing streaming records, dominating music charts, and igniting fan creativity across the internet.
A Streaming Juggernaut
In just its first weekend, K‑Pop Demon Hunters soared to the top of Netflix’s global rankings, hitting No. 1 in 26 countries and reaching the Top 10 in over 90 others. With more than 56 million hours viewed in its first two days, the film quickly established itself as one of Netflix’s most-watched original films of the year. By mid-July, it had amassed over 106 million views—an extraordinary feat for an animated release.
Even more impressive was its longevity. Rather than peaking at launch and fading away, Demon Hunters defied expectations by reaching No. 1 on Netflix’s global English Film Top 10 during its fifth week, with 24.2 million views from July 7 to 13 alone—a rare milestone for any film on the platform.
Music That Jumped Off the Screen
Much of the film’s popularity stems from its powerhouse soundtrack, which transcended the animated genre to become a real-world chart-topper. Featuring fictional K‑pop idol groups like Huntr /x and the Saja Boys, the original songs quickly took on a life of their own.
The soundtrack debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and climbed to No. 3 within two weeks—making it the highest-charting animated film album since Encanto. It also shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Soundtracks chart and delivered the largest streaming week for a film soundtrack since Barbie, with over 96 million streams.
The breakout hit, “Golden” by Huntr /x, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200, while “Your Idol” by the Saja Boys cracked the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and set a Spotify record for the highest-charting K‑pop boy group song in the U.S.—surpassing even BTS who’s currently in hiatus. Not to be outdone, Huntr /x achieved a similar feat among girl groups, outpacing BLACKPINK’s previous records.
Other tracks like “How It’s Done,” “Free,” “Soda Pop,” and the TWICE-performed “Takedown” became viral sensations, spawning TikTok challenges and choreography covers from fans and influencers around the world.
From Fandom to Cultural Movement
Beyond its streaming numbers and chart success, K‑Pop Demon Hunters has captured the hearts and imaginations of a growing fandom. Thousands of fanfictions have flooded platforms like Archive of Our Own—over 3,600 in its first month alone—surpassing contributions from long-running franchises like Star Wars: Andor. Fan art, cosplay, music covers, and social media roleplays featuring the film’s lead characters, Rumi and Hana, have helped transform the film into an ongoing participatory experience.
Even real K‑pop idols have joined the wave. Members of groups like TWICE, BTS, Cha Eun-woo, RIIZE, and PLAVE have praised the film, covered its music, and posted behind-the-scenes tributes. Meanwhile, character-themed merchandise—especially plushies of the adorable tiger Derpy and sassy magpie Sussie—sold out almost instantly, with online shops and even Korean cultural museum gift stores reporting sales spikes of up to 70×.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Buzz
Critics have also embraced Demon Hunters with open arms. The film currently holds a 96% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its vibrant animation, inclusive themes, and genre-defying soundtrack. As Oscar season approaches, insiders are already predicting nominations in several categories—including Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song, with “Golden” considered a frontrunner.
Netflix has confirmed it will officially submit several tracks from the film for Oscar consideration, marking a potential first for an animated K‑pop musical. If successful, K‑Pop Demon Hunters could follow in the footsteps of Encanto as a major awards contender, reinforcing its status as more than just a streaming hit—it’s a cinematic milestone.
What’s Next?
Though no sequel has been announced yet, fans are already clamoring for one. Social media is flooded with calls for more backstory on Rumi’s magical lineage, a deeper dive into the Saja Boys’ lore, and a potential tour-style spinoff following Huntr /x’s rise to stardom. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have expressed interest in expanding the universe, and industry analysts believe the momentum is strong enough to support a full franchise.
