‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Shatters Netflix Records, Becomes Most-Watched Animated Movie Ever

KPop Demon Hunters becomes Netflix’s top animated film, topping charts with its hit soundtrack and fans calling for a sequel
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Threads
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS - Bobby (voice by KEN JEONG). ©2025 Netflix

Netflix’s animated supernatural action-comedy KPop Demon Hunters has achieved a new milestone, becoming the most-watched animated film in the platform’s history. Just over a month since its release on June 20, the movie has racked up a staggering 26.3 million total views and 43.9 million hours watched, spending six consecutive weeks in Netflix’s Top 10 films.

The film, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, has also seen its original songs conquer global music charts, with its soundtrack becoming the highest-charting animated film soundtrack of 2025.

From Screen to Soundwaves: A Global Phenomenon

KPop Demon Hunters follows the members of the fictional idol group HUNTR/X as they lead double lives, performing to sold-out stadiums by day and battling supernatural boy band the Saja Boys (who are secretly demons) by night. This unique premise, combined with high-quality animation and authentic K-pop energy, quickly made it an instant hit with Netflix users worldwide.

The film’s original songs have transcended the screen, becoming some of the most-listened artists in recent weeks, even surpassing popular real-life groups like BTS and BLACKPINK on various charts. The soundtrack debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest soundtrack debut of 2025. Its standout track, Golden, performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, has notably reclaimed the No. 1 spot on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts.

The musical appeal is undeniable, with top K-pop producers like Teddy Park, Lindgren, and Jenna Andrews contributing to the soundtrack. Songs like TAKEDOWN (including a version by TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung), How It’s Done, and Free by Huntrix, alongside Soda Pop and Your Idol by the Saja Boyz, have all become fan favorites.

Read more: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’: Creators Share Secrets in Reddit AMA

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, KPop Demon Hunters seamlessly blends action and humour with rich Korean cultural elements. The film features Korean dialogue and subtle cultural nods, incorporating folklore elements like dokkaebi (goblins) and the jeoseung saja (the Korean grim reaper, who inspired the Saja Boys). Real-world locations like Namsan Park are also featured, offering international viewers a vivid glimpse into Korean aesthetics.

The film has garnered strong critical and audience reception, boasting a 97% critic score and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Sony Pictures Animation celebrated the record-breaking achievement, stating, “WE LOVE YOU, FANS! KPop Demon Hunters is officially the most-watched original animated film on Netflix.”

Read more: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Soundtrack Success: ‘Golden’ Eyes Awards Recognition

KPop Demon Hunters continues to maintain strong global momentum, dominating charts and viewer rankings, even seeing a 2% increase in viewership in its sixth week, defying the usual decline. Fans are clamoring for a sequel and even a theatrical release, praising the film for its unique concept, stunning animation, electric performances, and genre-blending soundtrack. The success of KPop Demon Hunters has firmly solidified its place as one of 2025’s most impactful releases.

Author
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Threads

Stay Connected

Latest news

More From Resonate
The first Vietnamese woman in space reveals the heavy emotional toll of the "misogyny" and harassment that followed her dream
Simu Liu opens up about his “very momentous” first meeting with Robert Downey Jr. on the set of Avengers: Doomsday,
The daughters of a woman living with Alzheimer’s have spoken about the first symptoms they noticed before her diagnosis
Korean cinema hit a 20-year low in 2025, but Japanese animation soared—signaling a new era for Asia’s box office power
'This City Is a Battlefield' brings 1946 Jakarta to life through intimate performances by Ariel Tatum, Jerome Kurnia, and Chicco
With the release of 'Fire And Ash', 16-year-old Chinese American actress Trinity Jo-Li Bliss reflects on growing up inside James
Simu Liu opens up about 'The Copenhagen Test,' Bond, and the racial limits of Hollywood’s casting system
'Hamnet' earns major recognition for Chloé Zhao at the EDA Awards, highlighting women filmmakers’ impact