In a major box office upset, Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters has claimed the weekend’s top spot, earning a formidable $18 million to $20 million. This impressive figure came from a special two-day sing-along event, proving that a streaming-first property can successfully compete with, and even defeat, traditional theatrical releases. The film’s performance far exceeded expectations, pushing the horror hit Weapons into second place.
The film’s success was not an overnight story. It first captivated audiences on Netflix, where it became a global phenomenon and the platform’s second-most-watched movie. The film’s appeal was magnified by its hit soundtrack, which produced several chart-topping songs and fostered a strong sense of community among its fans.
This community turned out in full force for the theatrical event. Hosted in 1,700 cinemas, the sing-along version was a massive draw, resulting in 1,150 sold-out screenings. This incredible fan response demonstrates the viability of event-based cinema, even when faced with opposition from major players like AMC Theaters, which refused to participate.
The movie itself tells the action-packed story of a K-pop girl group that leads a double life as demon hunters. This unique and engaging concept, now a proven box office draw, has provided a significant boost to a summer movie season that has been struggling to reach pre-pandemic revenue levels.