In a surprising turn for the film industry, the Netflix animated musical “KPop Demon Hunters,” which premiered on the streaming service in June, has topped the North American box office with a limited theatrical “sing-along” event. The film, originally a streaming-exclusive title, is estimated to have grossed between $18 million and $20 million over a two-day period from roughly 1,700 screens. This is a rare feat for a Netflix production and marks the first time one of its films has reached the number one spot at the domestic box office.
The film’s theatrical release was not a traditional run, but rather a special “sing-along event” held on Saturday and Sunday. The strong performance highlights the film’s unexpected journey to becoming a cultural phenomenon. After its release, “KPop Demon Hunters” became the most-watched animated original film on Netflix and its soundtrack, featuring songs like “Golden” and “Soda Pop,” has gained significant traction on music charts, fueling the demand for the live event.
The success of the limited engagement has sparked conversations in Hollywood about the potential for future collaboration between streaming services and theaters. While Netflix is not officially reporting the numbers, industry sources and rival studios have confirmed the impressive performance. The film’s success is a testament to its widespread popularity, driven by both children and adults who have become captivated by its story, music, and animation.
The movie, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, follows a K-pop girl group named Huntr/x who secretly lead double lives as demon hunters. It has received widespread critical acclaim for its unique visual style, voice acting, and music. The strong box office showing of the sing-along event could pave the way for a sequel, which the directors have expressed interest in pursuing.