🎬 ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ Surges To No. 1 At Box Office During Limited Release — After Smashing Netflix Records

HOLLYWOOD, USA – In a rare crossover success for streaming and theaters, Netflix’s animated musical “Kpop Demon Hunters” stunned the industry by claiming the No. 1 spot at the U.S. box office during its limited theatrical run, grossing an estimated $18–20 million.

The win comes just two months after the film became one of Netflix’s most-watched movies of all time, proving the global power of Kpop culture, animation, and streaming-driven fanbases.

Box Office Success

• “Kpop Demon Hunters” opened in about 1,700 theaters across the U.S. and Canada, selling out an estimated 1,100 screenings.

• The film grossed between $18–20 million in just one weekend, according to studio insiders.

• It dethroned Zach Cregger’s horror hit “Weapons”, which dropped to second place with $15.6 million in its third weekend.

This makes “Kpop Demon Hunters” Netflix’s most successful theatrical release to date — even bigger than Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which grossed $13.2 million in 2022 from a limited five-day run.

Streaming Domination

Since its June streaming debut on Netflix, “Kpop Demon Hunters” has racked up:

• 210.5 million views

• 350.9 million hours watched

• Making it Netflix’s 2nd most-watched movie ever, behind Red Notice (2021).

The film quickly became a global cultural phenomenon, combining Kpop’s popularity with animated fantasy and music.

Soundtrack Charts on Billboard

The soundtrack has also exploded onto the Billboard charts, proving its impact beyond streaming and theaters:

• Ranked No. 2 on the Billboard 200 (album sales).

• Three songs in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10:

  • “Golden” – No. 2

  • “Your Idol” – No. 4

  • “Soda Pop” – No. 10

• An additional five tracks placed lower on the chart, securing the film’s dominance in global pop culture.

Background: Netflix’s Theatrical Gamble

Netflix traditionally avoids theatrical releases, preferring direct-to-streaming dominance. CEO Ted Sarandos has even called theaters an “outdated concept.”

But the fan-driven popularity of “Kpop Demon Hunters” prompted Netflix to try a “sing-along” theatrical event during an otherwise slow summer weekend — a gamble that paid off big.

By selling out theaters and generating millions, Netflix has proven that streaming hits can convert into box office gold if fan demand is strong enough.

GlobalWorldCitizen.com Insight

The success of “Kpop Demon Hunters” highlights the new era of entertainment, where:

• Kpop culture continues to shape global music, film, and fashion.

• Streaming-first blockbusters can still dominate box offices with limited runs.

• Soundtracks and fandoms fuel multi-platform success — from Netflix to theaters to Billboard charts.

This film’s performance raises key questions: Could Netflix now expand its theatrical strategy, or will this remain a special event model for only its biggest hits?

Either way, “Kpop Demon Hunters” is a milestone in entertainment history, uniting the worlds of Kpop, streaming, cinema, and global fandom.