Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Achieves Historic Milestones as Film Sets Multiple Records

Netflix’s animated sensation “KPop Demon Hunters” reached unprecedented heights on August 29, 2025, as the streaming giant confirmed the film has officially become its most-viewed movie in history while simultaneously breaking Billboard chart records that have stood for nearly seven decades.

Record-Breaking Viewership Numbers

The Sony Pictures Animation production surpassed all previous Netflix viewing records by accumulating 236 million views in just 10 weeks since its June 20 release. This milestone dethroned the previous record holder, “Red Notice” starring Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson, which had garnered 230.9 million views over a longer period. The achievement is particularly remarkable considering the film reached this number with 24 days still remaining in the standard 91-day premiere window used for Netflix comparisons.

Industry analysts noted the film’s consistent performance, with “KPop Demon Hunters” showing nearly zero percent audience decline for three consecutive weeks, maintaining approximately 26 million views per week. This sustained engagement has positioned the animated feature as not just a temporary phenomenon but a lasting cultural impact.

Billboard Chart History Made

In an unprecedented development, the film’s soundtrack achieved what no other movie soundtrack has accomplished in Billboard’s 67-year history. Four songs from “KPop Demon Hunters” simultaneously occupy positions in the Hot 100 top 10. “Golden” claimed the number one spot for its second non-consecutive week, while “Your Idol” sits at number 4, “Soda Pop” at number 5, and “How It’s Done” climbed from number 14 to number 10.

This achievement elevates the fictional K-pop group Huntr/x to historic status, making them only the third K-pop act ever to secure multiple Hot 100 top 10 hits, joining the ranks of global superstars BTS and the film’s antagonist group, Saja Boys. The soundtrack has also garnered over 3 billion streams globally and holds the number 2 position on the Billboard 200 chart.

Sequel Discussions and Industry Implications

The film’s extraordinary success has prompted immediate sequel discussions between Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation. While Netflix declined to comment officially, industry sources confirmed that early talks are already underway. Director Maggie Kang previously hinted at expansion possibilities, telling Variety that significant backstories for characters Zoey and Mira remain unexplored, along with numerous unanswered questions from the original 85-minute film.

However, the sequel negotiations highlight complex industry dynamics stemming from pandemic-era distribution deals. Despite creating the $100 million production, Sony Pictures Animation reportedly netted only $20 million due to the terms of their Netflix agreement. This arrangement, established during COVID-19 theater closures, now represents what industry observers are calling one of Hollywood’s biggest missed opportunities, as Netflix controls what could become a multi-billion-dollar franchise.

Box Office Success Continues Momentum

Adding to Thursday’s milestone announcements, the film’s limited theatrical sing-along version continued its impressive run after grossing an estimated $19.2 million over its August 23-24 weekend release. This performance made “KPop Demon Hunters” the first Netflix film ever to top the U.S. box office, despite being available for streaming at home.

The sing-along version, which featured surprise appearances by voice cast members Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ken Jeong alongside singers Rei Ami and Kevin Woo, has now been added to Netflix’s streaming catalog. International markets including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand also participated in the theatrical event.

Cultural Phenomenon Status

Industry publications have officially designated “KPop Demon Hunters” as a cultural phenomenon, with its impact extending far beyond traditional streaming metrics. The film, which follows a fictional K-pop girl group leading double lives as demon hunters, has resonated globally by authentically depicting both modern and traditional Korean culture through its animation and music collaborations with established K-pop artists including BTS and TWICE.

Voice actor Kevin Woo experienced the film’s cultural impact firsthand, with his Spotify following surging from 10,000 to over 25 million after the film’s release. This dramatic increase exemplifies the broader cultural reach the animated feature has achieved across multiple entertainment sectors.

As Netflix and Sony navigate the complex negotiations surrounding future “KPop Demon Hunters” properties, the events of August 29, 2025, will likely be remembered as the day an animated film about demon-hunting K-pop stars redefined what’s possible for streaming content in the modern entertainment landscape.