A Weekend Upset: Netflix’s Animated Musical Outshines Hollywood Blockbusters

In a major weekend upset, Netflix’s animated musical KPop Demon Hunters outshone Hollywood blockbusters to claim the top spot at the box office. The film earned an estimated $18-$20 million through a special sing-along event, a non-traditional release that proved more successful than the weekend’s conventional studio offerings. This marks a rare and impressive theatrical victory for the streaming service.
The film’s success was built on its phenomenal popularity on Netflix, where it has become the second-most-viewed movie of all time. This massive online audience, combined with a chart-topping soundtrack, created a powerful cultural moment that was perfectly poised for a theatrical crossover.
The two-day event, held in 1,700 theaters, was designed to be an immersive fan experience, and it delivered. The sing-along format was a huge draw, leading to 1,150 sold-out screenings and demonstrating a strong market for alternative cinema content. The event was embraced by most major exhibitors, with the notable exception of AMC.
The film tells the story of Huntr/x, a K-pop group that leads a double life as demon slayers. This fresh and exciting concept has now proven its commercial power on the big screen, providing a memorable highlight for the end of the summer season.