The animated film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is set to become Netflix’s most-watched movie ever, defying expectations and leaving the star-studded ‘Red Notice’ in its wake.
In a world where blockbuster hits are often tied to A-list actors and massive promotional budgets, the success of the animated film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is a breath of fresh air. This unexpected phenomenon has not only smashed Netflix records but also highlighted a new path to streaming success. The film, which follows a K-pop girl band by day and demon hunters by night, has resonated with audiences and critics alike, thanks to its unique concept and authentic portrayal of K-pop culture.
The Rise of an Underdog
While ‘Red Notice,’ starring Gal Gadot, Ryan Reynolds, and Dwayne Johnson, was heavily promoted months before its release, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ flew under the radar. According to data from Factiva, the film had virtually no media coverage in the first three months of the year, with only a handful of articles in April and May. Even in June, the month of its release, media mentions were modest.
This quiet debut makes the film’s success even more remarkable. It quickly became the most-watched original animated film in Netflix history, racking up a staggering 184.6 million views since its release on June 20. It’s now the second most-popular movie on the platform and is expected to soon surpass ‘Red Notice’ to claim the top spot.
From Unknown to Unstoppable
What makes ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ so appealing? The film’s authentic depiction of K-pop, from synchronized dance routines to fan signing events, has captivated a global audience. While the characters speak English, the attention to detail in the animation and the genuine love for the genre made it an instant hit, particularly in Asia. The movie’s appeal, however, isn’t limited to a single demographic. Its dazzling animation, witty humor, and heartfelt themes of friendship and self-discovery have charmed Western audiences as well.
The film’s critical and audience reception tells the full story. On Rotten Tomatoes, it earned a near-perfect 97% from critics and a glowing 91% from audiences. This stands in stark contrast to ‘Red Notice,’ which despite its initial popularity, was panned by critics with a 37% rating. This critical acclaim, combined with strong word-of-mouth, propelled ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ into the media spotlight. The number of articles written about the film surged, increasing nearly four-fold in the month of its release and continuing to hold strong.
Soundtrack and Success
The film’s authenticity extended beyond its visuals to its music. Sony Pictures Animation collaborated with renowned K-pop producers and songwriters, including Teddy Park (known for his work with Blackpink) and Michel Lindgren Schulz (who has worked with BTS and TWICE). The result? Several tracks from the soundtrack have found their way onto the Billboard Hot 100 and Spotify’s US chart, further cementing the film’s cultural impact and driving media mentions.
While the total number of articles about ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ over the past year (3,407) pales in comparison to the heavily-marketed ‘Red Notice’ (8,120), the stark difference in production costs is a powerful lesson for the industry. Netflix’s success with this animated hit proves that a captivating idea and a dedicated niche audience can be just as potent as a multi-million dollar budget and a cast of superstars.
Unsurprisingly, Netflix is already cashing in on its new franchise. Plans are underway for two animated sequels, a live-action remake, an animated TV series, and even a stage musical. It looks like the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ are here to stay, casting a spell on audiences and redefining what it means to be a box-office giant.
What do you think about the film’s success? Do you think big-budget movies will eventually become a thing of the past?
