Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters is proving to be a massive hit, maintaining strong viewership numbers with just a 6.2% drop in its third week. The movie, which blends K-pop music with supernatural action, has already racked up 56.1 million views and remains one of the most-watched animated films on the platform.
The film’s soundtrack is also making waves, climbing to No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and becoming the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025. Seven songs from the album have entered the Billboard Hot 100, with the lead track “Golden” soaring to No. 23.
KPop Demon Hunters Defies Typical Streaming Drop-Off
Most movies, especially animated ones, see a sharp decline in viewership after their first week. But KPop Demon Hunters is breaking the trend with only a 6.2% drop in its third week. This rare retention rate suggests strong rewatch value, particularly among younger audiences.
Fans have compared the movie’s staying power to how kids replay their favorite YouTube videos. One viewer noted:
“The more I watch it, the more I realize how well-made it is. It might not be super fun for everyone, but I think most people would agree it’s really well-crafted.”
Another fan added:
“Ah, it’s like how kids watch the same YouTube videos over and over again. My kindergartener niece was singing ‘Golden’ nonstop.”
Soundtrack Becomes a Chart-Topping Phenomenon
The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack is outperforming expectations, with 62,000 equivalent album units sold in its second week—a 97% increase from its debut. The album’s streaming numbers jumped 108%, totaling 77.42 million on-demand streams in a single week.
Republic Records CEO Jim Roppo shared how his own family’s obsession signaled the film’s potential:
“My kids watched this movie three-and-a-half times in 24 hours. The next day, they started blasting the songs from the soundtrack.”
The soundtrack’s success mirrors Disney’s Encanto, which dominated charts in 2022. Industry experts predict KPop Demon Hunters could follow a similar awards trajectory, with Netflix submitting “Golden” for Best Original Song at the Oscars.
Why the Film Resonates With Global Audiences
KPop Demon Hunters follows a K-pop girl group, Huntrix, who secretly fight demons while performing as idols. The film’s mix of high-energy music, dynamic animation, and Korean folklore has attracted viewers beyond typical K-pop fans.
Director Maggie Kang spent seven years developing the project, drawing inspiration from K-pop groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE. The rival boy band in the film, Saja Boys, was modeled after groups like TXT, Stray Kids, and BIGBANG.
The movie’s unique animation style, inspired by Korean webtoons, sets it apart from other animated films. Characters strike bold, exaggerated poses, and action scenes are filled with vibrant, comic-book-style visuals.
With its strong streaming numbers and chart success, KPop Demon Hunters is shaping up to be a long-term hit. Republic Records is pushing “Golden” for radio play and planning remixes with top producers. Physical copies of the soundtrack, including a 7-inch vinyl, are now available for pre-order.
Also read: Ahn Hyo Seop Stuns Fans With Soulful Cover of KPop Demon Hunters Song Free as Jinu
Netflix has not confirmed a sequel, but director Maggie Kang has hinted at more stories to explore in this universe. Given the film’s performance, fans can likely expect more Huntrix adventures in the future.
Credits: Data sourced from Billboard, Variety, NPR, Korea JoongAng Daily, and Netflix reports.
