In a major shift for streaming records, KPop Demon Hunters has officially become Netflix’s most watched title ever, surpassing the previous record held by Squid Game. The animated film about a K-pop girl group fighting demons has taken the top spot with 266 million views, beating Squid Game Season 1’s 265.2 million views. This change highlights the growing global influence of Korean culture and music.
How KPop Demon Hunters Broke the Record
Netflix measures viewership by counting the total hours watched divided by a title’s runtime during its first 91 days after release. KPop Demon Hunters, which premiered on June 20, 2025, achieved this milestone in less than three months. The film gained momentum week after week, which is unusual for Netflix titles. Its release of a sing-along version on August 25 further boosted its numbers, helping it reach record-breaking viewership.
The movie’s success isn’t limited to streaming. The sing-along version was shown in theaters for two days and earned $18-20 million, topping the box office that weekend. The soundtrack has also dominated music charts, with songs like “Golden” hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Squid Game’s Legacy and Decline
Squid Game Season 1 had held the top spot since its release in 2021. The show was a global sensation, with its first season reaching 265.2 million views and its second season garnering 192.6 million views. However, the recently released third season saw a decline, with only 130 million views so far. This drop suggests that although the series remains popular, interest has decreased over time.
Despite this, Squid Game remains one of Netflix’s biggest shows. It won multiple awards, including Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, and inspired real-world events like Squid Game: The Experience in cities like Seoul and New York.
Why KPop Demon Hunters Is So Popular
KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of Huntr/x, a K-pop girl group that secretly battles demons. The film combines music, action, and Korean cultural elements, making it appealing to a wide audience. Its success is also driven by its catchy soundtrack, which has broken records on Spotify and Billboard.
The film’s co-director, Maggie Kang, and production team included many Koreans, ensuring authentic representation of Korean culture. This attention to detail has resonated with viewers, leading to repeat watches and strong fan engagement.
Arden Cho, one of the film’s voice actors, said: “On stage, they’re perfect. But put them together and they’re goofy, they’re real. I think it makes us, as girls, feel seen.”
What This Means for Netflix
Netflix has increasingly relied on Korean content to attract global audiences. Squid Game paved the way, and now KPop Demon Hunters continues this trend. The streaming platform is developing more content tied to the film, including animated sequels, a live-action remake, and even a stage musical.
While Squid Game has concluded, its impact remains significant. However, KPop Demon Hunters represents a new direction for Netflix, blending animation, music, and cultural storytelling in a way that appeals to today’s viewers.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic Performs KPop Demon Hunters Dance at US Open as Birthday Gift for Daughter
Credits: Netflix
