Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Dominique Hines

Don't get KPop? Here’s why EVERYONE'S watching Netflix’s surprise new hit, Demon Hunters

If you thought KPop and animated musicals were niche territory, think again. Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters has smashed every expectation, becoming the streaming giant’s biggest hit yet - and it’s pulling in viewers far beyond the usual fandoms.

This musical animation dominating screens and playlists worldwide, even among adults who don’t usually care for KPop or cartoons.

The animation, courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation (the team behind Spider-Verse), is being hailed as a stunning visual album that’s as binge-worthy as any chart-topping playlist, perfect for streaming on repeat

The streaming giant is so confident in this hit that two sequels are already in development, with whispers of a live-action remake and even a stage musical - a Netflix original possibly headed for the theatre.

Not just your average cartoon (NETFLIX)

It’s a move unheard of for the platform but shows just how seriously they’re backing this franchise. Released just six weeks ago, but already one of the streamers most watched shows with its blend of music, myth, and animation, with a soundtrack that’s truly causing a stir.

Tracks from the film have topped global music charts, with catchy bangers like Golden by the hero band HUNTR/X and Your Idol from villainous Saja Boys becoming instant earworms.

The film mirrors this musical rivalry, pitting the two bands in a supernatural showdown to save the world’s soul with the power of KPop. The show is being compared to Frozen , the Disney blockbuster that turned into a global cultural juggernaut.

Of course, Netflix measures success differently (in hours viewed rather than box office numbers), but the ambition is clear: they want KPop Demon Hunters to be their defining animated franchise.

(NETFLIX)

The film’s popularity is also a case study in how streaming platforms are shaking up entertainment.

Unlike traditional movies, which rely on box office openings, streaming hits like KPop Demon Hunters can build momentum over weeks, helped along by viral TikTok clips, fan art, and endless playlist sharing. Its peak viewership just hit a new high weeks after launch , a streaming first.

The show’s ability to appeal beyond KPop or animation fans means it’s capturing a broad audience, from music lovers to animation buffs and even casual viewers curious about the hype.

So if you’ve been ignoring the buzz, now might be the perfect time to check it out. Whether you come for the soundtrack, the jaw-dropping animation, or the sheer spectacle of demon-fighting pop stars, KPop Demon Hunters is one Netflix hit that’s hard to ignore.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.