'Kpop Demon Hunters' storms North America: From OTT to box office glory

From OTT to box office glory

What started as a streaming release has now exploded into a box office phenomenon. According to Box Office Mojo, '

Kpop Demon Hunters

' hauled in $18 million (approx. INR 150 crore) across North America from August 22 to 24, overtaking horror hit 'Weapon', which earned $15.6 million (approx. INR 130 crore). The animated fantasy about a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits wasn’t even given a full theatrical rollout—instead, it climbed to the top with limited fan-focused screenings.Film magazine Maxmovie noted that this sudden ascent reshaped expectations in the industry, proving that fan power and cultural synergy can override conventional box office rules.

The magic of sing-along screenings

Unlike typical showings, the movie supplied fans with on-screen lyrics, turning screenings into euphoric concerts where theaters shook with cheers, singing, and even dancing. More than 1,150 sessions across 1,700 theaters in North America sold out, creating an atmosphere that blended cinema with pop concert buzz.

Variety reported, “The fantasy adventure of a K-pop girl group saving the world with music drove audience participation. More importantly, Netflix directly handling a theatrical release was itself highly unusual.” The outlet added that, unlike Apple or Amazon, Netflix rarely pivots to theaters, making this event even more significant. Analysts suggest the company’s motivation wasn’t profit alone, but a strategy to reignite fan enthusiasm and set the stage for a possible sequel.Industry consultant David Gross agreed, describing the phenomenon as "48 hours of pure pop entertainment," where viewers didn’t just watch a movie—they lived inside it.

Streaming dominance meets chart-topping hits

The film’s popularity had already been simmering long before its theatrical stunt. As of August 17, it gathered 210.5 million global views on Netflix, coming within striking distance of the reigning champion 'Red Notice' (230.9 million). With only a narrow gap of 20.4 million, expectations are high that 'Kpop Demon Hunters' could soon claim the all-time record.Its soundtrack has amplified the wave even further. Songs like 'How It’s Done', 'Your Idol', and 'Soda Pop' have spun throughout international charts, while 'Golden' made history on August 16 by topping the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marked the very first time a K-pop girl group track reached the coveted No.1 spot—elevating the film’s reach from cinema screens into global music history.

Next stop: Busan International Film Festival

The fever isn’t confined to the West. On October 9, the 30th Busan International Film Festival will host a 'Kpop Demon Hunters Special Sing-Along Screening' at Sohyang Theater, Shinhan Card Hall. Audiences in Korea can belt out the viral soundtrack alongside the film, recreating the electric spirit that triumphed overseas.Maxmovie highlighted that this upcoming showcase at Busan reaffirms the film’s leap beyond animation—blending music, fan participation, and pop fantasy into one global entertainment storm. 'Kpop Demon Hunters' is no longer just a movie; it’s a full-blown cultural movement.