Netflix’s animated musical fantasy, K-pop Demon Hunters, is breaking streaming records, amassing 325 million views as its debut on June 20, 2025. The film, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, has significantly outperformed previous Netflix originals like Red Notice and Carry-On, signaling a strong audience appetite for globally-focused stories and innovative content. The film’s success extends beyond viewership,with its soundtrack topping Billboard charts and earning multiple Grammy nominations.
Netflix has a new record-breaker on its hands with K-pop Demon Hunters, which has amassed an incredible 325 million views, surpassing all previous original films on the platform.
The film’s success is particularly striking when compared to previous hits. Neither 2021’s Red Notice nor 2024’s Carry-On came close to reaching these numbers – the difference is in the tens of millions of views.
Released this year, K-pop Demon Hunters is an American animated musical urban fantasy directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, with a screenplay by Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan. The project originated from Kang’s vision to create a story rooted in Korean heritage, blending mythology and demonology with the vibrant visuals and sounds of K-pop. The film’s visual style draws inspiration from concert lighting, music videos, and fashion photography, while its atmosphere reflects the influence of anime and Korean dramas.
The film debuted on Netflix on June 20, 2025, and a karaoke version was shown in select theaters for a limited run in August and Fall. Notably, this theatrical release marked the widest release for a Netflix film, even reaching the number one spot at the U.S. box office.
The film’s soundtrack also made history, becoming the first to have four songs simultaneously land in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. The musical score also received five Grammy nominations.
Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive. As of today, the film holds a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 77 on Metacritic, indicating generally favorable reviews. Time magazine highlighted it as one of the biggest breakthroughs of 2025, while Variety and The Korea Times specifically praised the film’s loving yet conscious reinterpretation of Korean cultural motifs – such as the magpie and the tiger.
Viewers on Mafab gave the film an average rating of 71% based on 214 votes, demonstrating a positive reception within its home market.
The success of K-pop Demon Hunters isn’t just a viewership number; it’s a clear signal that Netflix audiences are receptive to globally-minded stories deeply rooted in culture, and willing to embrace ambitious risks in visuals, music, and themes. A sequel is already in the works, slated for release in 2029.
If you have a Netflix subscription, you can stream the film directly by clicking the streaming icon on the Mafab data page. Scroll down for more fresh news and recommendations!
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