Is KPop Demon Hunters Netflix's Most-Watched Movie Ever?

Since its debut on June 20, 2025, KPop Demon Hunters has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its vibrant animation, infectious K-pop soundtrack, and thrilling story of a fictional girl group doubling as demon-slaying superstars. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, this Sony Pictures Animation gem has not only dominated music charts but also sparked a global conversation about its place in Netflix history. With fans buzzing about its record-breaking viewership, the question on everyone’s mind is: Is KPop Demon Hunters truly Netflix’s most-watched movie ever? Let’s dive into the numbers, the milestones, and the cultural impact to find out.

The Numbers Tell the Story

As of August 26, 2025, KPop Demon Hunters has officially claimed the title of Netflix’s most-watched English-language film of all time, amassing an astonishing 236 million views within its first 91 days of release. This milestone was confirmed by Netflix and reported across major outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Guardian. The film dethroned Red Notice (2021), the action-comedy starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds, which held the top spot for over three years with 230.9 million views.

The journey to the top was swift and relentless. By July 28, just six weeks after its premiere, KPop Demon Hunters had already secured 158.8 million views, earning it the No. 4 spot on Netflix’s all-time English-language film list, behind Red Notice (230.9M), Carry-On (172M), and Don’t Look Up (171M). By August 15, it climbed to No. 2 with 184.6 million views, trailing only Red Notice. A week later, it surpassed 200 million views, needing just 20.4 million more to take the crown. In its ninth week (August 18–24), the film added another 25.4 million views, pushing it past Red Notice to claim the top spot.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the film’s consistency. Since its opening weekend of 9.2 million views, KPop Demon Hunters has never dipped below 22.7 million views in any week, a rare feat for Netflix originals, which typically fade from the Top 10 after a month. The film’s theatrical sing-along event on August 23–24, which grossed an estimated $17–20 million in North America, likely boosted its streaming numbers further, as Netflix combined viewership for the sing-along and original versions.

How Netflix Measures “Most-Watched”

Netflix’s viewership metrics are based on total views within a title’s first 91 days, calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the film’s runtime. For KPop Demon Hunters, this translates to 454.2 million hours viewed, a staggering figure that reflects its global appeal. The film’s Top 10 dominance is evident across regions, consistently ranking No. 1 or No. 2 on Netflix’s weekly global charts. For example, during the week of July 28–August 3, it held second place with 26.3 million views, only behind Happy Gilmore 2 (46.7M). By August 18–24, it reclaimed No. 1 with 25.4 million views.

The film’s climb wasn’t without competition. New releases like Night Always Comes (starring Vanessa Kirby) and My Oxford Year challenged its chart position, but KPop Demon Hunters maintained its grip, fueled by word-of-mouth buzz and a viral soundtrack. Its ability to sustain viewership over 10 weeks sets it apart from typical Netflix hits, cementing its status as a cultural juggernaut.

A Soundtrack That Amplified Success

The film’s record-breaking viewership isn’t just about the story—it’s also about the music. The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, featuring original songs by EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, Kevin Woo, and Lea Salonga, has been a phenomenon in its own right. Produced by K-pop veterans like TEDDY and 24, the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtracks chart and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Four tracks—“Golden,” “Your Idol,” “Soda Pop,” and “Free”—landed in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10 simultaneously, a historic achievement for a movie soundtrack. “Golden” hit No. 1, becoming the first song by a fictional girl group to top the chart since Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious” in 2001.

This musical success drove streaming numbers, as fans replayed the film to sing along with their favorite tracks. The limited theatrical sing-along event on August 23–24, held in over 1,700 theaters across the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, further amplified its popularity. The event’s sold-out screenings and $19 million box office haul underscored the film’s crossover appeal, drawing K-pop fans, animation lovers, and families alike.

Why It Resonates

KPop Demon Hunters isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural moment. The story of HUNTR/X, a K-pop trio battling demons while navigating fame, taps into the global rise of K-pop and the power of fandom. Fans on Reddit and X have praised its self-aware humor, vibrant visuals, and relatable characters, with posts calling it “cringe in the best way” and a “love letter to K-pop culture.” The film’s 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and 91% audience rating reflect its universal appeal, resonating with everyone from K-pop stans to newcomers like a 40-year-old dad who discovered the soundtrack through his kids.

The film’s originality also sets it apart. Unlike many Netflix hits that rely on established IP or A-list stars, KPop Demon Hunters introduces fresh characters and a bold concept, blending Korean mythology with pop-art animation. Its diverse voice cast, including Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, and Ken Jeong, adds authenticity and charm, while its focus on fandom and identity strikes a chord with younger audiences.

Could It Be Dethroned?

With 24 days left in its 91-day premiere window as of August 26, KPop Demon Hunters is poised to widen its lead over Red Notice. Posts on X from accounts like @ToonHive and @whatonnetflix predicted its ascent weeks in advance, noting its trajectory as early as August 19 when it needed just 20.4 million more views. The film’s sustained popularity, fueled by the streaming release of the sing-along version on August 25, suggests it could hit even higher numbers before its window closes in mid-September.

However, Netflix’s all-time list is dynamic, and future releases could challenge its reign. For now, KPop Demon Hunters sits comfortably ahead of Red Notice (230.9M), Carry-On (172M), Don’t Look Up (171M), and The Adam Project (157.6M). Its closest competitor, Red Notice, held the record for over three years, but KPop Demon Hunters surpassed it in just over two months—a testament to its unstoppable momentum.

What’s Next?

The film’s success has sparked talk of a franchise, with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans reportedly in early discussions for a sequel. Fans on Reddit are already clamoring for a prequel about the human mother and demon father of HUNTR/X’s Zoey, while others dream of a live-action adaptation or a stage musical. Netflix’s plans to submit “Golden” for awards season and the film’s cultural impact—evidenced by fan art, TikTok dance challenges, and real K-pop idols joining the hype—suggest this is only the beginning for HUNTR/X.

The Verdict

Yes, KPop Demon Hunters is officially Netflix’s most-watched movie ever, with 236 million views and counting. Its blend of catchy music, heartfelt storytelling, and vibrant animation has captivated audiences worldwide, making it a standout in Netflix’s catalog. Whether you’re a K-pop fan or just curious about the hype, this film is worth a watch—and maybe a sing-along or two.

Join the HUNTR/X Fandom!
Stream KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix now, and check out the sing-along version to belt out “Golden” at home. Share your thoughts on the film’s record-breaking run in the comments, and let us know which song is your favorite!