Netflix’s animated sensation, KPop Demon Hunters, has made streaming history, officially becoming the most-watched film on the platform, per variety.com. The film, which follows a K-pop girl group who moonlight as monster slayers, has garnered an astounding 236 million views, surpassing the previous record holder, Red Notice, which had 230.9 million views.
The film’s success isn’t limited to the digital realm. Netflix took the rare step of giving KPop Demon Hunters a theatrical release, where it reportedly earned between $18 million and $20 million, making it the highest-grossing movie of the weekend. The film also dominated the streaming charts, attracting an additional 25.4 million views in its most recent week.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, with a screenplay co-written with Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan, KPop Demon Hunters has been lauded by critics for its unique concept and vibrant execution. Variety’s Peter Debruge described it as “high-energy” and “high-concept,” while the New York Times’ Brandon Yu praised its “charming, funny and artfully punchy original universe.”
Beyond the film itself, the movie’s soundtrack has also achieved chart-topping success. With original songs written by a team of talented artistes including Ejae, Jenna Andrews and Danny Chung, the music has captivated audiences, further cementing KPop Demon Hunters as a multi-faceted cultural phenomenon.
•Featured image courtesy Netflix