In a rare and exciting theatrical event, “Kpop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event” surged to the number one spot at the North American box office this past weekend, dethroning the horror movie “Weapons” despite only playing for two days.
This animated musical, distributed by Netflix and produced by Sony Pictures Animation, showcased a unique blend of fantasy, music, and cultural flair that captured the attention of fans across the United States and beyond. Its success marks a noteworthy moment not only for the film itself but also for Netflix, which traditionally avoids wide theatrical releases.
A Surprising Box Office Champion
“Kpop Demon Hunters” earned an estimated $18 million during its limited two-day run on August 23 and 24, outpacing “Weapons,” which made around $15.6 million in its third weekend. While Netflix kept official numbers under wraps, major industry sources independently reported these strong estimates, indicating that “Kpop Demon Hunters” drew about 1.5 million admissions during its sing-along event. Tapping into premium ticket sales, which amounted to 18% of the total, boosted the overall revenue, with premium tickets priced around $16.31.
The film’s theatrical presence included approximately 1,700 screens across North America, a scale that far surpasses many traditional Netflix releases and reflects widespread audience enthusiasm.
Over 1,000 screenings sold out in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, underscoring a global appetite for the film and its musical experience. Notably, this theatrical event was designed not just as a standard movie outing but as an interactive sing-along, making it a memorable occasion for fans who flocked to see their favorite characters perform live in the cinema.
The Story Behind the Phenomenon of ‘Kpop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event’
At its core, ‘Kpop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event’ centers on a fictional K-pop girl group named Huntr/x who are more than just pop idols; they secretly battle demons threatening the world, using their music as a powerful weapon.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film blends gripping action sequences with catchy pop songs, creating a dazzling audiovisual spectacle. The voice cast features talents like Den Cho, May Hong, and Jing Yoo.
This win is especially significant as it highlights how a Netflix original is breaking traditional theatrical norms. Although Netflix historically focuses on streaming, this strategic weekend release aimed to capitalize on the film’s strong fanbase, invigorating interest before its streaming availability on August 25, 2025.
The sing-along event is part of a larger push by Netflix, supported by a $3 billion deal with Sony Pictures Animation to produce sequels and spinoffs, ensuring that “Kpop Demon Hunters” has a promising future.
A New Way to Experience Animated Music Films
The sing-along format created an energized, community-driven atmosphere in theaters, setting it apart from typical movie releases. Fans were able to sing along to hit songs like “Golden,” “Your Idol,” and “Soda Pop,” which have climbed Billboard and Spotify charts thanks to the film’s popularity. The sing-along event also featured appearances by cast and crew at fan events in New York and Los Angeles.
Unlike many studio films, this event offered immersive entertainment by combining elements from concerts, screenings, and fan gatherings, a format that boosted ticket sales and audience engagement. While AMC Theatres notably did not screen this film, the enthusiastic reception elsewhere demonstrates a strong market for inventive cinema experiences.
What This Means for Netflix and Theatrical Releases
Netflix’s theatrical victory is a rare one, as the company typically releases films directly to its streaming platform, focusing on subscribers over box office performance. “Kpop Demon Hunters” marks a milestone as it became the streamer’s first film to snag the top spot at the North American box office. Industry experts see this as a sign of Netflix testing new hybrid strategies for select titles, blending limited theatrical runs with streaming to expand the audience and fan interaction.
This strategy not only benefits Netflix but also makes projects profitable for partners like Sony Pictures Animation, which completed the animation and is involved in sequels. As the industry watches closely, ‘Kpop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event’ could pave the way for more creative theatrical releases from streaming giants that once resisted the box office model.
Conclusion
“Kpop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event” has redefined what a Netflix theatrical release looks like. Its leap to the top of the box office over a well-established horror film reflects not just the power of K-pop and anime fandoms but also the growing appetite for innovative, community-driven movie experiences. Whether streaming or on the big screen, this animated adventure has clearly struck a chord.
Ready to sing along to the battle against the demons? Mark your calendars for the streaming release and don’t miss the continuing saga set to unfold in sequels and spin-offs, promising even more of the music, action, and heart that made this event a hit.