Kpop Demon Hunters Shines at the Box Office
“Kpop Demon Hunters” made quite a splash on its opening weekend, raking in around $18 million. This animated musical, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, is not just a box office success; it also soared to become Netflix’s second-most streamed film since its June release. Fans were excited to catch a special sing-along version in theaters, making it a special experience.
Interestingly, the movie was brought to theaters for a short run during a quiet summer weekend. Netflix usually holds back on theater releases, preferring to keep films primarily on its platform. Since its debut on streaming, “Kpop Demon Hunters” has been watched over 210 million times, totaling about 350.9 million hours. That’s impressive and only behind “Red Notice” in the Netflix rankings.
In a recent comparison, the animated film outpaced “Weapons,” which earned around $15.6 million its third weekend, down from $24 million earlier. According to industry sources, “Kpop Demon Hunters” likely outperformed its estimates, possibly gaining between $18 million and $20 million.
Strong Soundtrack Performance
The film’s success extends beyond the box office. Its soundtrack has hit the Billboard 200, reaching No. 2. Songs like “Golden” and “Your Idol” placed in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. This shows that the film’s appeal resonates not just visually but musically as well.
Historical Context of Netflix’s Strategy
Netflix has mostly avoided extensive theatrical runs, aiming for limited releases to qualify for awards. For example, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” was only shown in 696 theaters, grossing just $13.2 million during its short run. Recently, CEO Ted Sarandos described traditional theaters as “outdated,” suggesting a shift in how films will be consumed in the future.
Conclusion
“Kpop Demon Hunters” stands as a prime example of how animated films can bridge streaming and theatrical success. Its dual triumph on Netflix and in theaters underscores changing viewer habits. For fans, this film not only entertains but also connects music and cinema in exciting new ways.
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