Netflix Stuns Hollywood as KPop Demon Hunters Crushes the Box Office With $18M Weekend on Limited Release

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The film industry received an unexpected blow as the Sony-Netflix animated movie, KPop Demon Hunters, surprisingly claimed the top position at the domestic box office this weekend, raking in approximately $18 million, even though it had been streaming on Netflix for several weeks prior.

‘KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’ is the #1 movie at the domestic box office this weekend with an estimated $18M

It is Netflix’s first ever film to become #1 at the box office.

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 24, 2025

This event signifies a significant historical achievement for the streaming colossus, as it’s the initial film for Netflix to top the charts on its first release in cinemas. What makes this accomplishment even more noteworthy is that the animated musical had to contend with numerous obstacles during its cinema debut.

Limited Showings, No AMC Support

Experts noted that instead of a typical broad theatrical distribution, KPop Demon Hunters was shown only in about 1,700 theaters for a sing-along event, and notably, AMC Theatres, the largest chain in North America, declined to show it.

Despite only a few screenings and no assistance from AMC, the movie might have earned over $50 million if Netflix had permitted it to do so during this weekend.

— wdwpro (@wdwpro1) August 24, 2025

Despite the limitations, the movie’s enthusiasts turned out in impressive numbers. Such attendance figures are a dream for many Hollywood studios under current conditions.

Hollywood’s Embarrassing Weekend

In a notable turn of events, it’s difficult to overlook the fact that a movie primarily available for streaming has outperformed all other films at cinemas, even those backed by major studios, since its release on Netflix back in June.

In its third weekend, Neon’s movie “Weapons” earned approximately $15.6 million, even though it was shown on high-end screens such as AMC. On the other hand, Disney and other studios with broader distribution struggled to approach the per-theater averages that Netflix achieved with a limited release event.

Does it make Hollywood think uncomfortably: If people are ready to step out of their homes to watch a movie from Netflix in the theater, even after watching it on stream for several weeks, what does this indicate about the worth of today’s high-priced blockbusters?

Hollywood might be feeling uneasy because if viewers are willing to leave home and go to the theater to watch a Netflix original movie, even after already streaming it, then what does that imply about the current big-budget blockbuster’s worth?

A Cultural Juggernaut

In my perspective, the extraordinary achievement of “KPop Demon Hunters” isn’t merely a stroke of luck. This animated masterpiece has captivated audiences worldwide, fueled by a passionate fanbase and an unforgettable soundtrack. The smash hit single, “Golden,” recently dominated both the Billboard 100 and Global 200 charts, solidifying its position as the anthem of the summer.

On Netflix, it’s now counted among the service’s top-viewed original animated series ever. The movie’s box office success further highlights the significant impact the film has made during its initial two months of release.

The Bigger Picture

This weekend’s box office success for Netflix isn’t just a catchy headline; it’s a significant warning to Hollywood. While studios are investing large sums into sequels, reboots, and risky ideological projects, they’ve been struggling at the box office. In contrast, Netflix subtly unleashed a massive hit during a limited, two-day release event.

In light of the fact that traditional movie studios have struggled to compete with Netflix films that have been available for streaming for quite some time, I find myself questioning whether it’s high time we confront some hard truths regarding the current landscape of cinema in theaters.

Because KPop Demon Hunters didn’t just beat the box office competition. It embarrassed them.

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2025-08-25 14:57