KPop Demon Hunters has become this year's biggest pop culture sensation due to its stunning and flashy visuals, anime-inspired animation, catchy songs, and emotional themes that resonate with audiences, as well as its homage to the K-pop genre.
You might be in the mood to watch another film with similar themes or that offers the same experience as the hit Netflix animated musical film.
Here are our recommendations for movies that capture the same magic as KPop Demon Hunters.
Turning Red
Turning Red follows Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing, mother, Ming, is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships, and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she transforms into a giant red panda.
Just like KPop Demon Hunters, the Pixar film has colorful animation, universal themes, cultural exploration, and catchy songs from the fictional boy band 4*TOWN. Regardless of your affinity for the Netflix hit, Turning Red is worth watching for its exceptional storytelling and metaphorical tale of puberty.
Where You Can Watch: Disney+
Kubo and the Two Strings
Kubo and the Two Strings follows a young boy named Kubo who must locate a magical suit of armour worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past.
Similar to KPop Demon Hunters, the film has cool visuals and action sequences that are worth watching. It also has a sweeping epic story that will make you immerse yourself in its world-building.
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Nimona
In Nimona, when a knight in a futuristic medieval world is framed for a crime he didn't commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona, a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he's sworn to destroy.
While it doesn't have any catchy songs, Nimona is still worth watching for its epic storytelling and world-building, as well as its universal theme of self-acceptance, as it features queer characters.
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Wish Dragon
Wish Dragon follows a determined teen named Din, who is longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend, when he meets a wish-granting dragon who shows him the magic of possibilities.
The film was helmed by KPop Demon Hunters co-director Chris Applehans, which is part of the reason why this is part of the list. It also has stunning and colorful animations that made the story lively and profound for viewers who watched it. A sequel is currently in development that will expand its world-building.
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Over the Moon
In Over the Moon, fueled by memories of her mother, resourceful Fei Fei builds a rocket to the moon on a mission to prove the existence of a legendary moon goddess.
Similar to KPop Demon Hunters, the film is an animated musical fantasy that has great world-building, memorable songs, and gorgeous animation that took the story's expansive tale to the next level. Don't be surprised if you also end up humming the song after watching.
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
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