KPop Demon Hunters is now officially the most-watched Netflix original movie of all time, amidst its record-breaking achievements and increasing mark on pop culture.
The animated film has been a consistently popular title throughout the summer since its release last June, with some of the songs in the soundtrack making their way on the Billboard charts and trending on social media. A sing-along version was also released in theaters last weekend, and it became the first Netflix movie to top the box office charts.
How Did KPop Demon Hunters Become the Number One Movie on Netflix of All Time?
Yesterday, Netflix confirmed that KPop Demon Hunters is officially the most viewed Netflix original movie of all time with 236 million total views.
The numbers are expected to rise in the coming weeks, since there is no sign yet that the popularity has been slowing down, and it remains the most-watched movie of the week in certain areas and regions.
The question now is how KPop Demon Hunters managed to become the number one Netflix movie of all time in a span of two months. The data does not provide any concrete explanation aside from the fact that a lot of the streamer's subscribers are watching the title worldwide.
One of the potential reasons is simply the popularity of K-pop music (which is in the title of the movie), and the film is unabashedly a love letter to the genre. Thanks to groups like BTS and TWICE, there is now a global reverence and appreciation for K-pop at an unprecedented level that we have not seen in previous generations. That alone may have contributed to the film's immense popularity.
Most importantly, KPop Demon Hunters is accessible to all types of audiences, whether you're a K-pop fan or not. The story is universal and relatable, even with its exploration of a certain culture. The main characters are memorable and not difficult to root for. The film is also visually pleasing and has very creative animation that levels up from what we've seen before. It is also a rewatchable film, and it helps that audiences can play it anytime on Netflix.
Another big contributor is the soundtrack itself, which has topped the Billboard and Spotify charts as well as being frequently used in TikTok videos. Songs such as "Golden" and "Soda Pop" have been trending and covered by many people worldwide. Those who have heard the songs on social media may have curiosity and decided to watch the film if they have not yet.
Is KPop Demon Hunters Getting a Sequel?
Reports confirmed that Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation are already in talks to move forward with a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters. Per the deal on the first film, the streamer cannot develop a follow-up without Sony's participation.
There are also preliminary talks to bring back directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans to work on the sequel. No deal has been made yet.
A previous report stated that Netflix already has massive franchise plans for KPop Demon Hunters, and it is being compared to how the Frozen franchise is to Disney.
They are eyeing two more sequels for the film (to complete the trilogy), a TV series spinoff, a stage musical, and a potential short film that will bridge the gap between the main films. A live-action remake is also being considered.
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