By Bren Belmonte, September 2, 2025
Sony Pictures Animation released “KPop Demon Hunters” in select theaters as a sing–along Aug. 23 and 24, following the worldwide success of the Netflix movie.
The sing–along served as a needed theater experience for fans of the movie, which premiered on Netflix this past June.
The film was screened in 1,700 theaters and grossed an estimated $18 million during its limited time run. Eager fans packed the theaters to watch their favorites on the big screen.
Based on the title, it is easy to be skeptical, especially if someone is not a K-pop listener or cartoon lover. However, the movie became a global phenomenon overnight with the film’s blend of a lighthearted fantasy plotline, girlhood group dynamics, dance-worthy music and vivid visuals.
The PG-rated movie follows K-pop girl group Huntr/x made up of Rumi, Zoey and Mira who are also secretly demon hunters. Their goal is to seal the Honmoon, a barrier between the real world and underworld. The demon king, Gwi-Ma, counters them by sending a demon boy band called the Saja Boys to steal fans’ souls and Huntr/x’s wide popularity.
As a K-pop fan, viewing the movie on the big screen felt like a concert experience. Once the familiar lyrics appeared on the screen, fans with light sticks from other K-pop groups followed the beat while others sang loud and proud.
The all-ages movie theater experience connected new and old K-pop fans as its success strengthens the relevance of the music genre. Longtime fans of K-pop recognize the soundtrack’s references to other K-pop songs. For example, many noticed a connection between “How It’s Done” and “Domino” from the K-pop boy group Stray Kids. Alternatively, new fans use the film as a gateway into the genre.
Despite low marketing at the film’s debut, it became popular by word of mouth throughout social media. Fans posted clips gushing over the idols’ visuals, sharing opinions or simply jamming to the songs.
K-pop idols such as Lily from NMIXX jumped onto social media to show love for the movie, posting a vocal cover of “Golden.” The clip highlighted her singing skills for a vocally complicated song and promoted the movie to her fans.
The songs are absolute crowd-pleasers. Billboard reported the film’s soundtrack finding success with four songs simultaneously on the Hot 100. The song “Golden” is currently No. 1 as of this publication’s release.
Rumi, the leader of Huntr/x, described “Golden” as a story about the group and where they’re going next. An anthem of self-acceptance, Huntr/x’s power vocals shine in this feel-good song with high–energy tempo.
“Your Idol” performed by the Saja Boys at the end of the movie is a haunting contrast to “Golden,” luring in fans with melodies and darkly alluring lyrics for fans to sacrifice their souls.
Their hypnotic voices and enthralling performance truly get under the viewers’ skin. The audience allows the Saja Boys to truly “be their idol” during this scene, entranced by their handsome demonic visuals.
The friendship dynamic of Huntr/x is deeply genuine. The film explores girlhood and contains vulnerable, loyal and supportive moments. For example, when Rumi’s voice started cracking, Zoey and Mira provided emotional support and helped find a medical solution.
In addition, Mira and Zoey are relatably iconic when the Saja Boys make their first appearance as they gawk in the goofiest manner. The duo admired the visually attractive men in a comedic way, with hearts and popcorn streaming out of their eyes and wide smiles.
The film and sing-along version are available on Netflix for streaming. “KPop Demon Hunters” lives up to the hype as it glimmers among animated movie musicals and will become timeless.
