🎬 A Shocking Summer Twist: Netflix at No.1
The 2025 summer box office delivered an unexpected surprise as Netflix’s animated musical Kpop Demon Hunters earned between $18–20 million over its limited weekend run, dethroning genre heavyweight Weapons to become the top film in North America. For a studio historically reluctant to embrace theaters, Netflix’s ability to dominate the box office shocked Hollywood insiders and fans alike.
📈 How Did Netflix Pull This Off?
Screened in more than 1,700 theaters with over 1,150 sold-out shows, the release strategy was a radical shift from Netflix’s usual model. Compared to 2022’s Knives Out: Glass Onion, this was more than double the number of theaters, signaling a new experimental phase for the streaming giant.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Theater Count | 1,700+ |
| Sold-Out Shows | 1,150+ |
| Format | Sing-along animated musical |
| Co-Production | Sony Pictures Animation |
Call to Action: Thinking of catching it on the big screen? Don’t wait—tickets are selling out fast across North America.
🎶 Why Did It Hit Theaters Two Months After Streaming?
Despite debuting on Netflix two months ago, Kpop Demon Hunters made its way to theaters because of its unprecedented popularity:
- 2nd most-watched Netflix movie ever
- Three OST tracks simultaneously in Billboard Hot 100 Top 10
- Global fan demand for a “shared fandom experience” beyond streaming
| OST | Billboard Performance |
|---|---|
| Golden | Top 10 |
| Your Idol | Top 10 |
| Soda Pop | Top 10 |
The event was packaged as a 48-hour limited screening—complete with cosplay, sing-alongs, and fan chants—turning cinemas into pop culture festivals.
🏆 Box Office Rankings
- Kpop Demon Hunters – $18–20M
- Weapons – $15.6M (Domestic total $115.9M / Global $199M)
- Freakier Friday – $9.1M (Domestic $70M / Global $113M)
- Fantastic Four: First Steps – $5.9M (Global $490M)
- The Bad Guys 2 – $5.1M (Global $149M)
While Netflix claimed the top spot, Weapons continues its run as a sleeper hit, nearly tripling its budget of $38M thanks to strong word-of-mouth.
🎭 Other Box Office Stories
Dark Comedy Honey Don’t! Struggles
Directed by Ethan Coen, Honey Don’t! opened with just $3M across 1,317 theaters, placing 8th. Despite a strong cast—Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, and Charlie Day—the film faces uncertain legs.
Ne Zha II: Weak U.S. Numbers, Huge Overseas Success
A24’s English-dubbed release grossed only $1.5M in North America, but the film has already made $2.1B globally, proving overseas markets can carry a blockbuster without U.S. dominance.
💰 Summer Box Office Outlook
From May to August, the North American box office has grossed $3.5B, up 5.1% year-over-year, but still shy of the $4B summer target. Analysts caution that sustaining momentum will be difficult in the final weeks.
Conclusion: Netflix’s Successful Experiment
In just 48 hours, Kpop Demon Hunters showed that a streaming-first movie can not only dominate charts but also translate into box office gold. This hybrid model—streaming, theaters, merchandise, sequels—may shape the future of entertainment distribution.
Call to Action: Curious about how K-pop is reshaping Hollywood? Explore our cultural breakdown of Kpop Demon Hunters.
📌 Related Reads
- Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters: Where K-pop Meets the Supernatural
- BTS & K-Pop Fever: When Korea’s Fan Energy Outshines U.S. Concerts
- Beyond Music: What BTS’s Military Completion Truly Means
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much did Kpop Demon Hunters earn in theaters?
It grossed between $18–20M in its limited 48-hour release.
2. Why did Netflix release it in theaters after streaming?
Because of record-breaking streaming numbers and OST success on Billboard charts, proving demand for a fandom-centered theatrical event.
3. What made the screenings special?
They featured sing-alongs, cosplay, and fan chants, turning cinemas into K-pop concert-style events.
4. How did other films perform that weekend?
Weapons placed 2nd with $15.6M, while Freakier Friday remained steady with $9.1M.
5. Will there be a sequel to Kpop Demon Hunters?
Yes, Netflix is already exploring franchise expansion, including sequels, series, and merchandise tie-ins.
✨ Final Takeaway
Kpop Demon Hunters is not just a movie—it’s a case study in how streaming and theatrical releases can coexist. From streaming dominance to box office victory, Netflix has proven the future may lie in hybrid models that maximize fan engagement across every platform.