In a groundbreaking achievement for Netflix, the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” has captured the North American box office with a special sing-along event, generating an estimated $18 million in ticket sales.
This marks a significant theatrical success for Netflix, a company traditionally focused on streaming rather than cinema. Although Netflix does not release official ticket sales figures, estimates from competing studios and exhibitors highlight the film’s remarkable performance. Already a leading animated feature on Netflix since its release in June, “KPop Demon Hunters” has also climbed music charts and broken viewing records globally.
The sing-along events, held over the weekend in theaters across five countries, attracted enthusiastic fans eager to experience the story of a K-pop girl group using their music to battle demons. Analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research noted the unique connection the film established with audiences, comparable to traditional theatrical hits. For a span of 48 hours, the movie captivated sold-out audiences who engaged in singing, dancing, and dressing up, showcasing the allure of pop entertainment.
Despite its success, Netflix’s lack of data transparency means that “Weapons,” a Warner Bros. horror film leading the box office for two consecutive weeks, may officially retain its top position with a $15.6 million earnings over the weekend. This film centers on the mysterious disappearance of schoolchildren, adding a suspenseful narrative to the box office competition.
Other notable films in the box office rankings include Disney’s “Freakier Friday,” a sequel to the 2003 body-swapping comedy starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, which earned $9.2 million. Disney’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a reboot of the classic Marvel franchise, secured fourth place with $5.9 million. Universal’s animated sequel, “The Bad Guys 2,” rounded out the top five with $5.1 million, continuing the story of humorous animal criminals.
The list of top-grossing films also includes “Nobody 2” ($3.7 million), “Superman” ($3.4 million), “Honey Don’t” ($3.0 million), “The Naked Gun” ($2.95 million), and “Jurassic World: Rebirth” ($2.1 million). This range of films highlights a diverse cinematic landscape, with “KPop Demon Hunters” standing out as a novel success for a traditionally streaming-focused platform.