Netflix Scores First-Ever Box Office No. 1 with KPop Demon Hunters

Netflix just pulled off something it’s never done before: topping the box office charts. The streamer’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters stunned Hollywood this weekend, raking in an estimated $16–18 million in theaters — despite Netflix’s longstanding aversion to theatrical releases.

Some rival studio insiders, speaking anonymously, pegged the total even higher, as much as $20 million, making it Netflix’s first-ever No. 1 box-office debut in its 18-year history.

From Streamer Sensation to Theater Phenomenon

After dominating Netflix’s platform since its late-June premiere — where it quickly became the streamer’s most-watched animated original film — KPop Demon Hunters hit 1,750 theaters this weekend for special sing-along screenings. Fans showed up in droves, turning the limited two-day event into a nationwide frenzy.

“This is a completely unique two-day musical event,” said David A. Gross of FranchiseRe. “Theater owners can add capacity fast — so it may end up being even higher.”

Not everyone joined the party, though. AMC, the largest theater chain in North America, declined to show the film. But Netflix still managed to snag the bragging rights that usually belong to its theatrical rivals.

The Story Behind the Hit

Ironically, the movie wasn’t even developed in-house. KPop Demon Hunters was originally produced by Sony Pictures before being sold to Netflix. The film follows Huntr/x, a superstar KPop trio — Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zooey (Ji-young Yoo) — who double as demon hunters. Their biggest challenge? A rival boy band of demons in disguise.

A Shifting Box Office

Elsewhere at the box office, Zach Cregger’s horror film Weapons stayed strong in its third weekend, pulling in $15.6 million domestically and crossing the $100 million mark worldwide.

Disney’s remake Freakier Friday brought in $9.2 million, while Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps continued to slide, adding $5.9 million in its fifth weekend after a hot $118 million debut.

Newcomer Honey Don’t!, a dark comedy starring Margaret Qualley as a quirky private investigator, debuted with $3 million, sneaking into the top 10.

More Than Just Dollars

Despite the financial focus, some analysts say the real takeaway is the renewed energy in theaters. “People are having great summer moviegoing experiences,” said Comscore’s Paul Dergarabedian. “That goodwill is just as important as dollars and cents.”

Still, for Netflix — a company that disrupted the film industry by prioritizing streaming over theaters — the win with KPop Demon Hunters is more than just symbolic. It’s proof the streamer can dominate the big screen too.