Netflix’s big-screen ambitions have paid off in a huge way, as its animated hit KPop Demon Hunters dominated the weekend box office with an $18-$20 million haul. The film’s successful sing-along event marks a significant step in the company’s evolution from a streaming-only service to a major player in the theatrical space, proving it can create and distribute content that audiences will pay to see in cinemas.
This victory is far more significant than Netflix’s previous theatrical efforts, like Glass Onion, which played in far fewer theaters. The 1,700-screen release for KPop Demon Hunters shows a growing confidence and a more aggressive strategy, one that was clearly validated by the weekend’s results.
The foundation of this success was, ironically, the film’s performance on the streaming platform. By becoming the second-most-watched movie in Netflix history, it built a massive, ready-made audience for a theatrical run. The company then expertly converted this digital success into physical ticket sales.
As Netflix continues to produce high-profile films, the success of KPop Demon Hunters—a story about a demon-slaying K-pop group—serves as a powerful proof of concept. It demonstrates that the company can compete at the highest level, blurring the lines between streaming and traditional cinema.