Netflix Achieves Milestone with “KPOP Demon Hunters”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — For the first time in its 18-year existence, Netflix seems to have hit the top of the box office charts, thanks to its new title, “KPOP Demon Hunters.”
Over the weekend, “KPOP Demon Hunters” led all films, raking in approximately $18 million in ticket sales. Since streaming services typically don’t disclose box office figures, distribution executives from a few studios offered their estimates to relay the film’s success.
After enjoying several weeks as one of Netflix’s most popular releases, the film was screened in 1,750 theaters, captivating audiences with its music over the weekend. While studios usually have good visibility into ticket sales on Sunday mornings, the unique circumstances surrounding “KPOP Demon Hunters” resulted in some varied estimates—some even suggesting it could have made as much as $20 million.
It’s a big win for “KPOP Demon Hunters,” touted as one of the summer’s biggest hits, marking a noteworthy turn for Netflix, which has historically prioritized streaming over theatrical releases, thus outpacing traditional film competitors. Interestingly, the movie was developed and produced by Sony Pictures before being sold to Netflix.
However, not every theater chain embraced the film. AMC, the largest theater operator in North America, opted not to show it. Nevertheless, this didn’t stop Netflix from claiming box office success usually reserved for traditional studios.
David A. Gross, head of the film consulting firm Franchise, described the situation as a “completely unique two-day music event.”
“It’s possible the numbers are even higher,” Gross mentioned, pointing out that theater owners can quickly adjust to meet audience demand.
Theatrical releases are not a common practice for streaming giants like Netflix. “KPOP Demon Hunters” premiered on the platform in late June and has since become the most-watched animated original film on Netflix.
The movie follows Huntr/X, a trio of KPOP superstars who also serve as demon hunters. The group members—Rumi, Mira, and Zooey—must protect their fans while confronting formidable adversaries.
Meanwhile, Zach Cregger’s horror film “Weapons” showed continued strength at the box office in its third weekend, bringing in $15.6 million domestically. It has amassed over $100 million globally since its release.
Disney’s “Freakier Friday” came in behind it, earning $9.2 million across North American theaters.
Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at ComScore, noted that both films represent “Real Bright Spots” as the box office seems to be winding down for the season. Remarkably, both films premiered around the same time and have experienced only a minimal 36% decrease in earnings since last weekend.
“We need to appreciate the value created by films that offer memorable summer experiences,” Dergarabedian commented, suggesting that these figures indicate more than just monetary success.
“Fantastic Four: First Step” earned $5.9 million during its fifth weekend. While the film had a strong debut with $118 million, its numbers are gradually declining.
On the other hand, newcomer “Honey Don’t!” opened in 1,317 North American theaters, landing an estimated $3 million over the weekend—a figure that aligns with expectations. It entered the top 10, just ahead of “The Naked Gun.”
The dark comedy stars Margaret Quarry as Honey O’Dona Hugh, a small-town private investigator unraveling a bizarre death linked to a church in Bakersfield, California.
Top 10 Films by Domestic Box Office Revenue
According to ComScore, following is the estimated ticket sales from Friday to Sunday in U.S. and Canadian theaters, with final domestic figures released on Monday:
- “Weapons,” $15.6 million.
- “Freakier Friday,” $9.2 million.
- “Fantastic Four: First Step,” $5.9 million.
- “The Bad Guys 2,” $5.1 million.
- “Nobody 2,” $3.7 million.
- “Superman,” $3.4 million.
- “Don’t Honey!,” $3 million.
- “The Naked Gun,” $3 million.
- “Rebirth of Jurassic World,” $2.1 million.
- “Relay,” $2 million.
