‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Sets Record For Longest Run In Netflix’s Top 10

Netflix’s smash hit animated musical KPop Demon Hunters has smashed through another streaming benchmark this week, becoming the longest-running English-language film ever to stay in the platform’s Global Top 10 Movies list.

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film has not only stuck around but has also consistently ranked among Netflix’s most-watched English-language films, a feat unmatched by any previous title, whether animated or live-action. This was the film’s 15th consecutive week in the top 10, never once falling lower than second place.

The accomplishment is particularly notable for an original animated feature. Netflix has struggled to create lasting impressions with its animated originals, with many of them frontloading viewership in the first few weeks before dropping off the charts. Some big-name studio acquisitions have shown more resilient staying power on the platform’s list, but even among the Marios and Despicable Mes, nothing has come close to the run KPDH is putting together.

Following a K-pop girl group of demon-fighting megastars, the film added 19.3 million additional views last week, counting both its original cut and a widely streamed karaoke singalong version.

It’s impossible to credit any one thing for the film’s success; this was lightning in a bottle. But a passionate global K-pop fandom, savvy social media engagement, and Netflix’s decision to release a karaoke edition have all boosted repeat viewership. It doesn’t hurt that Sony did a wonderful job with the film’s sharp and colorful animation and high-stakes action sequences.

With its latest milestone, KPop Demon Hunters has further solidified its position as a historic benchmark among animated features on streaming platforms. It is proof that music-driven, youth-targeted animation can still compete and dominate major live-action tentpoles on the same global charts. Here’s hoping the major studio decision-makers are taking note.