K-pop idols take center stage and swing swords in a bold new movie that turns pop stars into demon-slaying heroes.
The new movie, released on Netflix, K-pop Demon Hunters, is an animated action-fantasy film produced by Sony Animation in collaboration with Lion Forge Entertainment. Released last June 21, 2025, this movie is directed by Chris Appelhans, targeting fans of K-pop, animation, and fantasy adventure. The film also combines original songs with musical performances, interspersed with demon slaying, creating a unique cinematic experience. The movie is distributed exclusively by Netflix as it has high-energy K-pop tracks that play a central role in the story.
Music Meets Action
The film is set in a futuristic Seoul, where a world-famous K-pop girl group secretly fights against demonic forces threatening humanity. By day, they are glamorous idols adored by millions, but at night they transform into skilled warriors wielding both musical magic and combat skills. The story follows Mira, the group’s fierce leader, as she struggles to balance her life as a pop star with her duty as a demon hunter. When an ancient evil awakens, the team must unite their talents to prevent an apocalyptic invasion.
Blended by a vibrant animation, dynamic fight sequences, and catchy K-pop anthems, K-Pop Demon Hunters offers a fresh twist on the girl-group trope by infusing it with supernatural stakes. This movie not only shows action, but also comedy and romance that can be relatable, not in a demonic way.
Worldwide K-Wave
Initially, this movie was developed by Sony Pictures Animation, and the project was later acquired by Netflix, which ensured a wide international release. The streaming platform’s global reach allowed the film to premiere in over 190 countries simultaneously, with subtitles and dubs in multiple languages. Marketing campaigns emphasized its hybrid appeal, targeting both K-pop enthusiasts and animation fans through trailers that showcased its high-octane action and musical performances. The film’s availability on Netflix made it easily accessible, contributing to its rapid spread across social media, where fans praised its creativity and visual style.
Hype Or Takedown
Reception for K-Pop Demon Hunters has been mixed but generally positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a moderate score of 96% on tomatoes and 90% on popcornmeter, with critics praising its bold concept and stunning animation but noting its somewhat predictable storyline. IMDb viewers rated it favorably, highlighting its fast-paced action and engaging musical numbers as standout elements. While some reviewers felt the plot followed familiar beats, most agreed that the film’s energy, humor, and stylish execution made it an entertaining watch. The voice acting and original soundtrack also received acclaim, with many appreciating how the music seamlessly integrated into the narrative.
Soda Pop Impact
The film represents a growing trend of K-pop’s expanding influence beyond music into the global entertainment industry. By merging idol culture with fantasy-action, K-Pop Demon Hunters opens doors for more cross-genre animated projects. Its success could inspire similar collaborations between music industries and animation studios, particularly in leveraging K-pop’s massive fan base. Additionally, the movie’s focus on a strong, diverse female team adds to the increasing demand for women-led action stories in animation. Whether it becomes a cult favorite or sparks a franchise, its bold fusion of music and mythology leaves a notable mark on both animation and K-pop media.
June 2025 Movie Spotlight
Elio (June 20, 2025)
In this original Pixar sci-fi adventure, a young boy named Elio is accidentally whisked across the galaxy and deemed Earth’s ambassador by an alien council. Despite being Pixar’s weakest box-office debut, with an opening of $21 million in the U.S., its lowest ever, it shines critically and with audiences, holding an 84% critic score and a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also earned a “Certified Fresh” rating and a “Hot” PopcornMeter badge, marking its strong reception among viewers.
How to Train Your Dragon (June 13, 2025)
The long-awaited live-action remake retells the story of Hiccup aboard the rugged isle of Berk as he befriends Toothless and transforms Viking-dragon relations. Released June 13, it boasts an 83% critic score and a remarkable 98% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. While critics are primarily positive, describing it as “astonishing” and “heartfelt,” some die-hard fans found it a bit uneven.
Ballerina (June 6, 2025)
A spinoff of the John Wick universe, Ballerina follows assassin Eve as she seeks revenge in a ballet-themed action saga set during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3. Released June 6, it holds a 77% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive “Hot” PopcornMeter rating. Audience reaction is strong at 93% verified, and reviews praise its thrilling, “gorgeous,” and creative action sequences, while noting a thin storyline.
K-Pop Demon Hunters is a visually dazzling, high-energy film that successfully blends K-pop spectacle with supernatural adventure. While its story may not break new ground, its creativity, vibrant animation, and catchy music make it a fun and memorable experience. While facing stiff competition from major releases like Pixar’s Elio, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake, and the John Wick spin-off Ballerina, this animated musical-action hybrid carves out its own space with its bold fusion of genres. As K-pop continues to shape global pop culture, this film stands as an exciting experiment in merging music, animation, and action for a new generation of fans. As June 2025 proves to be a remarkable month for film, from Elio’s critical success despite box office challenges to Ballerina’s action-packed thrills, K-Pop Demon Hunters stands out for its originality and cultural relevance. Its success demonstrates the growing global influence of K-pop, extending beyond music, and opens up exciting possibilities for future cross-genre animated projects.
