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Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is probably the biggest movie in theaters

Netflix's animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' is projected to earn $18-20 million over the weekend, making it the top movie at the U.S. box office, despite only screening for Saturday and Sunday. This marks Netflix's first number one spot in theaters, although the figures are estimates as Netflix doesn't disclose box office earnings. The film has gained significant popularity, contributing to Netflix's evolving presence in theaters.

Key points

  • The film 'KPop Demon Hunters' is set to earn $18-20 million this weekend.
  • It has only been in theaters for two days, yet it is the highest-grossing film.
  • Netflix typically does not release official box office numbers; these figures are estimates.
  • This marks a significant milestone, being Netflix's first film to top the box office.
  • The film, available on streaming since late June, has over 210 million views on Netflix.
  • The movie's focus on a K-Pop girl group that hunts demons appeals to current pop culture trends.

Why it matters

  • Historically, streaming platforms are increasingly entering theatrical releases successfully, with Apple and Netflix leading.
  • In 2023, Netflix shifted strategies to include a theatrical window for some releases, looking to enhance audience engagement.
  • The movie's success reflects a growing merger between traditional cinema and streaming services, a trend projected to continue through 2025.

'KPop Demon Hunters' signifies a turning point for Netflix, exhibiting its potential to thrive in theaters, potentially reshaping its future release strategies in alignment with evolving audience consumption patterns.