Animation Ascends: “K-Pop Demon Hunters” Proves Cartoons Are Streaming’s New Heavyweights

The age of animation has arrived. In a stunning display of the genre’s power, the animated musical “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has claimed the title of Netflix’s most-watched film ever. The milestone solidifies animation’s position as a dominant force in mainstream entertainment, appealing to audiences of all ages.
With a massive 236 million views since June, the film easily surpassed the previous record set by the live-action blockbuster “Red Notice.” This victory of animation over a movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds highlights a major shift in the media landscape, where artistic style and story can triumph over traditional star power.
Interestingly, the film’s shorter runtime of 100 minutes means it comes in third for total minutes watched, accumulating 23 billion minutes. It trails the longer films “Red Notice” (27 billion) and “Don’t Look Up” (25 billion), demonstrating how different metrics can tell slightly different stories of success.
The film’s influence extends beyond viewership, with its soundtrack becoming a sensation that has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 with four top-10 songs. Praised for its visuals and narrative, and with a sequel on the way, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has become a landmark achievement for animation.