Streaming Saturday: KPop Demon Hunters
What is the Film About?
In KPop Demon Hunters, the spotlight follows a fierce and stylish K-pop girl group who live double lives—not just as global music sensations, but as secret protectors of humanity. As they juggle world tours, rising fame, and friendship, a darker force threatens to break through a mystical barrier that has long kept the world safe.
When a rival boy band with a dangerous secret begins to rise in popularity, the group must confront hidden truths, inner conflict, and the power of their voices—both musical and personal.
What is Good About the Film
One of the standout elements of the film is its art and animation. Even from the trailer, it was clear we were in for something visually striking—bright, expressive, and fluid. With Sony Pictures Animation behind it, it's no surprise the film has such a distinct and memorable look. Each character feels unique, not just in design but in how much personality shines through their expressions and movements. Think of it as a combination of 3D animation with 2D style and comic expressiveness.
Another amazing element of the film is its music. Before the film was officially released, one of the songs slipped through. Since it was posted on YouTube, the song 'How it's Done' has garnered over 19 million views. Other songs in the films have also garnered millions of views, and one particular song sparked a dance trend on TikTok.
Other than its animation and music, the characters carried the film in various ways. Without spoiling anything, the friendship between the main characters was a highlight to watch for the entirety of the film. Furthermore, almost all of the characters in the film were memorable in different ways, and this applies to the side characters, not just the protagonists and antagonists.
What Brought Down the Film
While the film has a lot going for it, there are a few areas where it could've been stronger. One of the main things is how certain plot points were handled. The overall story is solid and wraps things up without leaving any major loose ends, but some parts definitely could've used a bit more time to breathe.
Take the lore, for instance—there's a section that hints at something really intriguing, but it feels like it was toned down or rushed a little just to keep the main plot moving. Another point is the character development of Mira and Zoey.
True, they are distinct, and we see some aspects about them, but it feels like we didn't get to dig as much into what makes them who they are as the film did with Rumi. A little more time spent fleshing them out would've made their moments hit even harder.
The same goes for some of the antagonists, who show real potential but don't get as much time in the spotlight as they could have. All in all, a few extra minutes here and there might've gone a long way in making the plot feel more layered and the characters even more compelling.
How the Film is Doing
A lot can be said about the pros and cons of the film, but its performance speaks for itself. Since its debut, the film has gained popularity, debuting at #2 on Netflix's global Top 10 Movies chart with 9.2 million views in its first week.
The film's soundtrack has been particularly successful, breaking into the Billboard 200 top 10 and becoming one of 2025's biggest animated music hits. Both critics and fans praised the film's dynamic visuals and catchy original songs, while the engaging storyline and strong character chemistry kept audiences hooked.
What's The Verdict?
On Rotten Tomatoes, KPop Demon Hunters holds an impressive 95% on the Tomatometer based on 37 critic reviews, reflecting widespread acclaim. Audiences have also responded positively, giving the film an 89% rating on the Popcorn Score from over 1,000 ratings.
Meanwhile, on IMDb, KPop Demon Hunters has a solid user rating of 7.8 out of 10, based on over 18,000 ratings and 334 written reviews, indicating a strong and consistent response from viewers.
From this reviewer, these are the ratings for this film:
Art and Animation: 10/10
Music: 10/10
Story: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Overall: 8.5/10 Related
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