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Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 best movies like 'KPop Demon Hunters' on Netflix, Disney Plus and more
Netflix's newest hit original movie is "KPop Demon Hunters," a brilliant action-fantasy family musical from Sony Pictures Animation. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' new release revolves around Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), three K-Pop superstars who are better known together as the smash-hit trio, Huntrix. They're not just pop sensations, though: The trio also leads a double life as the latest generation of demon hunters, defending humanity from the ever-present supernatural threat they pose. And in the streaming service's new movie, Huntrix faces their most dangerous threat yet: the Saja Boys, an irresistible rival boyband (who are secretly demons in disguise). It's great fun and has been well-received by critics and fans alike (it's currently 96% on Rotten Tomatoes!). That's precisely why I suspect plenty of Netflix viewers are probably searching for more movies just like it. If you've already streamed "KPop Demon Hunters" and are looking for your next watch, here are five more movies with a similar vibe that I think you'll enjoy, and where you can stream them right now. Four years ago, Japanese writer-director Mamoru Hosada's "Belle" impressed viewers across the globe (myself very much included), and I think it could be a great follow-up for "KPop Demon Hunters" fans. This animated sci-fi fantasy flick is a fresh spin on the "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale, and instead introduces us to high schooler Suzu Naito (voiced by Kaho Nakamura/Kylie McNeill). Suzu lost her singing voice after losing her mother at a young age, and is isolated from most of her classmates. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. At the suggestion of her best friend, Suzu joins the virtual world of "U," where she's assigned the "Bell" avatar and rediscovers her voice. As Bell, Suzu becomes a "U" sensation and storms the world's charts. When one of her virtual concerts is interrupted by a mysterious U user known as "The Dragon," she sets out to uncover their identity. It's visually dazzling stuff, and also boasts a killer soundtrack — you can check out the opening scene on YouTube for proof. Watch "Belle" on Max now "Nimona" is another animated Netflix hit that's well worth seeking out. Released in 2023, this fantasy adapts ND Stevenson's webcomic and graphic novel, which turns the typical fairytale on its head. "Nimona" sees disgraced knight-in-training Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) heading off on the run through the futuristic fantasy kingdom with the titular bundle-of-chaos changeling, Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) in tow. Ballister's been framed for a terrible crime, you see, and the pair are out to prove his innocence, and they learn a little more about one another in the process. "Nimona" makes for punky, exuberant, and compelling viewing that should impress the whole family. Watch "Nimona" on Netflix now I apologize in advance if you're already humming "Everything is Awesome," but if you've managed to avoid the surprising charms of "The Lego Movie" up to this point, you need to give it a shot. Written and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, what could have been little more than a bland toy advert became a zany "Chosen One" story about a thoroughly ordinary Lego City construction worker called Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt). He's believed to be who is believed to be the fabled minifig capable of locating the Piece of Resistance and putting a stop to the maniacal plans of Lord Business. Cue a creative, hilarious, and occasionally heartfelt movie, which would definitely make for a fun-filled follow-up to "KPop Demon Hunters." Watch "The Lego Movie" on Netflix now If you liked "KPop Demon Hunters," chances are you're also going to love this quirky apocalyptic sci-fi action-comedy (also from Sony Pictures Animation). Produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (of "Spider-Verse" and "Lego Movie" fame), this zany family watch sees Mitchell patriarch Rick (Danny McBride) insisting on taking the whole family on one last road trip to drive creative outside daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) up to film school. As if forced bonding wasn't awkward enough, the Mitchells find themselves in way over their heads when the robots stage an uprising, and it falls to them to save the world from the robo-pocalypse. Like "KPop Demon Hunters," "The Mitchells vs. The Machines" is packed full of personality, laughs and out-there charm, and I'm sure it'll be a winning follow-up Watch "The Mitchells Vs. The Machines" on Netflix now I'm rounding out this list with Pixar's sweet (and very funny) coming-of-age flick, "Turning Red." Director Domee Shi's ("Elio") 2022 flick takes us back in time to 2000s Canada and introduces us to Chinese-Canadian Mei Lee, a dorky, high-achieving teen who's caught between staying in her overprotective mother's good books and the wilder world of her friends and all the changes of growing up. Adolescence is challenging enough as is, but it proves even more challenging for 13-year-old Mei when she discovers that strong emotions cause her to transform into a giant red panda. It's playful, silly stuff, cut through with real emotions and heart, and deserves to be held up alongside some of the studio's best. And if nothing else, I'm sure you'll leave "Turning Red" wanting to add 4*TOWN's boyband tracks to your Spotify playlists. Watch "Turning Red" on Disney Plus now
Geek Culture
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Sony Animation's 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Tops Netflix Movie Chart In 41 Countries
Sony Pictures Animation has a winning formula on their hands, and it involves K-pop and demon hunting. Following its debut on 20 June, K-Pop Demon Hunters quickly topped Netflix's global charts to become one of the streamer's most-watched titles around the world — and its momentum isn't slowing down anytime soon. According to data from FlixPatrol, the newly minted fan favourite is now ranked first in 41 countries, including Southeast Asian territories such as Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and more. The Western market is no less immune to its charm, either, with the U.S., France, Switzerland, and Germany among the list of chart-toppers. Stylistically influenced by concert lighting, editorial photography, and music videos, alongside anime and Korean dramas, K-Pop Demon Hunters features striking, high-energy animation that's highly evocative of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its 2023 sequel, as well as The Mitchells vs. the Machines, both hailing from Sony. The story follows a fictional K-pop girl group, HUNTR/X (pronounced 'Huntrix'), who lead double lives as demon hunters, and face off against a rival boy band called Saja Boys, whose members are secretly demons. While primarily in English, the pic also includes Korean dialogue and cultural nods, from folklore creatures like dokkaebi, or goblins, and the jeoseung saja, the Korean equivalent of the grim reaper, to real-world locations. Arden Cho ( Teen Wolf ) leads the voice cast as Rumi, vocalist and overall leader of HUNTR/X, joined by May Hong ( High Maintenance ) as visual and main dancer Mira, and rapper Zoey. Other notable names include Squid Game star Lee Byung-hun as antagonist Gwi-ma, actor-singer Ahn Hyo-seop ( Business Proposal ) as Jinu, leader of the Saja Boys, Daniel Dae Kim ( Hawaii Five-O ) as Healer Han, and Ken Jeong ( Crazy Rich Asians ) as Bobby, the manager and main representative of HUNTR/X. Prolific K-pop producer Teddy contributed to the soundtrack, with popular girl group Twice's Jeongyeon, Chaeyeong, and Jihyo performing the film's opening number, 'Takedown'. His effort extends to HUNTR/X's 'Golden' and Saja Boys' 'Soda Pop, while Exo's 'Love Me Right' and Twice's 'Strategy' were also used as part of the film. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. K-Pop Demon Hunters Netflix Sony Animation
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Animation KPop Demon Hunters hits No. 1 on Netflix in 26 countries, tops 93 charts
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film blends fast-paced action, fantasy and musical drama. PHOTO: NETFLIX/FACEBOOK Animation KPop Demon Hunters hits No. 1 on Netflix in 26 countries, tops 93 charts An animated film about a K-pop girl group that battles evil spirits is now one of Netflix's most-watched titles worldwide. KPop Demon Hunters , co-directed by Korean-American filmmaker Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, debuted June 20 and quickly topped Netflix's global chart, according to data from FlixPatrol. Between June 21 and 22, it held the No. 1 position globally, ranking first in 26 countries and landing in the Top 10 in 93. Viewership has been especially strong not only in Asia but also in the US, France and Germany. The film follows Huntrix, a K-pop trio whose concerts double as supernatural missions. On stage, they use music to maintain a magical barrier called the 'honmoon', which protects the human world from demonic forces. Their main rival is Gwi-ma, a spirit king who preys on human souls and sends demons to defeat the hunters in the form of a boy band, the Saja Boys. The voice cast includes major Korean stars. Actor Lee Byung-hun from Squid Game plays Gwi-ma, and actor-singer Ahn Hyo-seop voices Jinu, the leader of the Saja Boys. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film blends fast-paced action, fantasy and musical drama. Although primarily in English, the film includes Korean dialogue and is packed with culturally specific details, from folklore creatures like 'dokkaebi' (Korean goblins) to everyday habits like visiting traditional medicine clinics and bathhouses. Audiences have embraced both the visual design and the music. K-pop producer Teddy contributed to the soundtrack, including Huntrix's Golden and Saja Boys' Soda Pop. Twice's Jeongyeon, Chaeyeong and Jihyo perform the film's opening number, Takedown, and MeloMance's Love, Maybe and Exo's Love Me Right play in their original Korean versions. Critics and viewers agree on the appeal of KPop Demon Hunters. As of June 24, it holds a 96 per cent critic score and 91 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's success reinforces Netflix's belief that 'great stories can resonate everywhere, regardless of language or culture', as Kim Min-young, head of Netflix's Asia-Pacific content division, said earlier this year. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix's ‘Kpop Demon Hunters' shows how it's done, fantasy-musical animation reigns among top movies on stream
SEOUL June 25 – An animated film about a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits has surged to the top of Netflix's global charts just days after its release, Korea Herald reported. K-Pop Demon Hunters, co-directed by Korean-American filmmaker Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, premiered on June 20 and quickly became one of Netflix's most-watched titles worldwide, holding the No. 1 spot globally from June 21 to 22. The film centres on Huntrix, a K-pop trio whose concerts serve as supernatural missions, using music to sustain a magical barrier called the honmoon that shields the human world from demons. The trio is voiced by Arden Cho (Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars), May Hong (Hacks), and Yoo Ji-young (Until Dawn). Their nemesis is Gwi-ma, a spirit king who sends his demon forces disguised as the boy band Saja Boys to bring down the hunters. Actor Lee Byung-hun, known for Squid Game, voices Gwi-ma, while singer-actor Ahn Hyo-seop plays Jinu, leader of the Saja Boys. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film blends action, fantasy, and musical elements with both English and Korean dialogue and culturally specific references such as dokkaebi (Korean goblins) and traditional medicine. The film's music has been a standout element, featuring songs by producer Teddy, performances by Twice members Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyeong, and tracks from MeloMance and Exo. The original songs performed by both Huntrix and Saja Boys have also received praised for their homage to the genre. Since its debut, the film has been especially popular not only in Asia but also in the United States, France, and Germany, ranking in the Top 10 in 93 countries. It currently holds a 96 per cent critic rating and 91 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes as of June 24.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Netflix's ‘Kpop Demon Hunters' shows how it's done, fantasy-musical animation reigns among top movies on stream
SEOUL June 25 – An animated film about a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits has surged to the top of Netflix's global charts just days after its release, Korea Herald reported. K-Pop Demon Hunters, co-directed by Korean-American filmmaker Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, premiered on June 20 and quickly became one of Netflix's most-watched titles worldwide, holding the No. 1 spot globally from June 21 to 22. The film centres on Huntrix, a K-pop trio whose concerts serve as supernatural missions, using music to sustain a magical barrier called the honmoon that shields the human world from demons. The trio is voiced by Arden Cho (Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars), May Hong (Hacks), and Yoo Ji-young (Until Dawn). Their nemesis is Gwi-ma, a spirit king who sends his demon forces disguised as the boy band Saja Boys to bring down the hunters. Actor Lee Byung-hun, known for Squid Game, voices Gwi-ma, while singer-actor Ahn Hyo-seop plays Jinu, leader of the Saja Boys. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film blends action, fantasy, and musical elements with both English and Korean dialogue and culturally specific references such as dokkaebi (Korean goblins) and traditional medicine. The film's music has been a standout element, featuring songs by producer Teddy, performances by Twice members Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyeong, and tracks from MeloMance and Exo. The original songs performed by both Huntrix and Saja Boys have also received praised for their homage to the genre. Since its debut, the film has been especially popular not only in Asia but also in the United States, France, and Germany, ranking in the Top 10 in 93 countries. It currently holds a 96 per cent critic rating and 91 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes as of June 24.
