KPop Demon Hunters: The Netflix Animated Film That Became a Phenomenon

2 September 2025

I have to be honest: when I first heard about "KPop Demon Hunters," I thought it was yet another attempt to ride the K-pop wave. I've never been more wrong. The animated film produced by Sony Pictures Animation has amassed 236 million views, officially becoming the most-watched film ever on Netflix, even surpassing "Red Notice."

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, this powerhouse blends K-pop aesthetics with supernatural action in a mix that works incredibly well. The soundtrack was so well received that it made Spotify's top global charts, and after seeing it, I completely understand why. It's more than just a movie; it's a multisensory experience that overwhelms you from the first note.

La Storia

The plot of "KPop Demon Hunters" begins with a seemingly simple idea but develops into something surprisingly complex. In the distant past, demons spread panic across the Earth by stealing souls for their ruler, the Demon King Gwi-Ma. Three young warriors, the first Demon Hunters, emerged to counteract this threat, using their chants to quell the threat.

In the present, K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, when they're not filling stadiums, use their secret powers to protect fans from supernatural threats. The group HUNTR/X (pronounced "Huntrix") lives a double life: adoring idols by day, deadly demon hunters by night.

The turning point comes when we discover that Rumi is half-demon, the daughter of a father she's never known, and demonic marks are spreading across her body. This secret, kept hidden even from her bandmates, becomes the emotional engine of the film. During the preview of the new single "Golden," Rumi loses her voice and runs away, while demonic marks attack her throat.

Manager Celine knows everything and has always urged Rumi to hide the signs, promising her that the Golden Honmoon will make her fully human. Meanwhile, in the demon world, Gwi-Ma is furious because he has no more souls to devour, setting the stage for an epic clash that blends musical spectacle and supernatural battle.

The screenplay, written by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Kang, and Appelhans, manages to balance moments of pure entertainment with profound reflections on identity, self-acceptance, and the burdens of fame.

Characters

The main trio are the beating heart of the film, and each character has a distinctive personality that goes beyond stereotypes.

Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho) is the main protagonist, leader of the group HUNTR/X, a half-demon, half-human. She is the most complex character in the film: strong and determined on the surface, but tormented by the secret of her demonic nature. Her emotional evolution is the thread of the story, and Arden Cho manages to convey all the vulnerability hidden behind the facade of the perfect pop star.

Mira (May Hong)

Mira (May Hong) is the group's lead dancer, visual artist, and choreographer, who believes she's unworthy of family or friends due to her past as a troubled child. She's the muscle of the trio, and when fighting demons, she wields a Gok-Do. Her story arc explores themes of self-acceptance and the value of friendship as a chosen family.

Zoey (Ji-young Yoo)

Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) is the group's lyricist and maknae (youngest member), with a childlike and fun personality. Of Korean ethnicity but raised in Burbank, California, she represents the perfect cultural bridge for Western audiences. She is the emotional heart of the group, the one who keeps their spirits high even in the darkest moments.

The supporting cast includes memorable antagonists and mentors who enrich the narrative universe. Each character has clear motivations and coherent development, avoiding the one-dimensional character trait typical of many commercial animated films.

The visual characterization is impeccable: each girl has a distinctive design that reflects her personality, from concert costumes to combat armor, everything is taken care of down to the smallest detail.

Critical Judgment

“KPop Demon Hunters” is that rare example of a film that manages to be a commercial success without sacrificing artistic quality. Sony Pictures Animation has nailed it on all fronts.

The animation is spectacular, with a style that perfectly blends Japanese anime aesthetics with Western production. The fight sequences are choreographed like actual musical numbers, creating a unique visual language I've never seen before. The vibrant colors and character designs capture the energy of K-pop and seamlessly translate it into animation.

But it's on an emotional level that the film is most surprising. Behind the apparent lightness lie universal themes: the acceptance of one's diversity, the weight of expectations, the importance of true friendship. Rumi's struggle to accept his demonic nature is a powerful metaphor for all those who feel "different" or "wrong."

The soundtrack deserves a chapter of its own. They aren't just pop songs thrown in here and there, but songs that advance the narrative and develop the characters. The fact that some tracks have charted on Spotify demonstrates how well-crafted they are musically.

If I had to find flaws, the pacing is a bit frenetic at times, and some narrative passages could benefit from a few more minutes of development. But these are minor criticisms in a work that demonstrates how animation can be the perfect vehicle for universal stories.

The success of "KPop Demon Hunters" is no coincidence: it's a film that speaks to a global generation, blending diverse cultures without distorting them, and using entertainment to convey profound messages. This is the future of animation: no longer bound by geographical or cultural boundaries, but capable of building bridges between different worlds.

A modern masterpiece that deserves every single one of its 236 million views. Rating: 9/10.

Gianluigi Piludu