KPop Demon Hunters hits theaters despite data opacity

Netflix tests a theatrical run for its viral animated film, drawing theater partners and raising questions about reporting.

KPop Demon Hunters Plays in Theaters Netflix Keeps Box Office Secret

Netflix will release KPop Demon Hunters in about 1,750 screens across the US and Canada this weekend for sing along showings. Industry sources say roughly 1,150 screenings are already sold out, a sign of strong social momentum behind the film. Netflix will not publish box office numbers, continuing to treat theatrical data as private rather than a core metric. The movie, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, is the most watched original animated title on Netflix so far and its upbeat soundtrack has carried into popular culture. The sing along format, driven by catchy music and a social vibe, is designed to turn a movie into a shared event rather than a passive viewing.

The move shows Netflix testing a more cinema friendly tactic to raise visibility without committing to a longer theatrical window. It also spotlights how exhibition partners crave data and predictability, even as they celebrate any title that can fill seats on a slow weekend. The industry dynamic is evolving as Netflix blends marketing with showmanship, prompting questions about the long term value of theatrical reporting and the potential for closer collaboration between streaming platforms and brick and mortar cinemas.

Highlights

The next days will show how far cinema and streaming can work together.