The box office smash that is 'KPop Demon Hunters' has stormed its way to the top of Netflix's viewing charts, leaving all others in its wake. A staggering 648.7 million views have been clocked up by this animated musical phenomenon, a clear winner by more than double the next contender, 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie', which trails behind with an impressive but nowhere near as mighty 271.7 million views.
These mind-boggling viewing statistics come courtesy of Deadline's meticulous analysis of four years' worth of Netflix data, spanning from the second half of 2023 through to the first six months of 2026. Unlike the streamer's traditional 'Most Popular' list, which focuses solely on a film's initial three-month stint on the platform, this new ranking aggregates views across all six-monthly reports, offering a more comprehensive picture of sustained audience engagement.
The remarkable success story that is 'KPop Demon Hunters' has been writing its own rules for months now. The film, which pits a fictional K-pop trio against supernatural forces in their secret life as demon hunters, continues to rake it in – a further 130 million views added during the first six months of 2026 alone demonstrate its enduring appeal to subscribers. Its soundtrack is also making waves, with the track 'Golden' hitting number one in both the UK and US charts, earning rave reviews along the way.
But 'KPop Demon Hunters' isn't just a hit – it's a cultural phenomenon. Sold-out singalong screenings, collaborations with global brands like McDonald's, and plans for a globe-trotting concert tour are all testament to its crossover appeal. And don't forget the sequel, set to drop in 2029 – all this adds up to one heck of an impact, resonating with both K-pop devotees and animation enthusiasts alike across the globe, including a significant audience right here in the UK.
Delving deeper into the data reveals an animated film bias among Netflix viewers. Titles such as 'The Boss Baby', 'Minions', and 'Sing' feature prominently in the top 11, while Netflix's own original productions also make a splash – think apocalyptic thrillers like 'Leave The World Behind' starring Julia Roberts, and Adam Sandler's animated comedy 'Leo', which is the streamer's highest-ranked original film after 'KPop Demon Hunters'.