The future of movie distribution is here, and it involves streaming films beating theaters at their own game. Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters demonstrated this powerfully this weekend, topping the box office with an estimated $18-$20 million. The victory, achieved through a limited sing-along event, marks a turning point for the industry and a major triumph for Netflix.
The film first conquered the digital world, becoming the second-most-viewed movie ever on Netflix and spawning a chart-topping soundtrack. This built a global brand with a passionate following, which Netflix then successfully leveraged for a theatrical run.
The two-day sing-along event in 1,700 theaters was not just a screening; it was an experience. This unique value proposition is what drew fans in, leading to 1,150 sold-out shows and proving that streaming availability is not a barrier to theatrical success if the offer is compelling enough. This is a model that exhibitors like Regal and Cinemark have now seen succeed firsthand.
The story of a K-pop group that secretly fights demons has now become the story of how a streaming giant can rewrite the rules of the box office. This success has enlivened a slow summer season and set a new precedent for the years to come.