Netflix’s Most-Watched Film Ever, “KPop Demon Hunters,” Dominates Global Charts

Netflix’s K-pop themed animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” has taken over global charts, emerging as a true worldwide cultural phenomenon. Released on Netflix in June, the movie is now recorded as the most-watched film in Netflix’s history. The film’s original soundtrack (OST) has achieved remarkable musical success. According to the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100 released on the 5th, the OST track “Golden” reached position 13 and stayed on the chart for 24 consecutive weeks. Since its release, this song held the number one spot for a total of 10 non-consecutive weeks, establishing itself as the biggest hit of the year. Additionally, “How It's Done” ranked 30th, while “What It Sounds Like” reached position 41, marking an unprecedented case of three OST tracks simultaneously making it onto the chart. In “Consequence’s” recently released list of “200 Best Songs of 2025,” “Golden” and “Take Down” placed 16th and 74th respectively. Consequence praised “Golden,” stating it “shone not because of likes and shares that would please algorithm gods, but because it was simply excellent.” According to Google’s “2025 in Search,” “KPop Demon Hunters” ranked second overall among all search terms in the United States, first in movie-related searches, and first in searches related to its cast members. In particular, “Golden” topped the “Hum to search” category, while “Take Down” ranked 3rd in song searches, and “Sodapop” came in at 7th. The film also received recognition at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards in January of this year. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, it was nominated in three categories: Best Animated Motion Picture, Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and Best Original Song for “Golden.” The OST was nominated for five Grammy Awards, with “Golden” entering the competition for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The film’s soundtrack became Spotify’s second-most-streamed album of 2025 and reached peak position 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. HUNTR/X quickly became the third-most-streamed K-pop group in the world, and the film’s villain boy band Saja Boys’ track “Sodapop” also made it to the top ranks of various charts. The film has had a profound impact on global popular culture beyond mere chart success. Members of HUNTR/X—EJae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—appeared on major American shows such as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Saturday Night Live, and The Tonight Show. The cultural influence is evident even further, with “Golden” being performed during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in the UK.