Netflix Challenges Disney with Sing-Along Event for 'KPop Demon Hunters'

Netflix is taking its fight with Disney to new heights by bringing its animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" to select movie theaters as a sing-along event. The move is seen as a challenge to Disney's dominance in family-friendly movies with catchy songs. "KPop Demon Hunters" has become Netflix's second-most-watched movie ever, thanks in part to its chart-topping soundtrack. The film's success may fuel interest in the franchise and Netflix's broader movie strategy.

Netflix is taking its fight with Disney to new heights by bringing its animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" to select movie theaters as a sing-along event. This move is seen as a challenge to Disney's dominance in family-friendly movies with catchy songs. "KPop Demon Hunters" has become Netflix's second-most-watched movie ever, thanks in part to its chart-topping soundtrack. The film's success may fuel interest in the franchise and Netflix's broader movie strategy.

The animated flick, which became available on Netflix on June 20, 2025, is set to hit theaters in the US and Canada on August 23 and 24. Fans of the film will be able to belt out lyrics to songs from the popular soundtrack during the event. This is a significant departure from Netflix's usual strategy of releasing films exclusively on its streaming platform.

Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos has previously stated that putting movies exclusively in theaters for months is "an outdated concept" [1]. However, the company has experimented with theaters, such as by giving "Knives Out 2" a limited theatrical release in 2022. The sing-along event for "KPop Demon Hunters" suggests that Netflix is set on making its biggest animated film ever a full-blown franchise.

The success of "KPop Demon Hunters" is not just in its viewership but also in its soundtrack. The original song "Golden" is currently the No. 1 track on Billboard's Hot 100 rankings, and the full setlist is the second most popular album in the world. This musical success has contributed to the film's cultural impact and could further fuel interest in the franchise.

While Netflix is not changing its broader theater strategy, the sing-along event for "KPop Demon Hunters" signals a willingness to challenge Disney in its territory of animated family-friendly movies with catchy songs. Disney's most recent swing in original animation, "Elio," underwhelmed at the box office despite strong reviews [2]. Netflix's move may not mean it's rethinking its broader movie strategy, but it does signify that it's trying to take Disney's bread and butter.

References:
[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-kpop-demon-hunters-movie-theaters-animation-disney-pixar-elio-2025-8
[2] https://screenrant.com/kpop-demon-hunters-movie-netflix-theatrical-release-missed-opportunity/