Biggest Netflix Movie of All Time Is Coming to Theaters (Again)
Netflix is bringing its hit animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters” back to theaters for a special Halloween-themed sing-along event.
The film, which follows a fictional K-pop girl group battling demons with their music, will play from October 31 to November 2 at major U.S. theater chains including AMC, Regal, and Cinemark, as well as in select independent cinemas. Netflix encouraged fans to wear costumes for the screenings, according to a press release from the company.
This move is notable because the biggest U.S. theater chains usually avoid Netflix films, given the streamer’s focus on releasing content directly online.
But “KPop Demon Hunters” has proven so popular that bringing it to the big screen is seen as a win for both the streaming giant and theater owners. October has been a slow month at the box office, with few new releases aside from Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone’s thriller “Bugonia” and a “Twilight” re-release, making the Netflix event especially timely.
The movie first hit theaters in August for a two-day sing-along event and earned an estimated $18 million, a strong showing for a film that had already been streaming for two months.
They sing. They dance… and they battle demons between encores. KPop Demon Hunters premieres June 20!
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) May 22, 2025
PS: Stick until the end to hear an exclusive sneak speak of TAKEDOWN, a song by members of @JYPETWICE pic.twitter.com/H2nk3ySEC1
Since its June release on Netflix, “KPop Demon Hunters” has become the platform’s most-watched movie ever. Three of its songs, “Golden,” “Your Idol,” and “Soda Pop,” have also charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The theatrical run is expected to drive fans back to Netflix for re-watches and to build hype for the upcoming sequel.
AMC Theatres, the world’s largest theater chain, did not screen the movie during its initial run but will now show it in roughly 400 locations across the U.S. and Europe. The chain seems more open to collaborating with Netflix after previously avoiding the streamer due to disagreements over theatrical release windows.
“While the two companies have not had a commercial relationship in recent years, both Netflix and AMC are intrigued by the mutually beneficial opportunities that could arise from this and future collaboration,” an AMC spokesperson said. “Discussions are underway as to what that may entail, but no further details are being shared at this time.”
Bringing a streaming hit like “KPop Demon Hunters” to theaters is a smart move for both Netflix and cinemas. It gives fans a chance to experience the movie in a fun, interactive setting and could signal more big-screen events from Netflix in the future. What do you think about streaming films returning to theaters? Share your thoughts in the comments.