Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' Tops Box Office Despite 50% Fewer Screens, Shorter Run

Core Viewpoint - Netflix achieved its first number one movie at the box office with "KPop Demon Hunters," highlighting its growing influence in the theatrical space amidst competition from traditional movie studios [1][4]. Group 1: Box Office Performance - "KPop Demon Hunters" is estimated to have grossed $18 million over the weekend, surpassing the previous number one film "Weapons," which earned $15.6 million [2]. - The Netflix film was shown on approximately 1,700 screens, significantly fewer than "Weapons," which had 3,631 screens [3]. - The film had over 1,150 sold-out showings, indicating strong audience support despite being available for streaming since June 20 [3]. Group 2: Industry Context - The weekend was expected to be slow for movie theaters, with "Honey Don't!" being the only nationwide new release, which finished eighth with $3 million [5]. - Movie theaters are anticipating a strong lineup in the second half of 2025 to aid recovery, suggesting potential future collaborations with Netflix for theatrical releases [6]. Group 3: Strategic Moves - Netflix partnered with major theater chains like Regal and Cinemark to showcase "KPop Demon Hunters" for two days, marking a strategic shift in its approach to theatrical releases [5]. - A sing-along version of the film was released, which may further boost interest and engagement with the film [7]. Group 4: Cultural Impact - Three songs from "KPop Demon Hunters" are currently featured in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, indicating the film's cultural resonance and potential for ongoing popularity [8]. - The film is on track to become the most-watched Netflix movie of all time, reflecting its significant impact on the platform's content strategy [6]. Group 5: Stock Performance - Following the success of "KPop Demon Hunters," Netflix's stock rose by 1.9% to $1,227.70, with a year-to-date increase of 38.5% [8].