Netflix Just Made Box Office History With a Surprise Hit Movie

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When considering Netflix, it’s unlikely that blockbuster hits are your immediate thought. The streaming platform has a somewhat strained connection with movie theaters. Many Netflix original films don’t appear on the big screen, and those that do have limited releases to meet award eligibility criteria. This approach means they’ve distributed numerous Oscar-nominated films over recent years (hoping to increase this tally in 2025 with Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, among others), but their movies aren’t typically record-breaking at the box office. However, things took a surprising turn this weekend.

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! As a supporter, I’m proud to announce that the much-loved animated series, “Kpop Demon Hunters,” has made an unexpected triumph at the box office. Estimates suggest that it has grossed between $18-$20 million within our domestic market. This staggering figure surpasses the earnings of the current champion, “Weapons,” which is predicted to earn $15.6 million in its third weekend. Remarkably, this victory marks “Kpop Demon Hunters” as the first Netflix film to claim the top spot on the box office charts. However, it’s crucial to remember that Netflix does not disclose its box office numbers directly. Instead, these figures are based on reports from industry trades, which rely on their own sources of information.

How Kpop Demon Hunters Won the Box Office This Weekend

This summer, the popular K-pop series “Demon Hunters” ruled Netflix’s charts, making it one of their highest-viewed films ever. Seizing upon this trend, Netflix identified a chance to boost its success further by converting “Kpop Demon Hunters” into a cinematic experience amidst the less competitive late-summer entertainment landscape. To do so, they arranged for an exclusive two-day theater release, featuring a special karaoke version of “Kpop Demon Hunters.

Over the weekend, it turned out to be an ideal moment for something like this. The summer movie market has seen a substantial decrease in activity since the blockbusters Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps ruled July. However, Weapons, boosted by critical applause and positive buzz, outperformed expectations and turned into a surprise success. While it’s the only August release that has made a noticeable impact at the box office so far, it continues to attract horror enthusiasts, having grossed more than $100 million domestically.

This month, many new films haven’t fared as well. The action sequel “Nobody 2” made only $9.2 million during its domestic premiere. The crime comedy “Honey Don’t!” by Ethan Coen debuted nationwide this weekend and isn’t expected to rank among the top five films. With intriguing titles like the highly anticipated “The Long Walk” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” set for release in September, there was an opportunity for Netflix to make a significant impact at the box office, as some less successful movies were released earlier.

It’s possible that Netflix could dominate the box office once more next year, thanks to their innovative approach for the reboot of Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia. By granting an exclusive two-week run in IMAX cinemas, they’ve set a new standard. For the moment, the film appears destined to screen exclusively on IMAX screens, which might initially put it at a disadvantage compared to other productions shown in regular theaters. However, considering the strong reputation of the Narnia brand and Gerwig’s impressive background as a director, there’s reason to believe that audiences will flock to catch the movie.

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2025-08-24 19:41