KPop Demon Hunters is a phenomenon that's only growing.
The Netflix release focuses on a trio of K-pop idols called HUNTR/X who not only lay down devastatingly catching songs but also battle deadly demons, including the dastardly alluring boy band called Saja Boys.
The combination of enthralling action, swoon-worthy romance, total squad goals, and a banging soundtrack has made the film massively popular on the streaming service. Since its June debut, KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix's most-watched animated movie ever, and is currently the second most-watched Netflix movie of all time. (Watch out, Red Notice; HUNTR/X is on your tail!)
Meanwhile, the soundtrack for KPop Demon Hunters debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart. And as I write this, "Golden," a HUNTR/X track from the film, is currently number two on the Hot 100 Chart, while Saja Boys' "Your Idol" is at number four and "Soda Pop" is at number 10.
There's no escaping KPop Demon Hunters, and this is the perfect weekend to give in, because the movie that's got Netflix users hooked is coming to theaters for a special series of sing-along screenings.
To get a feel for what this experience would bring to KPop Demon Hunters fans, I attended a press preview of the sing-along screening in New York City, at the Netflix-owned Paris Theater. Here are my five takeaways from the experience:
1. KPop Demon Hunters sing-along screening is as close as you'll get to a HUNTR/X concert.
Watching this movie at home is a joy, sure. But in a theater with advanced surround sound, the soundtrack just hits different. The opening battle scene, where Rumi, Mira, and Zoey kick off "How It's Done" while pummeling demons and skydiving from a destroyed plane into their arena show below? It's epic on the big screen.
It's the feeling of being at a real concert. The music is marvelous and enveloping. The audience around you is geeking out with you, dancing in their seats (or out of them) and singing along with their full chest. In this way, KPop Demon Hunters brings together the sublime community vibes of concerts and moviegoing with the cost of one ticket.
2. People will have their phones out, unless you go to the Alamo.
Yes, we know people love pulling out their phones in theaters. But the expectation of this controversial behavior is higher when the audience is offered a chance to perform too.
Personally, I was a bit shocked to see at a press screening how many attendees were pulling out their phones. From my seat, I could see several filming the screen (weird, when the movie is already online?). Some filmed their party singing along, and one guy appeared to film his own reactions to watching the movie.
Arden Cho, who voices Rumi, shared her own footage from her preview screening on TikTok, which includes viewers dancing and singing along excitedly. This is reminiscent of footage from theaters that showed Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé and Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.
However, if you don't want the distraction of other people's phones, you might want to favor an Alamo Drafthouse screening. Famously, the Alamo doesn't put up with talking or texting in their theaters. But Mashable wondered if the rules might be bent for a sing-along.
A rep for Alamo Drafthouse answered our inquiry with:
"Policy will remain and phones will not be allowed at these screenings. Lyrics will be on the screen for audience to sing along."
Alamo also has party screenings, which come with some sweet KPop Demon Hunters merch. However, you can also buy your own merch online at Netflix's shop.
3. The sing-along subtitles aren't really needed for KPop Demon Hunters.
Ahead of the movie, the Paris Theater piped in the soundtrack as people took their seats. Already, the excited fans — many of whom were young girls — were singing along. They were beyond ready, knowing the words by heart.
When the movie played with lyrics subtitled on the screen, the level of enthusiasm and volume from the audience boomed — even over the sections of songs that are in Korean. Then, when some snippets of song — like Rumi struggling to get through "Golden" on a solo moment on a rooftop — are not offering the lyrics onscreen, these fans sang with her, every word, without a missed beat.
4. Fan reactions go beyond singing at KPop Demon Hunters sing-along.
If you're a Rujinu shipper, scandalized that Rumi and Jinu do not kiss in the film, you're not alone. And you'll likely learn that if you go to the sing-alongs.
In my screening, every time the hot demon and the heart-struck huntress came remotely close to kissing, a girl or several girls would cry out, "KISS!"
Sure, we know their kisses got cut from the film. But there's something deeply heartwarming about being a part of a crowd willing this romance to take that next step.
Girlhood is alive and well.
5. Newbies are welcome to KPop Demon Hunters sing-along.
Look, this audience will be mostly fans who are already deep into loving the soundtrack, swooning over their favorite Saja Boy or HUNTR/X girl, and manifesting the announcement of a sequel. However, those new to the movie are totally welcome too.
This was clear in the moment of a major revelation from Jinu. IYKYK. And if you don't know, you'll be like the woman behind me who gasped hard and loud in genuine surprise. In response, the crowd around her laughed and cheered, realizing they had a new member to their ranks.
That's all you need to know, outside of how to get tickets: KPop Demon Hunters sing-along is a limited theatrical event, which occurs on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24. across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
To view the full list of theaters and showtimes in your area, and to download tickets, check out the following links: U.S. and Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
