Netflix’s KPOP Demon Hunters is making waves, crystal clear waves of sound and animation. They are not just a global streaming sensation but also, according to new reports, a serious contender for the 2026 Academy Awards. From record breaking views on Netflix, to “Golden” being the NO. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and climbing on multiple outlets, KPOP Demon Hunters is here to slay not just demons, but records in the entertainment industry.
Kpop Demon Hunters Is Aiming For The Oscars
According to a new report from The Ankler, it has learned that Netflix is eyeing Oscars for KPop: Demon Hunters, not only for “Golden” in the original song category but also in the animated feature category. Recognizing that the movie surpassed the typical straight-to-Netflix effort, Netflix quietly released KPop: Demon Hunters in enough theaters to meet Academy requirements.
The Oscars, officially known as the Academy Awards, are a set of awards presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) for outstanding achievements in filmmaking, and KPop Demon Hunters has already racked up quite a bit of outstanding achievements. Given its massive success right now, breaking many records for Netflix and Charts like the Billboard 200, KPop Demon Hunters could be a serious contender for the Oscars.
How KPop Demon Hunters Has Made an Impact
- A Cultural Powerhouse: The film follows the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—who lead double lives as demon hunters. Inspired by Korean mythology and K-pop aesthetics, the story celebrates cultural pride while delivering a visually stunning experience. Its unique blend of traditional Korean elements, like shamanistic symbols and modern K-pop fashion, has resonated with audiences globally, topping Netflix charts in 22 countries.
- Oscar Eligibility Secured: To qualify for the Oscars, a film must screen in select U.S. cities for at least seven days with specific showtime requirements. K-Pop Demon Hunters met these criteria with a limited theatrical run from June 20-26, 2025, at theaters in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. This strategic release ensures the film’s eligibility, following in the footsteps of other Netflix successes like Mudbound and Emilia Pérez.
- “Golden” Aims for Best Original Song: The film’s chart-topping track “Golden,” performed by EJAE as part of Huntr/x, is being submitted for Oscar consideration. If anyone is on TikTok or social media in general, it is hard to imagine someone not coming across this song, even if they have not seen the movie, that’s how big this viral song is. The infectious beat cannot getting beaten out of anyones head once it enters.
- Animation Feast: This poppy animation style that highlights the art of K-Pop in a visual spectacle journey is what makes fans hooked immediately to this film. Some might at first not be a fan of animated projects, but after giving Kpop Demon Hunters a try, they have never looked back since it is such a visually stunning pleasing to the eye film.
- Fans and Critics Love This Movie: With a 96% critic rating and a 91% fan rating on Rotten Tomatoes, everyone can for the most part agree that this film invites all to watch and listen to this K-Pop adventure.
Final Thoughts
KPop Demon Hunters is a global phenomenon that can get anyone addicted to K-pop whether they are an avid listener or haven’t even heard a single song from this genre. This film shows fans and critics that it has everything to offer, pleasing sounds and visuals throughout the film that won’t leave you unsatisfied. You can watch KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix.
