Netflix has a new global hit. KPop Demon Hunters is now the streaming giant’s most-viewed film ever, racking up 236 million views since its June 20 debut.

The animated musical, which follows a girl group who moonlight as demon fighters, has overtaken 2021 action-comedy Red Notice, which held the top spot for more than three years.

What’s surprising about the feat is that KPop Demon Hunters arrived with relatively little fanfare.

Produced by Sony Pictures Animation under a 2021 deal with Netflix, the film had a quiet premiere before exploding into a worldwide phenomenon due to viral memes, reaction videos and a fast-growing online fandom.

Over the weekend, a limited theatrical sing-along release catapulted the film to Netflix’s first-ever No.1 at the US box office, taking in an estimated $18–20 million (A$28m–A$31m).

That momentum has now spilled into music, with the soundtrack dominating global charts.

Lead single Golden is sitting at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while three other tracks are also in the top 10 – a feat not achieved by a film soundtrack since Saturday Night Fever in 1978.

Industry observers say the film’s runaway success could spark Netflix’s next big franchise, with sequels, merchandise and live attractions already being discussed.

The achievement also strengthens Netflix’s position in family-friendly programming, an area increasingly competitive against rivals like Disney+ and YouTube.