KPop Demon Hunters Movie Review (Spoiler Free)

A dazzling pop trio who are secretly demon hunter super fighters. When a Korean pop musical meets Final Fantasy X-2, with a splash of unique 2D/3D hybrid animation, the result is unbelievable.

Genre: Adventure / Animation / Music

Director: Chris Appelhans & Maggie Kang

Cast: Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Ahn Hyo-seop, Yunjin Kim, Lee Byung-hun, Daniel Dae Kim, Rumi Oak & Ken Jeong.

Run Time: 95 min.

US Release: 20 June 2025 (Netflix)

UK Release: 20 June 2025 (Netflix)

German Release: 20 June 2025 (Netflix)

I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t planning to watch this Netflix release, let alone review it, as I am clearly not the target audience. That said, the amount of traction this animation gained made me curious about what it had to offer. So on my flight to Greece, I threw this flick on my tablet, and to my surprise, I enjoyed it far more than I ever thought I would, making the two-hour trip a delightful experience (even if I’m definitely not its demographic). With likeable characters, as well as a bright, colourful animation style, this streamer is a must-watch, especially now that it received a limited cinematic release!

So, dance with me through my review, as I serenade you with KPop Demon Hunters!

A world-renowned pop girl group called Huntr/x must balance their lives on stage with their secret identities as demon hunters, as they face off against a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, who are secretly all demons, sent by their king, Gwi-Ma.

Inspired by her Korean heritage and wanting to honour her culture, Kang conceived the premise, fusing the K-pop music genre with the country's mythology, as well as elements of demonology. The result is a culturally embedded, visually striking experience.

The narrative’s core message explores important themes of identity and self-acceptance, reflected in the lead heroine’s journey. Rumi must resolve her internal conflict to overcome her insecurities, growing beyond the margins that try to define her, to ultimately accept who she is. This makes the movie particularly valuable for younger viewers.

It also dives into the pressures of the K-pop industry, which pushes its artists to strive for perfection. The social commentary on celebrity culture, including its fandom, is well integrated, unpacking important aspects of stardom. The plot is high-energy, helping to maintain a smooth, fast-flowing pace, blending key components that recall Final Fantasy X-2 plus Buffy the Vampire Slayer, mixed with Korean mythology.

Sadly, the writing can become a little clunky when it comes to the demons' arc, especially their king’s motivation, slightly undermining the story’s sentimental impact, while the second half drags at the beginning. The fun jabs at the music industry, including its fandom, can also feel a little silly at times.

The dialogue shines best when it weaves into a musical number, successfully advancing the story while deepening the emotion. That said, conversations among the trio or discussions with their rivals can occasionally descend into excessive childishness.

The lead heroines’ arcs are compelling and showcase real character growth, but some of the supporting roles feel a little flat in comparison.

Rumi, voiced by Arden Cho, is the standout of the trio. She is complex, using her bravery as a mask to conceal her inner trauma, she fears might get exposed. Cho sells her character's emotional turmoil beautifully, balancing out insecurity with determined strength. Singer Ejae provides Rumi’s singing voice.

Then there is May Hong’s Mira, who has a more reserved personality; she is the edgier, more passive-aggressive member of Huntr/x. Hong's slightly deeper tone suits Mira perfectly, while Audrey Nuna took over for the musical numbers.

Finally, Zoey, vocally portrayed by Ji-young Yoo, is the youngest, most energetic, and cheeriest of the Huntr/x affiliates. Yoo captures Zoey’s innocent, lively spirit effortlessly, with rapper Rei Ami lending vocals for the songs.

Visually, Demon Hunters excels at what it sets out to achieve, delivering original, dynamic action scenes alongside mesmerising musical performances that are beautifully framed. The creative tinkering with distortion, depth and projection results in an effortlessly immersive world. At the same time, the fluid animation complements the flick’s brisk pacing.

Talking about animation, which was handled by Sony, clearly draws influence from the Spider-Verse films, Japanese anime, as well as K-dramas. The cool colour palette occasionally nods to the Cyberpunk subgenre, though its vivid use of colour throughout also mirrors the emotional states of the three leads. 

The film's music is another standout element, featuring original compositions that mirror the characters' internal struggles. To distinguish Huntr/x from the Saja Boys, the production team crafted catchy, but intentionally hollow tracks for the guys, metaphorically hinting at their soulless, demonic nature. In contrast, the girl group’s tunes are more heartfelt and vulnerable, adding weight to their journey. 

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Verdict: I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to enjoy KPop Demon Hunters nearly as much as I did. Though I’m clearly not its target demographic, this Netflix animation won me over with its infectious energy and bright visuals. The script balances earnest themes of identity plus self-acceptance with flashy pop-fantasy spectacle, even if the pacing wobbles slightly around the second half. Some narrative beats feel undercooked, but the story’s emotional core remains strong. The dialogue can steer into childishness, yet it shines when jumping into its musical sequences. The three heroines are likeable, with Rumi standing out as a complex and relatable lead. Each character experiences meaningful growth, even if the supporting roles lack depth. The animation is breathtaking, bursting with creative flair. The music, too, hits all the right notes. Overall, this is one of Netflix’s most charming hits, perfect for parents to enjoy alongside their young teenage kids. It’s a 7.5 out of 10.

Have you seen KPop Demon Hunters yet? If not, what are you waiting for? It's on Netflix to stream. Do you agree with my review? Let me know with a comment. Thank you for reading!