It has been a sluggish begin for feature-length animation this 12 months. Except for a handful of indie gems, such because the historically animated Looney Tunes film The Day the Earth Blew Up, and worldwide juggernauts such because the critically acclaimed Chinese language field workplace smash Ne Zha 2, only some animated movies have actually stood out in 2025.
Primarily based on the kids’s graphic novel collection of the identical title, DreamWorks’ Canine Man was successful again in January and February, grossing $145 million globally towards a $40 million funds. Nonetheless, it did not depart a mark on popular culture the way in which, say, 2001’s Shrek or 2010’s Practice Your Dragon did.
Then there’s Elio, Disney and Pixar’s under-marketed sci-fi journey that was lifeless on arrival on the field workplace in June. It’s to date earned roughly $76 million towards a $150-$300 million funds regardless of optimistic evaluations, although time will inform if it later positive aspects traction on streaming the way in which 2023’s Elemental did.
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However there’s one animated flick that stunned me: Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.
As a longtime Ok-pop fan, I initially scrunched my nostril on the film’s straight-to-the-point title and assumed it was whipped as much as capitalize on the fashionable Ok-pop phenomena. After I glanced on the film’s spectacular 94 % Rotten Tomatoes rating although, I knew I used to be improper. Plus, the movie’s successful on-line: Since its launch KPop Demon Hunters has gone viral on TikTok — that is the clip that satisfied me to look at — and its soundtrack has hit No. 6 on the Spotify Weekly Prime Albums chart, in line with Selection.
Launched on the streaming service on June 20, the film follows HUNTR/X, a super-powered, famous person Ok-pop lady group composed of buddies Rumi, Mira and Zoey. By day the energetic trio carry out as pop idols, however by night time they defend the world from the evil demon underworld that stirs just under Seoul. With humanity on the road, and with lead singer Rumi harboring a darkish secret, the ladies go up towards their fiercest foes but: An irresistibly cute however completely demonic boy band.
The movie seems like a late summer time firework, bursting with colour and stuffed with sparks, thanks partially as a consequence of expressive, stylistic character animation that pops off the display screen. That includes vivid, upbeat animation by the gifted group at Sony Photos Animation, and with a singular visible model impressed by neon-drenched live performance images, anime, shiny music movies, and melodramatic Ok-dramas, it’s like a cross between Pixar’s Turning Crimson and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — additionally from Sony Photos Animation.
KPop Demon Hunters digs into the facility of friendship, discovered household, self-worth and redemption as Rumi, Mira and Zoey navigate their internal demons in addition to the precise demons attacking them on the worst moments doable. (One gag consists of the trio desperately making an attempt to save lots of their treasured instantaneous ramyun because it steeps whereas they go to city on some mischievous demons moonlighting as flight attendants.)
In the meantime, Rumi’s journey to self-acceptance is universally relatable, culminating in a poignant message extra related than ever within the age of social media, whereas one complicated villain’s heart-rending subplot about making errors and discovering the braveness to forgive oneself provides a shocking layer of emotional depth.
Watch the Trailer for KPop Demon Hunters
The film weaves conventional Korean folklore with playful pokes on the fashionable Ok-pop trade and the expectations set on Ok-pop idols. Whereas the supernatural stakes are excessive, the motion is continuous and the radio-worthy, Ok-pop-inspired music is catchy as hell (did I point out it is a musical?), it’s the characters’ dynamic chemistry, private revelations and compelling relationships that make the movie top-of-the-line animated motion pictures of 2025.
After all, there’s a lot extra extremely anticipated animated movies to return later within the 12 months, from The Dangerous Guys 2 to Zootopia 2, however as of now it is secure to say KPop Demon Hunters have slayed their cartoon competitors. And I, for one, can’t assist however stan these animated idols. Now, the place’s my gentle stick?
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Gallery Credit score: Claire Epting
