By Madison Smith, Managing editor of content

In recent years, both animated and live-action films have struggled to perform, often falling short of expectations. With major studios like Disney, Pixar, and Illumination searching for ways to keep audiences engaged, the stage has opened for a new leader in animation. 

This summer has been marked by one box-office disappointment after another. Even Marvel’s most loyal fans have tempered their expectations, while DC’s latest reimagining has sparked backlash on multiple fronts. 

Sony Animation Studios, however, tells a very different story. Ever since the release of “Into the Spider-Verse” (2018), the studio has carved its place as animation’s potential new powerhouse. Sony’s most recent release, the musical sensation “KPop Demon Hunters”, is the next juggernaut in animation success. The film has dominated social media since its debut, marking a major win for both Netflix and Sony. 

I’ll admit, I approached this movie with some skepticism. I’ve never been a fan of K-pop, and animated films have started to lose their spark for me in recent years. Still, I managed to make it through nearly the entire summer without being pulled into the film’s catchy, colorful grip. until now. 

The most gripping part of this film is, without a doubt, the soundtrack, which completely pulled me in. After hearing the hit song “Golden” on social media, I had to do some investigating, and what I discovered was shocking and jaw-dropping in ways I never expected. One evening, while simply trying to unwind for the summer, I turned on the film and was hooked. 

For years, I’ve been craving a film that could recapture the pure excitement and joy I used to feel walking into a theater. Time after time, the movies I eagerly anticipated left me disappointed. Yet, the film I had no expectations for, and barely cared about beforehand and barely cared about beforehand completely completely stole the show. 

“KPop Demon Hunters”, released directly to Netflix on June 20th, has quickly taken the internet by storm. The story follows three K-pop idols who secretly live double lives as demon slayers, protecting the world from the mysterious overlord Gwi-Ma. Using the power of music to unite not only Korea but ultimately the entire world, the trio works to seal humanity off from demonic influence. Their mission, however, is threatened by an evil rival demon boy band—yes, that’s the main villain— which forces the girls to confront their insecurities and learn to truly accept one another in order to save the earth 

I’ll be honest, at first glance, I thought the entire concept was ridiculous and destined to be another throwaway film that left too many stones unturned. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. From the very first scene, the animation and storytelling are captivating. Sony Animation has crafted a striking visual style that makes the experience feel less like a “kids’ cartoon” and more like a serious film infused with genuine artistry and craftsmanship. 

The soundtrack alone could carry this movie. With contributions from real K-pop producers, Sony and Netflix clearly spared no expense in ensuring its success. The music blends the infectious energy of K-pop with soaring, ethereal vocal performances from the voice actors and singers, creating a soundscape that elevates the entire story. 

The pacing of the story is equally impressive and engaging without ever talking down to its audience. It’s a balance that Disney Animation, at this point, would do well to take notes on. 

That being said, the greatest strength of this film is its originality. In a media landscape oversaturated with live-action remakes, recycled stories, and superhero plotlines so convoluted they require homework before viewing, “KPop Demon Hunters” feels like a true breath of fresh air, inventive, and refreshingly new in a world weighed down by repetition. 

I fell so far down the rabbit hole that I even attended the film’s one-weekend theater event, strictly for research purposes and journalistic integrity, of course. To my surprise, I felt that same rush of excitement I used to get from going to the movies. Admittedly, it was a sing-along screening, which meant a few off-key voices in the crowd made the experience less than perfect. But even that couldn’t diminish the fact that this film is an absolute powerhouse. 

While I could go on singing this film’s praises, Sony hardly needs my endorsement. The movie has already shattered streaming records, with “Golden” holding top spots on Spotify for nearly the entire summer and every other song being featured on TikTok with millions of views and likes. 

Every bit of praise this film has received is well deserved, and it’s absolutely worth a watch. Fair warning, you might find yourself humming along, rewatching scenes, and falling deeper into its vibrant world than you ever expected.