Not Just for Kids: “KPop Demon Hunters” and the Rise of Adult Animation

“KPop Demon Hunters” has delivered a definitive message to the entertainment world: animation is not just for kids. The film’s success as Netflix’s most-watched movie highlights the massive and growing audience for sophisticated adult animation.
With its themes of balancing public life with secret responsibilities, thrilling action sequences, and a compelling storyline, the film has appealed to a broad adult demographic. This is what propelled it to 236 million views, surpassing live-action blockbusters aimed at a similar audience.
The film joins a prestigious list of animated projects that have been praised for their artistic and narrative complexity. Its critical acclaim and commercial success challenge outdated industry biases and prove that there is a huge market for animated stories made for mature viewers.
As Netflix moves forward with a sequel, the triumph of “KPop Demon Hunters” will be remembered as a key moment in the rise of adult animation as a mainstream powerhouse.