When KPop Demon Hunters landed on Netflix last June, it was expected to do well. Combining the global juggernaut of K-pop with the vibrant, high-energy world of animated fantasy seemed like a safe bet. What few predicted, however, was just how completely the film would dominate global pop culture over the following year.
Now, the film is securing its legacy in the physical media market. In an unexpected move for a contemporary streaming release, KPop Demon Hunters is officially getting the Criterion treatment. The prestige home entertainment label will release special Blu-ray and 4K UHD editions on 31 December, with pre-orders already causing a stir online.
For film fans, a Criterion release is the ultimate badge of honour. While the label is traditionally associated with mid-century European cinema and indie darlings, its inclusion of this modern animated feature proves just how culturally significant the film has become. The Blu-ray is listed at $55.75au, while the 4K UHD edition sits at $69.70au. While specific bonus features are still under wraps, fans are already speculating about the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the animation process and music production that will likely fill the disc.
A Record-Breaking Cultural Juggernaut
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and produced alongside Sony Pictures Animation, the film charts the chaotic double lives of K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey (voiced by Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo). When they are not selling out stadiums and perfecting choreography, they are busy fighting literal demons.
It is a bizarre premise on paper, but it translated into absolute gold. The film secured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and quickly became the most-streamed movie of 2025.
However, the phenomenon did not stop on the screen. The film’s soundtrack completely colonised the music charts, debuting at Number 1 on the Billboard 200. The lead single, Golden, held the top spot on the Hot 100, making history as the first soundtrack to land four separate tracks in the top ten simultaneously. If you went anywhere near the internet or a radio last year, you simply could not escape it.
An Unprecedented Toy Story
The film’s success has also forced major corporate rivals to play nice. Traditional competitors Mattel and Hasbro signed an unprecedented dual-licence agreement to become global “co-master” toy partners. This rare partnership has seen themed versions of Uno, Monopoly, and highly detailed fashion dolls roll out across retail stores this season, proving that everyone wants a piece of the demon-hunting pie.
With a sequel already in active development at Netflix and Sony, the KPop Demon Hunters universe is only expanding. Securing a spot in the Criterion Collection is just the latest milestone for a film that refused to play by the traditional rules of Hollywood. Whether you are a physical media collector or just someone who still has Golden stuck in your head, this release ensures the film’s place in the history books.
