Animation is one of the largest entertainment markets in the world, with a global size of more than $390 billion. While Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks are the more established studios, Sony has proven its value in recent years. Sony’s newest collaboration with Netflix has taken the world by storm, which is why we wrote this review of KPop Demon Hunters.

In our review, we’ll explore the key features that have caused KPop Demon Hunters to skyrocket to popularity. To learn exactly how the storyline, animation, and music made this movie pop, dive in!

The Animation

The KPop Demon Hunters animation combines 2D animation with 3D flairs into one colorful spectacle. While the creators of this animated feature were inspired by Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse, there aren’t many similarities. The creators opted to pull back on the 2D animation focus and instead develop a CG version of anime style.

The movements in this movie are rhythmically choreographed, even when the three leads aren’t on stage. In fact, this rhythmic animation makes the fight scenes so entertaining and immersive. As a whole, the animation is lively and colorful, without distracting from the music and the story.

The Music

During our review of KPop Demon Hunters, we found that Marcelo Zarvos is the creative power behind the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, including its original score. From the battle-inspiring “How It’s Done” to the emotional “Free”, the original songs are inspiring and electrifying. To help build an animated fictional KPop world, the creators turned to KPop industry heavy-hitters.

Producers like TEDDY, Lindgren, and Stephen Kirk worked on the original songs, along with Ian Eisendrath, who has Broadway experience. Of course, the vocals that make the songs come to life are just as worthy of attention, especially the HUNTR/X trio. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, bring the perfect balance of vulnerability and badassery to their vocal performances.

When you consider the quality, it’s no surprise that this is the first movie to have four songs in the top 10 of the Hot 100 on Billboard in 30+ years.

The Storyline

We cannot complete our review of KPop Demon Hunters without mentioning the storyline. The concept of this movie— three young KPop stars battling demons to protect their world, is already fantastic by itself. But, the execution of that concept is what makes this movie such a hit among all audiences.

Rumi, the lead singer of the HUNTR/X group is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is half-hunter, half-demon and keeping it a secret from everyone but Celine. She is trying to turn the Honmoon golden because she thinks it’s the only way to get rid of her patterns and the demonic half.

Zoey and Mira both have their individual battles, in addition to their hunter duties. Mira is the eternal “bad kid” that has impenetrable barriers and Zoey is a perpetual people pleaser that feels misunderstood. Jinu is the demon with a heart of gold that alternates between helping Rumi and betraying her. Ultimately, she saves his soul and he sacrifices himself to destroy Gwi-Ma.

This story has it all— friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, and of course, triumph over evil. The girls breaking up when Rumi’s secret comes to light is devastating. But, it also makes their eventual reconciliation through “What It Sounds Like” much more emotional and cathartic.

Summary

KPop Demon Hunters is proof that audiences, regardless of age, are always looking for original stories. This animated feature has something for everyone— top-notch animation, KPop hits, and a story that makes you laugh and sob. Halloween was full of people, young and old, sporting their Huntr/x and Saja Boys-inspired costumes. Our review of KPop Demon Hunters is coming on the heels of the confirmation of a sequel, and we cannot wait!