Looking for a film that satisfies your love for animation and music?Netflixreleased one of its most interesting animation films in June withKPop Demon Hunters, a visual and musical feast that you don’t want to miss out on.
As the movie gains recognition for its stunning visuals, story, and soundtrack, I’ve got several recommendations for more titles that you will enjoy on Netflix. Here’s all you need to know aboutKPop Demon Huntersand what you may watch after!
These movies and shows were curated based on their resemblance toKPop Demon Huntersin terms of art style and animation, or for their “savior with the world at stake” narrative or similar storytelling themes. While they may not all be musically-driven, I still think you’ll enjoy them.
2025
Runtime
1 hour 35 minutes
KPop Demon Hunterstook the world, Netflix, and music charts by storm. Heavily inspired by real-life K-pop groups and discographies, this fictional movie outlines the journey of Huntrix, a South Korean girl group tasked with keeping the world safe from demons and their leader, Gwi-ma, by replenishing and sealing theHonmoon(a barrier that keeps demons at bay) through their vocal prowess.
Threatened by how close to destruction his realm is, Gwi-ma deploys an effective strategy to combat Huntrix—a heart-throb boy group that is (literally) stealing their fans' souls. Meanwhile, the face of Huntrix, Rumi, nurses a dark secret that could alter the girls' friendships forever. The epic battle between the groups on and off-stage, with the world at stake, is whatKPop Demon Huntersis about.
As an avid K-pop listener for many years, I was skeptical, like many other stans, of the movie’s somewhat cheesy premise. But the film’s incredible animation, deceptively engaging storytelling that is suited for all ages, and character design captured my attention within the first performance. However, the best part aboutKPop Demon Huntersis its original soundtrack, with catchy songs like “Golden,” “Your Idol,” and “Soda Pop” reaching the top spots on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Spotify’s Top Songs Global charts. This is an entertaining watch if you’re a fan of music films, animation, or Korean pop culture.
2024
1
8
Status
Ended
you may’t explore films similar toKPop Demon Hunterswithout touching on a K-Pop documentary or two, and Netflix has a lot to offer on this front.Pop Star Academy: Katseye, however, is not a typical K-pop documentary. This reality docuseries takes us through the behind-the-scenes, training, and formation of girl group Katseye, who, despite being developed under a South Korean entertainment label’s partnership, following the same training and methodologies as a K-Pop group, remains a global, English-language group.
Pop Star Academyoutlines the process of selection of Katseye’s six members through Dream Academy, a survival show with 20 candidates. The contestants are put through various missions, including group and individual performances, and then narrowed down through a process of elimination based on votes. Currently, Katseye has been gaining traction with new songs, entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
1 hour 36 minutes
Lost in Starlightis a South Korean sci-fi romance that brings a unique spin to the “star-crossed lovers” trope. The film, with voice acting from actors Kim Tae-ri (Twenty-Five Twenty-One) and Hong Kyung (Weak Hero), depicts the epic romance between astronaut Nan-young and musician Jay as they navigate a long-distance relationship over a million miles. Set in 2050,Lost in Starlightsees Nan-young further her research and leave for Mars as Jay launches his career.
This is Netflix’s first original Korean animation and features stunning visuals, retro-cyberpunk esthetics, and a heart-fluttering story.Lost in Starlightis the perfect watch for animation and K-drama lovers alike.
2023
1 hour 41 minutes
Nimonais a sci-fi action thriller based on ND Stevenson’s graphic novel. Set in a medieval futuristic kingdom,Nimonafollows Ballister Boldheart, a commoner-turned-knight, who is on the run from the army and his boyfriend, a fellow knight, after he is framed for murder. He meets Nimona, a shape-shifting outcast who insists on being his sidekick.
The two attempt to clear Ballister’s name and find the real culprit, while Nimona’s identity crisis creates obstacles with dire consequences.Nimonafeatures voice acting from Chloë Grace Moretz (The Amityville Horror), Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), and Eugene Lee Yang (The Try Guys).
Nimonahas been praised for its depiction of queer love, unique animation, and screenplay. The creators of the film have expressed interest in future spin-offs or sequels.
2021
2 hours 13 minutes
Green Snakeis a Chinese folklore-inspired, adult animation fantasy film about two snake-demon sisters. While it is technically a sequel to the Chinese filmWhite Snake,Green Snakecan be watched as a standalone, spin-off movie given its prologue and introduction to characters.
Green Snakefollows Verta, the green snake demon, as she tries to rescue her older sister Blanca, the white snake, from a demon-slaying monk. But after getting sucked into a portal, Verta finds herself in a dystopian city having lost her powers. She meets allies and enemies, a man who cannot remember his past, and tries to find Blanca.
This computer animation film features show-stopping visuals, fluid action sequences, and a layered story.
1 hour 38 minutes
A musical animation film to check out if you likeKPop Demon HuntersisInu-Oh. This Japanese musical, based on the novelTales of the Heike: Inu-Oh, is set in the 14th century. A friendship blooms between the outcasts, Inu-Oh, a dancer with unique physical characteristics, and Tomona, a blind biwa (a lute-like instrument) player, who are shunned by society due to their physical differences. Together, they bring audiences together with their love for performing and achieve stardom.
Inu-Ohis a feast for the eyes and ears, with a focus on how art and performance can magnify the power of truth. The film received high praise from critics for its focus on marginalized communities and originality, winning animation awards at film festivals like Japan’s Manichi Film Awards.
1 hour 54 minutes
Sony Pictures Animation, which is the studio behindKPop Demon Hunters, has a reputable body of work. One of its best films isThe Mitchells vs The Machines, a sci-fi, family comedy following the dysfunctional Mitchells. As an impending robot apocalypse brews, the Mitchell parents, Rick and Linda, set out to drop their daughter Katie at her film school after Katie and Rick fight. They’re in for a surprise as the road trip turns into a nightmare, with the world’s electronics gaining consciousness and rising up to rebel against humans.
The Mitchells vs The Machinesis one of Netflix’s most-viewed animated works to date, being watched by over 53 million households within 28 days of its release. The movie is emotional yet humorous, with a quirky and fun animation style that keeps you glued for its runtime.
2022
1 hour 40 minutes
Produced by Japan’s Wit Studio (Attack on Titan,Spy x Family),Bubbleis a master class in brilliant animation and storytelling. This post-apocalyptic sci-fi action film is set in a future where Tokyo is covered in gravity-defying bubbles. Despite Tokyo being cut off from the rest of the world, the city’s skyline becomes somewhat of a free canvas for young people, including parkour groups.
Hibiki, a talented member of one such group, lives with hearing sensitivity and stays away from interactions. In a siren-like trope, Hibiki follows a sweet singing voice only to fall into the ocean, but is rescued by a mysterious girl, seemingly made of bubbles. Their journey together amid a bubble apocalypse is the focus of the film.
A manga adaptation ofBubblewas released on the manga platform Shonen Jump+ in 2022. The film won the Best Animated Programme or Series (2D or 3D) award at the 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards.
Nowadays, finding new related titles for something you watched is not an arduous task. you may follow trusted film critics, use platforms likeLetterboxd, or spend some time scrolling through your favorite film subreddit. You can also find animation and musical titles on Netflix using the streaming platform’sSecret Codes listto narrow your search.
