Time Names Demon-Hunting K-Pop Anime a 2025 Breakthrough Hit
Netflix released the animated musical in June and it quickly topped global charts, filled theaters, and sparked a worldwide cultural wave across music, gaming, and entertainment.
Time magazine crowned the animated musical group Huntr/X as the breakthrough of 2025. Debuting on Netflix in June, the film rapidly drew audiences around the world and became a defining cultural moment of the year.
The story centers on the trio Rumy, Mira, and Zoe, who fight demon beings that feed on human souls. Their power is amplified by music, which strengthens protective barriers and drives back darkness. The central arc follows Rumy as she admits her own demonic heritage and starts to embrace her true identity.
Visual style stands out for blending dynamic music‑video aesthetics with elements from Korean dramas and Japanese anime. This fusion creates a vivid, fast‑paced look that set the film apart from typical Western animated releases and helped fuel its rapid fan growth.
Global reception has been remarkable. The soundtrack topped the Billboard 200 chart, gaining billions of streams worldwide, while the film amassed over 325 million views in just the first three months. It reached the top 10 in 93 countries, underscoring its broad appeal across generations and cultures.
The release strategy maximized exposure: after a June Netflix launch, the feature hit theaters in August with more than 1,300 showings, drawing box office receipts around $18 million. The strong response contributed to three Grammy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, and the characters even appeared as skins in the popular game Fortnite.
Looking ahead, the studio has announced a planned sequel for 2029. Time notes that the success of this title could reshape how animated originals are produced and marketed, encouraging bold, music‑driven storytelling and innovative visual artistry.
Expert comment
Expert analyst Jordan Lee from Global Media Insights says the project proves that a music‑forward, visually daring approach can translate into worldwide demand across streaming, cinema, and interactive platforms. This could influence future investment in original animated projects with strong cultural hooks.
Short summary
Time named the film a landmark breakthrough of 2025 after its Netflix debut and theatrical release. The music, unique visuals, and cross‑media presence helped it dominate charts, attract a massive fan base, and generate major award buzz. A sequel is planned for 2029, signaling a potential new era for original animated entertainment.
Key takeaway: When animated storytelling blends bold visuals with a contagious musical drive, it can captivate global audiences across screens, stages, and games.