Best animated movies and series like ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ to binge watch

EntertainmentMovie
30 Jul 2025 • 2:00 PM MYT
LifestyleAsia MY
LifestyleAsia MY

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If you’re craving more animated adventures after KPop Demon Hunters, check out these animated movies and shows like the hit animation that promise to scratch that itch and hit all the right notes.

If you’ve found yourself humming Golden on repeat, rewatching the same scene where Rumi unleashes a soul-saving high note, or daydreaming about magical girl groups battling demons through K-pop choreography, then chances are you’re still under the spell of KPop Demon Hunters. And who could blame you?

Since its release on 20 June, this Netflix animated musical fantasy has taken the world by storm. What started with a modest debut soon exploded into a full-blown global phenomenon. With viewership surging from 9.2 million to a staggering 25.8 million in a single week, and a cumulative total of over 106 million views already under its belt, KPop Demon Hunters is dancing its way into Netflix history—and possibly even a place among its top ten most-watched English-language films of all time.

But what happens when you’ve watched it for the fifth (or fifteenth) time and the post-Huntrix and Saja Boys blues set in? The mix of colourful animation, catchy K-pop hits, heartfelt character arcs, and mythological fantasy is hard to come by. It’s not every day a film blends supernatural showdowns with idol stardom, after all.

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and featuring a star-studded cast led by Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Byung-hun, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo, the film strikes a unique balance between comedy, action, music, and emotion. And yes, the drama between Huntrix and the sinister Saja Boys is probably what makes it so addictive too — not to mention the absolute bangers the movie has produced.

If you’re looking for more animated gems to fill the void KPop Demon Hunters has left behind, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered a list of series and movies that share similar vibes—whether it’s magical transformations, musical storytelling, intense rivalries, or a central theme of self-discovery set against an otherworldly backdrop.

(Hero and feature images credit: Netflix Malaysia

8 animated movies and shows like ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ to watch next

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Directed by: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman

Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Mahershala Ali, Zoë Kravitz, John Mulaney

This boundary-pushing animation has rightfully earned cult status. With its stunning visuals, razor-sharp humour, and a fresh take on superhero storytelling, Into the Spider-Verse shares a kindred spirit with KPop Demon Hunters in its depiction of a young protagonist caught between two worlds. Miles Morales’ journey from uncertain teen to full-fledged Spider-Man—while juggling expectations, hidden strengths, and multiverse chaos—will feel familiar to anyone who rooted for Rumi and the rest of Huntrix.

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Directed by: Mamoru Hosoda

Cast: Kaho Nakamura, Takeru Satoh, Ryo Narita, Shôta Sometani, Tina Tamashiro, Mamoru Miyano

Blending virtual realms with emotional reality, Belle captures the same duality that KPop Demon Hunters thrives on. As Suzu transforms into the online persona “Belle” and reclaims her voice, the film becomes a beautifully animated reflection on fame, healing, and the courage to be seen for who you truly are. With a spellbinding art style and a soaring soundtrack, this film is ideal for fans craving another layered story told through its visuals and music.

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Directed by: Amp Wong

Cast: Tang Xiaoxi, Zhang Fuzheng, Xiaopu Zheng, Wei Chao

Inspired by ancient Chinese mythology but reimagined with cyberpunk flair, Green Snake is a hypnotic action-fantasy that dives into sisterhood, transformation, and survival. If you appreciated the high-stakes emotion and mystical themes in KPop Demon Hunters, this film’s rich lore, otherworldly animation, and pacing will grip you from start to finish. It’s also perfect for viewers who enjoy emotionally complex heroines fighting to protect those they love.

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4 /8

Inu-Oh (2021)

Directed by: Fûga Yamashiro, Masaaki Yuasa

Cast: Avu-chan, Mirai Moriyama, Kenjiro Tsuda, Tasuku Emoto, Yutaka Matsushige

Few animated films celebrate music as fiercely or innovatively as Inu-Oh. Set in feudal Japan, it tells the tale of two artistic outcasts who challenge societal norms through performance. The musical sequences are defiant and utterly unique—much like Huntrix’s soul-saving performances. With themes of identity, rebellion, and the transformative power of art, this is a moving must-watch for both music-lovers and dreamers.

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Directed by: Domee Shi

Cast: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, James Hong, Finneas O’Connell

Bursting with charm and honesty, Turning Red is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale centred around Mei, a 13-year-old navigating puberty, parental expectations, and a surprising panda problem. With its themes of self-discovery, cultural roots, and obsession with boy bands, this Pixar hit shares a lot of DNA with KPop Demon Hunters. It’s the perfect choice if you’re in the mood for something light-hearted yet deeply resonant.

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Directed by: Nick Bruno, Troy Quane

Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Beck Bennett, RuPaul, Indya Moore

Nimona offers a thrilling, anarchic twist on traditional fantasy tales. With a punky shape-shifter and a wrongly accused knight, the story tears down conventions while exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and self-acceptance. Like Rumi and her complicated lineage in KPop Demon Hunters, Nimona challenges the boundaries of who she’s expected to be. It’s quirky, heartfelt, and full of subversive magic.

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Directed by: Echo Wu

Cast: Ali Wong, Bowen Yang, Lori Tan Chinn, Lucy Liu, Jimmy O. Yang, A.J. Beckles

If your favourite part of KPop Demon Hunters was watching young women tap into supernatural powers to battle inner and outer demons, then Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld is a no-brainer. This witty, action-packed series follows Chinese-American teen Jentry as she uncovers her latent powers just in time to face off against the literal underworld. With sharp humour, stylised visuals, and a heartfelt exploration of identity and heritage, this series feels like a spiritual cousin to Huntrix’s fight.

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Directed by: Han Ji-won

Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Hong Kyung, An Young-mi

This South Korean animated love story paints a tender, futuristic portrait of long-distance relationships—with literal space between them. As astronaut Nan-young and rising pop star Jay try to maintain their bond from Mars to Earth, the film explores themes of ambition, connection, and the sacrifices that come with following your destiny. Fans of KPop Demon Hunters will appreciate the emotional depth and stunning visuals rooted in Korean storytelling.


Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.