Netflix’s animated musical “KPop Demon Hunters” led the U.S. and Canadian box office over the weekend with industry estimates ranging from $16 million to $20 million, a figure rival studios and ticket-sales data place around $18 million. The two-day total makes the picture the first Netflix release to claim the No. 1 theatrical spot in the company’s 18-year history. The streamer booked a sing-along version of the film in roughly 1,700 theaters—none operated by AMC—and marketed the event chiefly to existing fans who had already seen the movie online. Despite the limited footprint and Netflix’s decision not to report grosses, the haul eclipsed horror title “Weapons,” which finished second at about $15 million. The box-office win underscores the growing crossover potential of Netflix properties while leaving its broader theatrical strategy unchanged. “KPop Demon Hunters,” developed by Sony Pictures before being sold to Netflix, premiered on the platform on 20 June and has logged 210.5 million views, within 20 million of surpassing 2021’s “Red Notice” as the service’s most-watched film. Music from the movie is amplifying the phenomenon: the soundtrack this week became the first ever to land four songs simultaneously in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10, led by Huntr/X’s “Golden” at No. 1. Analysts say the chart performance, coupled with the surprise box-office showing, could spur Netflix to stage similar event releases for future breakout titles.