Netflix has made headlines with the debut of its latest film, KPop Demon Hunters, which has achieved remarkable viewership just weeks into January 2025. This film has not only become Netflix’s most-watched film of all time but has also set a new benchmark in streaming statistics. During its first week, it received a staggering 46.8 million views, nearly double that of Netflix’s previous record-holder, which garnered 24.2 million views.
Despite its success, KPop Demon Hunters was not the most-streamed title when it premiered. That distinction went to Back in Action, a spy-action film featuring stars like Cameron Diaz, Glenn Close, and Jamie Foxx. This film, released in the same week, generated significant attention but did not fare well with critics.
Mixed Reception for Back in Action
“It’s still almost painful to watch Back in Action abruptly spoil everything that is unique, charming, and witty in its first half for the sake of second-rate spectacle and overfamiliar trope-trading,”
criticized Ayeen Forootan from In Review Online. The film’s reception on Rotten Tomatoes reflects this sentiment, with a low score of 31%. Critics have called it a lackluster offering, describing it as boring and uninspired.
Natasha Alvar from The Fiction Department gave it a disappointing 1.5 out of 5 stars, expressing disappointment despite the star-studded cast. “I had just watched Knight and Day again for the millionth time, so I was hopeful that maybe a movie with both Diaz and Jamie Foxx might be decent,” she remarked.
While the film attracted some viewers, it seems they were not overly impressed. One viewer stated, “I created a Rotten Tomatoes account just to tell you how awful this movie is. I didn’t know that good actors could act so poorly.” Another viewer acknowledged it had its moments, saying, “Definitely more entertaining than I was expecting. The action sequences were cool and Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz are cool together. The plot was basic, but expected for a Netflix action-comedy.”
KPop Demon Hunters Captivates Audiences
In contrast to the criticisms faced by Back in Action, KPop Demon Hunters has emerged as a cultural phenomenon. Its unexpected success challenges the traditional metrics of streaming films and raises questions about audience preferences in the digital era. The film’s unique blend of genres has resonated with viewers, leading to a surge in discussions across social media platforms.
The juxtaposition of these two films highlights the challenges and unpredictability of content performance on streaming platforms. Despite the criticism of Back in Action, its debut week solidified its place in Netflix’s history. Still, it remains overshadowed by the record-breaking success of KPop Demon Hunters.
With a strong start to 2025, Netflix continues to redefine the landscape of streaming entertainment. The reactions to these films serve as a reminder of the diverse tastes of audiences and the evolving dynamics of the film industry. As viewers continue to share their opinions, the conversation around both films is likely to persist in the coming weeks.
