Movies Like Kpop Demon Hunters: After Kpop Demon Hunters‘s historic Oscar win a few weeks ago, fans have been desperately searching for something to satiate their need for something adventurous and exciting while keeping the vibes light. The film has become a cultural phenomenon and for good reason – watching a K-pop girl group battling demons using their music while coming to terms with themselves and the fame that they have achieved is a relatable story for many young women.
Moreover, the film was a complete reinvention of the animated film genre; it was fresh, global and Gen-Z coded, perfectly tailored to hit all the right notes. Thus, while we wait for the sequel to drop, we can’t help but search for more stories that capture a similar electric mix of fantasy, music, identity and high-energy animation.
Although there’s nothing exactly like Kpop Demon Hunters, these animated films will definitely get your energy pumping with their mix of great storytelling and high-octane action sequences, with all the coming-of-age drama to boost.
Movies Like Kpop Demon Hunters
Nimona (2023)
One of the best things about Kpop Demon Hunters was its rebellious and chaotic protagonists, and Nimona brings exactly that to the table as well. Set in a medieval-futuristic kingdom, it follows disgraced knight Ballister Boldheart, who teams up with shapeshifter Nimona to clear his name of being the Queen Valerin’s murderer.
The film offers a mix of fantasy action and emotional storytelling, so this is your perfect follow-up. Our protagonist is the best person to follow as she embodies what it means to have uncontainable power and fluid energy. She refuses to fit into predefined roles and sticks to her morals, come what may. She exists outside of societal expectations, which makes her easy to root for.
The film balances humour, action and emotional depth with ease, and the tonal shifts feel natural and exciting. Its stylised, punk-like aesthetic is impressive and brings forth the emotions of its characters beautifully. If you connected to the themes of identity and empowerment in Kpop Demon Hunters, then this film should definitely be on your watchlist.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse & Across the Spider-Verse (2018-2023)
If you fell in love with the visuals of the Netflix film, then the Spider-Verse films are your best bet. They follow teen Miles Morales as he fights against supervillains and teams up with Spider-Men from different dimensions while exploring himself and what it means to have so much responsibility on his shoulders at such a young age.
The high-octane visuals and identity-driven storytelling of the films make them a must-watch as they redefined what mainstream animation can look like. The films’ exploration of teenage problems, coupled with the responsibility of being Spider-Man, creates tension that highlights the conflict between who you are and who society expects you to be – a conflict also explored in Kpop Demon Hunters.
Also, like the Netflix film, the Spider-Verse franchise does a great job of fusing storytelling with coming-of-age drama, sci-fi, and a music-driven narrative style, which is both moving and exciting. The music, especially, is part of the narrative and not just something in the background. Moreover, the franchise is visually similar as well, sharing the same kinetic, stylised animation language that leaves a deep impact.
Belle (2021)
Unlike other films in this list, Belle captures the intersection of music, identity and digital performance of Kpop Demon Hunters to a T. Following a teenager named Suzu, we see her becoming a global singing sensation in a virtual world.
Wrestling two lives, Belle is the spiritual sibling of the Netflix film. Just like it, Suzu uses her virtual identity as her shield and weapon, and expresses things in the virtual world that she isn’t able to in real life. Music is this film’s emotional core, and every performance, coming at important moments in Suzu’s life, carries narrative weight. The music becomes a source of revelations for the audience, who get to know Suzu’s true feelings through it. The animation is breathtaking as well, as it captures every emotion beautifully and gives these musical moments a dreamlike spectacle.
However, Belle, unlike Kpop Demon Hunters, is quieter and explores themes surrounding grief, trauma and acceptance. However, that doesn’t deter it from being equally electrifying and impactful.
New Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021)
This Chinese animated film delivers a compelling blend of ancient folklore and modern rebellion through its protagonist, Li Yunxiang. Inspired by the legendary figure Nezha from Chinese mythology, the film follows Li, an ordinary deliveryman living a quiet life, who realises that he’s the reincarnation of the fire-wielding deity and must settle a 3,000-year-old grudge with the Dragon Clan.
The dystopian, cyber-punk-influenced world of the film makes for an action-packed watch that explores hidden powers tied to one’s identity, a theme we also see in Kpop Demon Hunters. As Li reconciles his everyday self with a larger, mythic destiny, we are drawn to a layered narrative that feels both epic and personal. The film leans into high-speed action, neon-lit cityscapes and explosive combat sequences, much like the Netflix film, minus the musical component.
However, the best part about this film is its cultural grounding. The film’s mythology background makes it unique in this list, fitting in nicely with a more modern interpretation. It gives the film an interesting edge and opens up the story to a larger audience.
White Snake (2019)
Visually striking and emotionally-driven fantasy saga animation, White Snake is a memorable watch, based on a centuries-old Chinese legend that follows a snake spirit who falls in love with a human. Although the film might feel more romantic than action-packed, its female-led storytelling and emotional stakes tied to secrecy and transformation will resonate with fans of Kpop Demon Hunters.
Lying between two worlds, our protagonist finds herself navigating risks of exposure, much like the Netflix film, where maintaining appearances is just as important as winning battles. The aesthetic richness of the show, however, might be this film’s most memorable part. The intricate environments, fluid animation and the dreamlike atmosphere will transport viewers to a different world that is unlike any other. Unlike Kpop Demon Hunters, the film doesn’t lean into pop music, but the visual lyricism has a similar effect, bringing forth a more intricate tale through imagery rather than song.
White Snake features several sequels, and each film is equally memorable as it further explores themes of sacrifice and forbidden love. It adds layers of emotional complexity to the story if you’re a fan of character-driven fantasy.
Which of these films are you excited to watch next? Let us know in the comments below!
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