KPop Demon Hunters gets a Criterion Collection edition, saving it from Netflix jail
Polygon
by Isaac RouseFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
KPop Demon Hunters, an animated Netflix film directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, has made history by being added to the Criterion Collection—a prestigious honor that underscores its cultural significance. This milestone comes after the film’s viral success, including winning major awards like the Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award for Best Animated Motion Picture, as well as a historic Grammy win for its breakout song “Golden.” The inclusion in the Criterion Collection ensures the film will be preserved in a physical format, which is significant given Netflix’s tendency to focus on digital releases.
This achievement is particularly notable because Criterion has historically included a mix of classic and contemporary films, ranging from art house cinema like Guillermo del Toro’s *Frankenstein* to more mainstream fare like *The Blob* and Michael Bay’s *Armageddon*. The addition of KPop Demon Hunters highlights its global impact, as it joins other Netflix titles such as *Roma*, *The Irishman*, and *The Power of the Dog* in the collection. This recognition not only validates the film’s artistic merits but also positions it alongside iconic works of cinema.
For fans of gaming and entertainment, KPop Demon Hunters’ influence extends beyond the screen into pop culture, with its music topping charts and its characters appearing in games like *Fortnite
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/23/2026