10 Must-Watch Movies & K-Dramas That Capture The KPop Demon Hunters Vibe

As of today, December 11, 2025, the buzz around Sony Pictures Animation's *KPop Demon Hunters*—an animated musical urban fantasy film about K-pop superstars who secretly hunt demons—has created a massive demand for similar content. This unique blend of high-energy K-pop, supernatural action, and vibrant animation is a rare cinematic mix, but the core elements of idol-centric fantasy and elite demon-hunting squads are alive and well in the world of Korean cinema and television. If you loved the concept of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey battling evil while maintaining their superstar status, you're in luck. The true spiritual successors to the *KPop Demon Hunters* concept are found across three distinct genres: the gritty, live-action demon-hunting K-dramas, the idol-starring urban fantasies, and the high-octane animated action films. We've compiled the ultimate list of movies and K-dramas that deliver on the promise of stylish action, supernatural thrills, and charismatic heroes.

The Live-Action Demon Hunter Squads: Gritty Supernatural Action

The most direct parallel to the "demon hunters" aspect of the film is found in K-dramas that feature a specialized, secret team dedicated to fighting supernatural entities. These series offer the high-stakes action and camaraderie that define the genre, often with a darker, more grounded urban fantasy feel.

1. The Uncanny Counter (2020–2023)

* Genre: Supernatural, Action, Comedy, Mystery * Seasons: 2 * Starring: Jo Byung-gyu, Yoo Jun-sang, Kim Se-jeong (formerly of I.O.I and Gugudan), Yeom Hye-ran * Synopsis: This is arguably the closest live-action counterpart to *KPop Demon Hunters*. The story follows a group of "Counters," who work undercover as employees at a noodle restaurant while secretly hunting down malevolent spirits that have escaped the afterlife and possess humans. The team has unique super-powers, a clear mission, and a tight-knit, family-like dynamic. The inclusion of K-pop idol-turned-actress Kim Se-jeong directly connects to the "idol" theme. * Topical Entity: The "Counters" are essentially the live-action Korean version of demon hunters, using special abilities to fight evil.

2. Island (2022–2023)

* Genre: Fantasy, Action, Horror, Exorcism * Seasons: 2 * Starring: Kim Nam-gil, Lee Da-hee, Cha Eun-woo (ASTRO), Sung Joon * Synopsis: Set on the beautiful but demon-plagued Jeju Island, this series follows three characters destined to fight against the evil forces of *Jeongyeom* (lust demons). The cast includes Cha Eun-woo, a major K-pop idol, playing a young, stylish exorcist named Johan. The series is high-budget and visually stunning, providing epic-scale battles that fans of fantasy action will appreciate. * Topical Entity: Cha Eun-woo’s role as the Vatican-trained exorcist is a perfect blend of the "K-pop" and "Demon Hunter" themes.

3. Gyeongseong Creature (2023–2024)

* Genre: Historical, Thriller, Horror, Action * Seasons: 2 (Season 2 is highly anticipated) * Starring: Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee * Synopsis: While not a "demon hunter" story, this series delivers on the supernatural horror and intense action front. Set in 1945 Gyeongseong (old Seoul), it features characters fighting a mysterious, terrifying creature born from human greed and experimentation. The blend of period drama, monster horror, and thrilling action makes it a fresh and compelling watch for fans of dark fantasy. * Topical Entity: The *Najin* creature and the secret research facility provide the dark, monstrous element that a demon-hunting story requires.

Idol-Centric Urban Fantasy: Where K-Pop Meets the Occult

If the "K-pop superstar" element is what drew you in, these K-dramas put idols front and center in modern, stylish supernatural settings. They capture the charisma and high production value associated with the K-pop industry.

4. My Demon (2023)

* Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural * Starring: Song Kang, Kim Yoo-jung * Synopsis: Though lighter in tone, *My Demon* features a powerful demon, Jeong Gu-won, who loses his powers and becomes entangled with a cold-hearted heiress. The series is visually opulent, stylish, and features a charismatic lead who is essentially a supernatural entity living in the modern world. It perfectly embodies the "urban fantasy" aesthetic with a high-fashion edge. * Topical Entity: Demon Gu-won, the contract-making demon, represents the stylish, powerful supernatural entity at the heart of the story.

5. A Good Day to Be a Dog (2023)

* Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy * Starring: Cha Eun-woo (ASTRO), Park Gyu-young * Synopsis: Another recent fantasy series featuring a top idol, Cha Eun-woo, as a male lead. The story centers on a woman cursed to turn into a dog after kissing someone, and the only way to break the curse is to kiss that person again in her canine form. Cha Eun-woo plays the only person who can break the curse, though he has a deep fear of dogs. It’s a lighter take on the supernatural but satisfies the need for idol-led fantasy. * Topical Entity: Cha Eun-woo's star power and the modern fantasy premise make it highly relevant to the "KPop" and "Fantasy" keywords.

Animated & Musical Parallels: The Action-Comedy Anime Vibe

Since *KPop Demon Hunters* is an animated musical, it shares DNA with high-energy animated features that blend music, action, and fantasy. These titles are perfect if you're looking for the same visual style and fast-paced, vibrant storytelling.

6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–Present)

* Genre: Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Martial Arts * Synopsis: The most obvious animated parallel to the "demon hunter" theme. *Demon Slayer* follows Tanjiro Kamado, who joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and cure his sister, who was turned into a demon. The animation is breathtaking, the action sequences are legendary, and the central theme of a secret society fighting demons is a direct match. * Topical Entity: The Demon Slayer Corps, the Hashira, and the Twelve Kizuki are key entities in this global phenomenon.

7. Belle (2021)

* Genre: Anime, Musical, Sci-Fi Fantasy * Synopsis: Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, *Belle* is a visually stunning animated musical that perfectly captures the "superstar with a secret identity" theme. A shy high school student enters a massive virtual world as an avatar named Belle, who becomes a global singing sensation. The film explores themes of identity, music, and a virtual fantasy world, hitting the "Musical" and "Idol" notes of *KPop Demon Hunters*. * Topical Entity: The virtual world of "U" and the global superstar "Belle" are central figures in this modern musical fantasy.

8. Nimona (2023)

* Genre: Animated, Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy * Synopsis: A vibrant, action-packed animated film about a knight in a futuristic, medieval world who is framed for a crime and teams up with a shapeshifting teenager named Nimona. The film's unique blend of humor, action, and a vibrant, rebellious aesthetic mirrors the high-energy, anti-establishment feel of a K-pop group with a secret life. * Topical Entity: The shapeshifting power of Nimona and the stylized, futuristic setting provide a fresh take on action-fantasy.

Further Explorations in Action & Fantasy

To round out your marathon, consider these additional series that excel in either the supernatural action or the deep fantasy world-building, ensuring you have a wealth of content to enjoy while you wait for the *KPop Demon Hunters* sequel.

9. Alchemy of Souls (2022–2023)

* Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance, Action * Synopsis: Set in the fictional country of Daeho, this epic fantasy drama revolves around the forbidden magic of "soul shifting," which allows souls to change bodies. It features intense martial arts, political intrigue, and deep lore, making it a perfect binge for those who love high-stakes fantasy battles and intricate world-building. * Topical Entity: The *Jinyowon* family and the *Jang* family, along with the concept of the *Naksu* soul-shifter, are key entities.

10. Sweet Home (2020–Present)

* Genre: Horror, Action, Thriller, Apocalyptic * Seasons: 3 (Season 3 is a highly anticipated 2024 release) * Starring: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young * Synopsis: A dark, action-packed series where humans turn into horrifying monsters that reflect their deepest desires. While not about demons, it is a high-octane monster-hunting story set in a contemporary urban environment, delivering the intense action and high-stakes survival elements that fans of the demon-hunter genre crave. * Topical Entity: The *Green Home* residents and the various *Monsters* they face are central to the apocalyptic action.

Whether you are drawn to the stylish, idol-led urban fantasy of *My Demon*, the elite squad action of *The Uncanny Counter*, or the breathtaking animation of *Demon Slayer*, there is a perfect title to fill the void left by the *KPop Demon Hunters* concept. These recommendations offer a blend of action, supernatural themes, and charismatic heroes, proving that the fusion of K-pop energy and fantasy adventure is a winning formula.