K-Pop Demon Hunters: A Therapist’s Take

K-Pop Demon Hunters: A Therapist’s Take on Netflix’s Biggest Movie of 2025

Zoey, Rumi and Mira (left to Right) Huntrix

Spoiler note: This post doesn’t give away specific plot points, but it does touch on some of the themes and emotional arcs you’ll see in the film.

Lately it feels like I have been hearing the same question from all sorts of people, “Have you watched K-Pop Demon Hunters?” Friends, colleagues, and even clients all curious about my take. I thought it was a kids’ show, and while I do love a good animated movie, it was not at the top of my list.

But recently, I finally sat down, pressed play on Netflix’s most-watched movie of 2025, and within minutes I was hooked. The colors, the animation, the music, the energy of the story all pulled me in right away.

I laughed, and I ugly cried!

And while it is, on the surface, a fun movie with catchy songs and plenty of action, K-Pop Demon Hunters offers something deeper. From a therapist’s perspective, it is a meaningful story about identity, internalized shame, community, and trust issues.

This is why I think it is more than just entertainment. It is a film worth watching, especially if you are curious about how stories can reflect our own emotional journeys.

---

Rumi Preforming Golden

Identity: Finding Yourself in the Chaos

One of the strongest themes running through the film is identity. The characters are not just fighting demons; they are also fighting internal battles about who they are, who they want to be, and how they fit into the world.

In psychology, identity development is a major process. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we navigate relationships, and how we cope with challenges. Research in social psychology has shown that identity is not fixed. It changes with our experiences, relationships, and cultural influences.

When a story portrays characters wrestling with identity, it gives us a mirror to reflect on our own growth.

For viewers, especially teenagers or those in times of transition, watching characters figure out who they are can feel validating. It reminds us that it is normal to feel uncertain or to shift directions as we evolve.

---

Internalized Shame: The Villain Behind the Villains

Another thread that stood out to me was internalized shame. Not guilt, shame. Guilt says, “I did something bad.” Shame says, “I am bad.” That difference matters because it often shapes how safe we feel in relationships.

The movie portrays characters carrying secrets, mistakes, and self-doubt. Instead of avoiding these themes, it embraces them with compassion. Shame can make us feel isolated and disconnected, but when it is portrayed on screen with empathy, it creates space for viewers to feel less alone.

Clinical research shows that internalized shame fuels anxiety, depression, and difficulties in relationships. Seeing it represented in stories gives us imagery to process our own experiences and maybe even find a little healing.

---

Community: Healing Happens Together

One of the things that really had me in waterworks was how the relationship between the characters pan out. I won’t go to deep into it, to avoid giving any hard spoilers. The flashy battles and musical sequences are fun, but the quieter moments of support and teamwork are just as powerful.

From a therapeutic perspective, this is important. Humans are wired for connection. Community, whether it is friends, family, or chosen kin, plays a huge role in building resilience.

Research highlights that belonging and social support protect us against stress and trauma.

The film also shows that relationships can be messy. People argue, misunderstand, and hurt one another. But it also shows repair, the ability to apologize, rebuild trust, and come back together. That is something I see in therapy all the time: healing rarely happens in isolation.

---

Trust Issues: When the Past Follows You

Finally, one of the most moving aspects of K-Pop Demon Hunters is how it touches on trust issues shaped by past wounds. Without spoilers, some characters struggle to let others in because of what they have experienced before. Their fears influence how they respond to conflict, closeness, and support.

Psychology tells us that when relationships have been inconsistent, neglectful, or harmful, it leaves marks. These experiences can make it hard to trust and can create self-protective patterns that last into adulthood. The movie does not ignore this reality, but it does show hope. Characters learn that even when the past leaves scars, new and safe relationships can help create healing experiences.

For anyone who has ever struggled with feelings of abandonment, rejection, or mistrust, seeing those themes on screen can be both validating and hopeful.

---

Derpy cat and Sussie the magpie

How Can K-Pop Demon Hunters Help My Mental Health?

So why am I, as a therapist, recommending this Netflix hit?

Because it is entertaining and it is meaningful. Stories like this can give us language for what we are feeling. They can spark conversations with friends, family, or even in therapy sessions. They remind us that healing is possible, that identity is fluid, and that community matters.

And sometimes, when life feels heavy, it is good to have a story that makes you laugh, cry, and sing along while also reminding you that you are not alone.

If you find yourself connecting with the themes in this movie, it might be worth reflecting:

· Which character’s journey resonates with me?

· What emotions did it stir up?

· What does it remind me of in my own life?

Sometimes those reflections are enough. And sometimes, they can be a gentle nudge toward deeper conversations, whether with a trusted friend or a therapist.

---

Final Thoughts

K-Pop Demon Hunters may look like a flashy animated adventure, but beneath the neon colors and catchy songs, it is a story about healing, identity, and connection. That is exactly why I recommend it, not just as a fun movie night pick, but as a story that can encourage reflection on your own mental health journey.

So, if you have not already, grab some popcorn, get cozy, and press play. Netflix’s most-watched movie of 2025 might surprise you with just how much heart it holds.

---

References

· McLeod, S. (2020). Self and identity. Open Educational Resource, Thomas Edison State University. Retrieved from https://opened.tesu.edu/introsocialpsychology/chapter/self-and-identity/

· Cândea, D. M., & Szentágotai-Tătar, A. (2020). Shame and psychopathology: From research to clinical practice. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 569. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7613638/

· Gunlicks-Stoessel, M., & Lin, Y. (2024). Attachment and adolescent mental health: Pathways to risk and resilience. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 11, 100404. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468749924000401