Stray Kids aren’t just topping the charts anymore. They are officially taking over the big screen. The group’s cinematic debut, Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience, just shattered global records, raking in a massive $19.1 million across 61 international territories during its opening weekend. It is a huge win for the group and a clear sign of their massive global footprint.
The North American numbers are just as wild. On its February 6 opening day, the film earned approximately $3.2 million from 1,724 theaters. According to Soompi, the film is on track for a domestic total of nearly $5.7 million for the weekend. And it’s not just “good for K-pop”—it is outperforming major Hollywood studio releases during a typically quiet February window.
Redefining “Event Cinema”
Directed by the legendary Paul Dugdale—the same mind behind concert films for Taylor Swift and Adele—the 145-minute feature captures the group’s historic nights at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The film blends high-octane performance footage with raw, documentary-style segments from behind the scenes. It feels personal, loud, and incredibly cinematic.
But the real story is in the premium formats. IMAX screenings alone accounted for 20.5% of the global box office, contributing roughly $3.9 million. This achievement officially sets a new record for the highest-grossing opening of a Korean-language production in IMAX history. Fans clearly wanted the biggest screen possible for this one.
Outperforming the Titans
Industry analysts are noticing a shift in the K-pop hierarchy. While BTS and BLACKPINK established the blueprint for concert documentaries, Stray Kids are setting a new standard for stadium-to-screen revenue. The film reportedly outperformed demand for past BTS documentaries in key markets, including Mexico, Germany, and the UK.
“This isn’t just a concert film; it’s a high-stakes theatrical event that captures the sheer scale of K-pop’s global reach in 2026,” noted one industry insider.
Photocards and Fan Frenzy
What drove these massive numbers? Dedicated STAYs and some very smart incentives. Fans who booked through Fandango or select theaters received exclusive “OT8” photocard bundles. This helped drive over $1.4 million in pre-sales within the first 24 hours alone. Demand was so high that many theaters had to add extra daily showtimes just to keep up.
Social media is currently flooded with videos of fans bringing their lightsticks to the theater. Cinema halls have essentially turned into mini-concert venues. The hashtags #dominATEinTheaters and #SKZ2026BoxOffice have been trending for days as fans share their emotional reactions to the group’s journey to SoFi.
What’s Next for Stray Kids?
The momentum isn’t slowing down. Stray Kids are already preparing for a “Virtual Concert” series in Tokyo, running from March to June 2026. With the “dominATE” tour proving to be a massive commercial hit both on stage and on screen, the group has solidified their status as the leaders of the fourth generation.
Whether you’re a longtime STAY or a casual listener, The dominATE Experience proves that Stray Kids’ power is only growing. They are redefining what it means to be a global superstar.
