When BTS became part of the plot: 5 times their music shaped movies and TV shows

BTS is more than simply a worldwide phenomenon in the music industry. The Korean K-pop band has become so influential that they have shaped the plot of multiple films and television shows. There's more to being subtly referenced in a story than just dropping a name here and there.

BTS has reached that level where their music and presence aren't just background noise but actual plot devices, shaping character moments and driving narratives forward. Whether it’s a pivotal realization, a heartfelt wish, or even a high-stakes negotiation, BTS has made its way into Hollywood, animation, and K-drama in ways that feel both unexpected and completely natural.

Without further ado, let's appreciate these moments.

Playing with Fire (2019): Alexa, play BTS—twice

John Cena may be a wrestling icon, but he’s also a well-documented BTS fan. So when his family comedy Playing with Fire featured not one but two moments involving BTS, it felt like fate.

The first scene happens earlier in the movie when one of the kids casually commands Alexa to “play BTS.” The virtual assistant obliges, and Fire starts blasting, setting up the connection between BTS and the characters.

Then, in the film’s final scene—the wedding, no less—John Cena’s character, Jake, uses the same phrase: “Alexa, play BTS.” Just like before, Fire kicks in, turning what should have been a heartfelt moment into an impromptu dance break.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023): purple, BTS, and a turtle with taste

Seeing BTS perform live was Donatello's one and only wish before he died. That tech-savvy, anime-loving ninja turtle is also ARMY. And honestly, that makes so much sense.

Out of all the turtles, Donnie is the one with the most online energy, and his love for BTS? It just fits. Plus, let’s not ignore the cosmic alignment of his signature color being purple. Coincidence? We think not. When he drops this line in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, it’s not a funny gag, it’s character depth. He’s not just a hero; he’s ARMY.

What makes this moment even better is how completely sincere Donnie is about it. It's a genuine desire that humanizes him, not some throwaway joke about popular culture. This one remark reminds us that even Ninja Turtles have passions in a movie full of action and mutant mayhem. Plus? It feels authentic.

Marry My Husband (2024): BTS and the soundtrack to time travel

In Marry My Husband, time travel isn’t confirmed by futuristic tech or mysterious glowing portals. Nope, it’s BTS.

The protagonists suddenly realize they’ve gone back in time because their favorite BTS songs don’t exist yet. That’s right, rather than questioning the timeline based on world events, they "check" the BTS discography. It’s such an accurate ARMY instinct, and it makes the moment hit even harder. Because if your go-to playlist is missing the songs that shaped your life, what else could it mean but time travel?

What makes this moment so clever is that it taps into the idea of music as a timestamp in our memories. We often associate specific songs with periods in our lives, so realizing those tracks haven’t been released yet? That’s a genius way to confirm something’s off. It also subtly reinforces how deeply BTS’s music is tied to personal experiences. So much so that their absence is more jarring than any sci-fi anomaly.

Eternals (2021): Marvel’s most unexpected BTS drop

MCU films are packed with pop culture references, but when Eternals dropped a BTS mention and played one of their songs, that was next level.

During the film, Kumail Nanjiani’s character, Kingo, casually claims BTS is going to make a cameo in his next movie. Moments later, Friends by Jimin and V of BTS plays, seamlessly weaving the band into the Marvel universe. It wasn’t just a throwaway reference; it was an audio cameo, adding emotional weight to the scene.

What makes this particularly interesting is that Eternals was one of the first major Hollywood films to not just name-drop BTS but to use their music in a meaningful way. Instead of being a background track, Friends plays at a crucial moment, reinforcing the film’s themes of companionship and connection. It’s a testament to how BTS’s songs aren’t just catchy—they carry an emotional weight that even the MCU wanted to tap into.

The Recruit (2024): high-stakes espionage and BTS tickets

In Netflix’s The Recruit, CIA agents deal with classified information, deadly missions, and one of the most universally coveted items of all time: VIP BTS concert tickets.

At one point, a character tries to leverage BTS tickets as a bargaining chip in a negotiation, proving that even in the world of espionage, access to a BTS concert is considered high-value currency. Because let’s be real, some deals are worth risking it all for.

What makes this moment stand out is how it perfectly captures BTS’s cultural significance. The idea that VIP tickets could be used in a CIA-level negotiation isn’t just a joke—it’s a reflection of the band’s real-world impact. People have camped out for days, battled online queues, and even changed travel plans just to secure a seat at a BTS concert. So the fact that spies are treating these tickets like a national asset? Honestly, that tracks.

BTS: More than a reference, a cultural phenomenon

There’s something different about how BTS is woven into these stories. It’s not just about a quick mention or a song playing in the background; it’s about how their music and influence actively shape the plot. Whether it’s triggering a realization, setting up a character’s personality, or even holding enough value to become a literal bargaining chip, BTS has transcended being just a band in pop culture.

And honestly, at this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if the next big sci-fi movie had aliens jamming to Dynamite.