entertainment
Will Gen Z be the generation to revive moviegoing?
Gen Zers like affordable, social experiences and are driving demand for anime and video game titles at the theaters.
TL;DR
- Generation Z, aged 14-29, is actively attending movies and driving box office growth.
- They attend an average of seven movies per year, matching millennials.
- Gen Z accounted for nearly 40% of North American movie audiences in 2025.
- Affordability and the social experience are key factors influencing Gen Z's moviegoing habits.
- Loyalty programs at theaters are popular among Gen Z, with significant growth in participation.
- Theaters are implementing strategies like low ticket prices and engaging promotions to attract Gen Z.
- Gen Z seeks social activities and experiences to disconnect from their phones, with moviegoing serving this purpose.
- Platforms like Letterboxd are influential for Gen Z movie recommendations.
- Gen Z shows a preference for horror films, anime, video game adaptations, and nostalgic rereleases.
- Successful Gen Z-oriented films include 'A Minecraft Movie' and 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — The Movie: Infinity Castle'.