By: Lucy King
Ironically, the same generation that is infamous for scrolling through 15-second clips, is also the generation that is restoring appreciation towards physical media. Following Covid-19 movie theaters were struggling globally, and Generation Z was the one to bring them back to life. According to a 2026 Fandango study, Generation Z makes up around 40 percent of moviegoers domestically, averaging about seven theater visits a year. While the younger audience has consistently been a primary audience for movie theaters- not only Gen Z– the viewing experience Generation Z has curated is particularly unique. They do not treat the movies as a routine activity like older generations, instead they are planning trips, valuing the theater, screen, and watching experience, not to mention leaving an extensive mark of the movie online in platforms like TikTok and Letterboxed.
PVHS students feel the same way about theaters, being in Generation Z. Addyson Beelman, a senior, said, “I like going to the movie theatre because not only is it a fun outing, but it allows you to see the movie as the director intended. Streaming services almost always have ads nowadays and the distractions that come with the comfort of your own couch take away from the movie-watching experience.” Having a ‘third space’ is vital for Generation Z to back away from the habit of their phones, and admiring tangible media from a directorial point of view has brought back theater life. From a different perspective senior Izzy Murray said, “I love going to the movies because it’s so fun to go with my friends and see all the new movies, the screen is bigger, louder, and I love eating the snacks!” While not necessarily highlighting the technical aspect, Izzy still focused on the experience the theater provides; an escapism that isn’t Generation Z’s stereotypical, ‘AI apple and banana story time’, but a substantial viewing of a film.
“I like going to the movie theatre because not only is it a fun outing, but it allows you to see the movie as the director intended. Streaming services almost always have ads nowadays and the distractions that come with the comfort of your own couch take away from the movie-watching experience.”
Addyson Beelman (12)
This phenomenon has accelerated more recently; the summer of 2026 was a record-breaking box-office, especially for Generation Z. According to Entertainment Weekly, the box office was pushed past $4 billion, ahead of the pre-pandemic profits of movie theaters. To be more specific, four major hits were: “Spiderman Brand New Day,” making around $2 Billion, “The Odyssey” making around $1.1 Billion, “Obsession” making around $495.6 Million, and “Backrooms” making $393 Million. What is specific to this summer of hits is the newfound creators of Generation Z as well as the curated experiences. Curry Barker, the creator of “Obsession” and Kane Parsons, the creator of “Backrooms”, are both from Generation Z. Not only that, but their careers started off on YouTube. Rising to fame from making short clips on YouTube that same audience brought an immense amount of attention to the theaters and back online. Their low budgets, and intense creativity reflected throughout their films helped affect the attraction for Generation Z to appreciate their films in person. For example, in “Backrooms” Parsons took an unconventional approach in set-building, using the free 3D computer graphic software Blender to create entire sets and shot lists, allowing the set crew to construct the physical rooms identical to his vision.
Social media has brought back a craze for tangible media, as ironic as that sounds. The trending fascination with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey’s use of 70mm film, brought worldwide attention to the IMax theaters that offer this film viewing. According to Variety, the 41 global IMax locations that offer 70mm film grossed $37.5 Million. The appreciation that Generation Z has given for vintage film use represents that going to the theater is a valued experience for them.
Social media groups such as #Filmtok have shown an exhaust of limited subscriptions and scrolling through 15 second clips. While many older generations may assume that is Generation Z’s entertainment, they are truly bringing movie theaters and tangible media back to life. From hanging records on walls as room decor, to thrifting vintage DVDs, social media can bore and drive Generation Z back to physical media. As for the 2026 box office, “Dune: Part 3” and “Avengers: Doomsday”, are generating a significant amount of anticipation by Generation Z on their releases. I think it is safe to assume the craze for physical media, most especially movie theaters, will not die down due to Generation Z.
Graphic by Aden Seelbinder
