Will Gen Z be the generation to revive moviegoing? Generation Z is proving to be a crucial demographic for the movie industry, actively attending theaters and driving box office growth. They are drawn to movies for the social experience and affordability, with many utilizing loyalty programs. Studios and theaters are adapting their strategies to cater to Gen Z’s preferences, including a demand for anime and video game adaptations.

• 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’.