When it comes to Gen Z, many immediately think of a destroyed attention span and short content on small screens. However, the current generation of young adults can indeed take their time when the content is right. This is something MeinMMO editor Caro, who happens to belong to this age group, also thinks.
In a guest article by the New York Times (paywall), Darren Walker, a newcomer in the entertainment industry in Hollywood, shares his learning experience. He writes about an industry that is no longer sure whether it can produce films and series that resonate with a new audience.
The fundamental question behind it is primarily: What does it look like for a generation that consumes somewhat more fleeting content provided on YouTube, TikTok, or Twitch?
According to Walker, this is a “phase of creative destruction” for many in the entertainment industry, one that is as irreversible as progress itself. He himself, as well as many voices of young people on Reddit, and also I, feel: … Lol, really? You worry about something as cool as going to the movies? Rather, care about supporting the right, sometimes young, but incredibly talented people who have already proven their skills!
You worry for no reason
Instead of the almost comforting cynicism, as Walker calls it, and assumptions about Gen Z folks who prefer small screens and short formats, he sees the longing for shared experiences and a sense of connection.
For instance, Gen Z gathers for joint watch parties for reality dating shows, begins to take an interest in birds, and – to the surprise of concerned Hollywood entrepreneurs – still enjoys going to the cinema.
A shocker! Young people like to watch movies together? And with a cool atmosphere on a big screen? Mindblown.
Gen Z indeed goes to the cinema
This year’s cinema season is the perfect proof that Gen Z is really into great films and is also willing to watch them together in the cinema. What we are less into is the 30th blockbuster of an action franchise and the umpteenth Dwayne Johnson in the green screen hell. (Honestly … Looking at the live-action Moana movie, you could only laugh or cry. Probably both at the same time.)
Based on projects like Obsession and Backrooms, it shows: When the films are right, sometimes even coming from people in our age group, then we can get excited! Just these two films managed to lure me to the cinema 5 times this year, Backrooms twice, and Obsession even a third time.
We have already reported on the success of these two films with Gen Z. If you want to learn more about why they are so well received, you can find out more here:
The entertainment industry has listened
Now I look with mixed feelings at what is developing through the success of Backrooms and Obsession. Supporting creative filmmakers and content creators who have been or are successful on YouTube gives me hope. There’s still so much undiscovered potential, and I look forward to seeing more of it.
Following the success of Backrooms, more films related to internet horror series like “The Mandela Catalogue” by YouTuber Alex Kister and “Siren Head,” created by artist Trevor Henderson, are now emerging.
I am glad that these projects are being given a chance, but I worry about the rapid rise once Hollywood realizes: “Oh, there’s something to be gained here.” I just hope that such passion projects receive the right love. Then Hollywood can continue to look forward to attentive, small Gen Z folks like little old me at the box office.
What do you think about this topic? Do you think Gen Z has no interest and ability for films? Or do you see them more as standard cinema-goers like other age groups? Let us know in the comments!
Since I am the youngest in the editorial team, I was tasked with giving my opinion on the Youth Words of the Year 2026. If you want to read it too, please: I am just barely Gen Z and have to explain to my Millennial colleagues which youth words I actually use
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