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Gen Alpha Fuels Moviegoing Comeback, Favoring Theaters Over Streaming
29 Aug
Summary
- Gen Alpha (born 2013-2025) more interested in theaters than older generations
- Prefer movies as social outings, with 55% watching with friends
- Top franchises include Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and video game adaptations
According to a recent study by entertainment researchers NRG, the youngest generation, Gen Alpha, is leading a resurgence in theatrical moviegoing. Born between 2013 and 2025, this cohort is more interested in the big-screen experience than older consumers.
The study found that 59% of Gen Alpha enjoy watching movies in theaters more than at home, compared to just 48% of Gen Z, 45% of Millennials, and 45% of Gen X. Researchers suggest this is because Gen Alpha has grown up in a world of on-demand streaming, making the novelty and excitement of going to the cinema all the more appealing.
Interestingly, Gen Alpha also sees moviegoing as a social occasion, with 55% preferring to watch films with a group of friends, in contrast to just 31% of Millennials. And despite the stereotype of younger generations being glued to their phones, fewer than one-in-ten kids under 13 use their devices during movies.
When it comes to the franchises that resonate most with Gen Alpha, the study found that video game properties like Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto topped the list, followed by superhero films like The Avengers and Spider-Man. This suggests that traditional Hollywood fare may face stiff competition from more interactive, digital-native content.
