The survey found that millennials had an 82% attendance rate over the same period. Gen Z averaged around seven cinema trips annually, outpacing older demographics. Cinema United's annual report showed a 25% year-over-year increase in attendance frequency among Gen Z, with 41% of Gen Z moviegoers going at least six times, up from 31% in 2024.
9 the previous year. Films like 'A Minecraft Movie', 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle', and 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' were carried primarily by the under-30 crowd. Overall, 77% of moviegoers aged 12-74 went to theaters at least once.
The cinema offers a distraction-free zone that helps young people stay off their phones.
Affordability plays a key role in cinema's appeal. Research indicates movies are relatively cheap compared to concerts, holidays, or clubbing. A UK Night Time Industries Association survey found that 68% of 18 to 30-year-olds are going out less because they can't afford drinks and club entry.
An off-peak Curzon ticket for under-25s costs about £7, cheaper than a £15 club entry and £12 vodka and Coke. 99 per month have grown in popularity among younger audiences. A recent British Council survey found that film and television are almost twice as influential as digital creators in shaping UK culture for Gen Z.
There is more social stigma around phone use in a cinema than at home.
The cinema also offers a distraction-free environment. According to The Guardian - Culture, Emma Balfour, a 19-year-old from Kirkcaldy, Scotland, described the cinema as a place that helps young people stay off their phones, with more social stigma around phone use than at home. Alex McAleer, a 22-year-old from Berkeley, California, told The Guardian - Culture that the ability to block out two hours of uninterrupted time is rare in a constantly accessible world.
However, some of his friends are hesitant about long film runtimes because they worry they can't sit through them. Jae, a 23-year-old from Swansea, told The Guardian - Culture that the cinema provides a communal experience with shared reactions like laughing, crying, or gasping, offering one of the few remaining 'watercooler moments' for young people. According to The Guardian - Main UK, podcast hosts Benedict and Hannah Townsend described Gen Z as seeking experiences beyond digital spaces, looking for a 'third space' like the cinema.
The ability to block out two hours of uninterrupted time is rare in a constantly accessible world.
Florence Rose, a 22-year-old film TikToker, told The Guardian - Main UK that going to the movies is a way for Gen Z to connect with friends and disconnect from the world. The Townsends added that the cinema is a perfect third space due to Gen Z's lack of interest in alcohol and the erosion of other third spaces. Robbie Nichols, a 27-year-old Odeon Limitless member, told The Guardian - Main UK that going to the cinema makes films an event again, forcing presence and enhancing reactions.
Social media, particularly TikTok, fuels cinema's cool factor. Alex McAleer told The Guardian - Culture that TikTok drives cinema popularity by glamorizing being cultured and artsy, with films like Marty Supreme and Wuthering Heights focusing marketing campaigns on social media. Kate, a 26-year-old from Cambridge, told The Guardian - Culture that she uses TikTok to find film recommendations and that the cinema experience is often romanticized on the platform through montages set to nice music.
The cinema provides a communal experience with shared reactions like laughing, crying, or gasping.
Industry leaders express optimism despite challenges. Michael O'Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United, said weekend box office is not the most accurate measure and that annual industry analysis provides a more complete picture. He noted that 2025 had an inconsistent box office but other variables point to a bright future for movies on the big screen.
NBCUniversal Chairman Donna Langley believes Gen Z is 'platform-agnostic' and will show up for films with social energy. However, O'Leary warned that Netflix's planned acquisition of Warner Bros. poses an unprecedented threat to the global exhibition business.
Cinema offers one of the few remaining 'watercooler moments' for young people to discuss a shared cultural experience.
Netflix's co-CEO has called theaters 'outdated' and promised shorter release windows upon acquisition. Research forecasts 2026 to be the best year at the global box office since the start of the pandemic. 1 trips.
The discrepancy may reflect different survey methodologies or populations. The exact methodology and sample size of the Fandango survey remain unclear, as do the specific factors driving the forecasted 2026 box office recovery. The current status and potential impact of Netflix's planned acquisition of Warner Bros.
Social media, particularly TikTok, drives cinema popularity among young people by glamorizing being cultured and artsy.
on the cinema industry are also unknown.
I use TikTok to find film recommendations.
The cinema experience is often romanticized on TikTok through montages set to nice music.
Gen Z are looking for experiences beyond digital spaces, seeking a 'third space' like the cinema.
Going to the movies is a way for Gen Z to connect with friends and disconnect from the world.
The cinema is a perfect third space due to Gen Z's lack of interest in alcohol and erosion of other third spaces.
Going to the cinema makes films an event again, forcing presence and enhancing reactions.
Weekend box office is not the most accurate measure; annual industry analysis provides a more complete picture.
2025 had an inconsistent box office but other variables point to a bright future for movies on the big screen.
Gen Z is 'platform-agnostic' and will show up for films with social energy.