Gen Z has a distinct taste when it comes to movies. This generation, known for its tech-savviness and diverse interests, has reshaped the way films are consumed and appreciated. With preferences ranging from visually stunning blockbusters to indie gems with profound social messages, Gen Z is driving the entertainment industry toward more inclusive storytelling and innovative formats. Whether it’s catching the latest cinematic spectacle in theaters or binge-watching a trending film on their favorite streaming platform, this cohort knows how to pick movies that resonate deeply with their values and experiences. Follow us at Vanessa Hudgens Shares a Moment with Bianca Belair Backstage After WWE RAW.
Gen Z’s Love for Storytelling
The fascination with movies among Gen Z didn’t arise in isolation; it’s rooted in a legacy of cinematic evolution influenced by previous generations. Growing up in the digital age, many members of Gen Z were introduced to movies through DVDs, cable TV, and the early days of streaming services. They were captivated by animated classics from Disney and Pixar, thrilling superhero sagas from Marvel, and fantasy franchises like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.
As they aged, their exposure to a wider array of genres, styles, and global narratives broadened their cinematic palate. This generation was among the first to fully embrace on-demand content through platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and later Disney+ and HBO Max, forever changing how movies were distributed and consumed.
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What Gen Z is Watching Now
Today’s most popular movies for Gen Z span an impressive spectrum of genres, offering something for every mood and moment. From nostalgic revivals to socially conscious dramas, the following are dominating screens in theaters and on streaming platforms alike.
- Superhero Movies and Their Unyielding Appeal
Marvel’s Cinematic Universe continues to reign supreme with titles like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. These films not only deliver jaw-dropping visuals and gripping action sequences but also explore themes of identity, friendship, and responsibility that resonate with Gen Z’s values. - Horror Reimagined for the Digital Age
Movies such as Talk to Me and Smile have redefined the horror genre for Gen Z, blending traditional scares with modern psychological elements. This generation’s love for thrilling narratives is reflected in their eagerness to explore stories that keep them on the edge of their seats while addressing deeper emotional and societal issues. - Romantic Comedies Make a Comeback
In a world often burdened by chaos, Gen Z finds comfort in the lighthearted and heartwarming. Films like Love Again and The Perfect Find have brought rom-coms back into the spotlight, balancing humor with relatable romance that feels fresh and relevant. - Socially Conscious and Diverse Narratives
Gen Z is drawn to stories that reflect the real-world struggles of marginalized communities and advocate for inclusivity. Films such as Everything Everywhere All at Once and The Woman King offer a blend of compelling storytelling and meaningful representation, making them must-watch titles for this socially aware generation. - Nostalgia-Packed Adventures
Movies like Barbie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem tap into the childhood memories of Gen Z while reimagining beloved characters for a modern audience. This balance of nostalgia and novelty is a winning formula that keeps viewers engaged and entertained.
Wicked (2024)
#1
Critics Consensus: Defying gravity with its magical pairing of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked's sheer bravura and charm make for an irresistible invitation to Oz.
Synopsis: Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater
Directed By: Jon M. Chu
Gladiator II (2024)
#2
Critics Consensus: Echoing its predecessor while upping the bloodsport and camp, Gladiator II is an action extravaganza that derives much of its strength and honor from Denzel Washington's scene-stealing performance.
Synopsis: Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum.
Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal
Directed By: Ridley Scott
Red One (2024)
#3
Critics Consensus: Wrapped in slick packaging but wholly lacking in holiday magic, Red One is a ho-ho-hum action-adventure.
Synopsis: After Santa Claus -- Code Name: RED ONE -- is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson)
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, Lucy Liu
Directed By: Jake Kasdan
Gladiator (2000)
#4
Critics Consensus: While not everyone will be entertained by Gladiator's glum revenge story, Russell Crowe thunderously wins the crowd with a star-making turn that provides Ridley Scott's opulent resurrection of Rome its bruised heart.
Synopsis: Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) takes power and strips rank from Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of the favored generals of his predecessor...
Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Directed By: Ridley Scott
The Substance (2024)
#5
Critics Consensus: Audaciously gross, wickedly clever, and possibly Demi Moore's finest hour, The Substance is a gasp-inducing feat from writer-director Coralie Fargeat.
Synopsis: Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You are only better in every way. You should try this...
Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Hugo Diego Garcia
Directed By: Coralie Fargeat
Heretic (2024)
#6
Critics Consensus: Hugh Grant has infectious fun playing against type in Heretic, a religious horror that preaches the gospel of cerebral chills over cheap shocks.
Synopsis: Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by...
Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Topher Grace
Directed By: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Hot Frosty (2024)
#7
Critics Consensus: Knowingly goofy with its steamy twist on the magic of Christmas, Hot Frosty is an affable rom-com that ought to thaw the hearts of even the most skeptical of viewers.
Synopsis: Two years after losing her husband, Kathy magically brings a handsome snowman to life! Through his naïveté, the snowman helps...
Starring: Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly
Directed By: Jerry Ciccoritti
My Old Ass (2024)
#8
Critics Consensus: A humorous cocktail with a twist of coming-of-age drama, My Old Ass doesn't throw out the wisdom with the reckless abandon of youth and the effects are hallucinogenic.
Synopsis: In this fresh coming-of-age story, an 18th-birthday mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott (Maisy Stella) face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old...
Starring: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler
Directed By: Megan Park
The Wild Robot (2024)
#9
Critics Consensus: A simple tale told with great sophistication, The Wild Robot is wondrous entertainment that dazzles the eye while filling your heart to the brim.
Synopsis: The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot--ROZZUM unit 7134, "Roz" for short -- that is shipwrecked on an...
Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy
Directed By: Christopher Sanders
Smile 2 (2024)
#10
Critics Consensus: Blessed with a nerve-jangling star turn by Naomi Scott, writer-director Parker Finn broadens Smile's conceit into a pop stardom nightmare that'll leave a rictus grin on horror fans' faces.
Synopsis: About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and...
Starring: Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage
Directed By: Parker Finn
Blitz (2024)
#11
Critics Consensus: A tale of survival from director Steve McQueen, Blitz's examination of British society under wartime is given a beating heart by Elliott Heffernan and Saoirse Ronan's lovely performances.
Synopsis: Sir Steve McQueen's "Blitz" follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London...
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Elliott Heffernan, Leigh Gill, Harris Dickinson
Directed By: Steve McQueen
A Real Pain (2024)
#12
Critics Consensus: Led by a scene-stealing turn from Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain is a powerfully funny, emotionally resonant dramedy that finds writer-director-star Jesse Eisenberg playing to his strengths on either side of the camera.
Synopsis: Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother.
Starring: Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg, Jakub Gasowski, Will Sharpe
Directed By: Jesse Eisenberg
Conclave (2024)
#13
Critics Consensus: Carrying off papal pulp with immaculate execution and career-highlight work from Ralph Fiennes, Conclave is a godsend for audiences who crave intelligent entertainment.
Synopsis: CONCLAVE follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events -- selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes)..
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati
Directed By: Edward Berger
Anora (2024)
#14
Critics Consensus: Another marvelous chronicle of America's strivers by writer-director Sean Baker given some extra pizzazz by Mikey Madison's brassy performance, Anora is a romantic drama on the bleeding edge.
Synopsis: Sean Baker's Palme d'Or winner ANORA is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a mmodern-dayCinderella story. Mikey...
Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian
Directed By: Sean Baker
Alien: Romulus (2024)
#15
Critics Consensus: Honoring its nightmarish predecessors while chest bursting at the seams with new frights of its own, Romulus injects some fresh acid blood into one of cinema's great horror franchises.
Synopsis: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face...
Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced
Directed By: Fede Alvarez
Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. (2024)
#16
Critics Consensus: Bonhoeffer more or less gets the job done as a righteous thriller, but its glossy treatment of history flattens this remarkable true story into a formulaic matinee.
Synopsis: As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is swept into the epicenter of a deadly plot.
Starring: Jonas Dassler, Moritz Bleibtreu, August Diehl, David Jonsson
Directed By: Todd Komarnicki
The Piano Lesson (2024)
#17
Critics Consensus: A Southern Gothic played at a ferocious key, The Piano Lesson brings August Wilson's words to vivid life with an outstanding ensemble.
Synopsis: Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher
Directed By: Malcolm Washington
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)
#18
Critics Consensus: Decking the halls with unflappable charm and sincere spiritual conviction, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is winningly wholesome family entertainment.
Synopsis: The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully... and
Starring: Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Molly Belle Wright, Lauren Graham
Directed By: Dallas Jenkins
Moana 2 (2024)
#19
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios' epic animated musical "Moana 2" takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and
Starring: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Temuera Morrison
Directed By: David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
Emilia Pérez (2024)
#20
Critics Consensus: Karla Sofía Gascón is Emilia Perez in a swaggering musical crime thriller of genre-bending fascination that is also an unapologetically trans story.
Synopsis: From renegade auteur Jacques Audiard comes Emilia Pérez, an audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations. Through liberating song
Starring: Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz
Directed By: Jacques Audiard
Spellbound (2024)
#21
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Miguel Bernardeau, Jenifer Lewis, Dee Bradley Baker
Directed By: Vicky Jenson
Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
#22
Critics Consensus: The always-watchable Tom Hardy injects ample charisma into Venom: The Last Dance, but the offering buckles under its convoluted tonal ambitions.
Synopsis: In Venom: The Last Dance, Tom Hardy returns as Venom, one of Marvel's greatest and most complex characters, for the
Starring: Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Alanna Ubach
Directed By: Kelly Marcel
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
#23
Critics Consensus: Joaquin Phoenix's eponymous Joker takes the stand in a sequel that dances around while the story remains still, although Lady Gaga's wildcard energy gives Folie á Deux some verve.
Synopsis: "Joker: Folie à Deux" finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Brendan Gleeson
Directed By: Todd Phillips
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
#24
Critics Consensus: Ryan Reynolds makes himself at home in the MCU with acerbic wit while Hugh Jackman provides an Adamantium backbone to proceedings in Deadpool & Wolverine, an irreverent romp with a surprising soft spot for a bygone era of superhero movies.
Synopsis: Deadpool's peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin
Directed By: Shawn Levy
We Live in Time (2024)
#25
Critics Consensus: Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh's palpable chemistry will snatch audiences' hearts before breaking them in We Live in Time, a powerful melodrama that uses its nonlinear structure to thoughtfully explore grief.
Synopsis: Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives. Through snapshots
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh, Adam James, Aoife Hinds
Directed By: John Crowley
Joy (2024)
#26
Critics Consensus: Handsomely made and given some verve by a deliciously dry Bill Nighy, Joy is an uplifting tribute to the miracles of science.
Synopsis: Joy tells the remarkable true story behind the ground-breaking birth of Louise Joy Brown in 1978, the world's first 'test-tube-
Starring: Bill Nighy, James Norton, Thomasin McKenzie, Ella Bruccoleri
Directed By: Ben Taylor
Saturday Night (2024)
#27
Critics Consensus: Jazzed up by an excellent ensemble that captures the essence if not the exact likeness of SNL's original cast and crew, Saturday Night is a frenetic and nostalgic celebration of one of showbiz's most auspicious debuts.
Synopsis: At 11:30 pm on October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television -- and culture --
Starring: Gabriel LaBelle, Dylan O'Brien, Cory Michael Smith, Rachel Sennott
Directed By: Jason Reitman
Juror #2 (2024)
#28
Critics Consensus: A legal thriller with a heavy conscience, Juror #2 is less a summation of Clint Eastwood's storied directorial career than another terrific reminder of his knack for plain-spoken drama.
Synopsis: "Juror #2" follows family man Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) who, while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, Chris Messina
Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Megalopolis (2024)
#29
Critics Consensus: More of a creative manifesto than a cogent narrative feature, Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis is an overstuffed opus that's equal parts stimulating and slapdash.
Synopsis: MEGALOPOLIS is a Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict
Starring: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza
Directed By: Francis Ford Coppola
Small Things Like These (2024)
#30
Critics Consensus: Cillian Murphy's outstanding acting anchors Small Things Like These, elevating an occasionally enervating historical drama.
Synopsis: Small Things Like These takes place over Christmas in 1985 when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy)
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, Clare Dunne
Directed By: Tim Mielants