Gen-Z's Digital Habits Spark Indie Cinema Comeback
During the pandemic, cinemas faced significant challenges as social distancing measures severely impacted their business model. Many smaller and independent theaters were forced to close permanently. However, the film industry has been gradually recovering post-pandemic. While theater attendance hasn't fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, it has substantially increased compared to during COVID-19 and is on an upward trend.
A recent report highlights that the rising popularity of cinemas, especially in Europe, could be linked to the digital accessibility of films. Young individuals, having grown up surrounded by social media during the pandemic, may be contributing to the increased interest in classical and indie cinema. In Britain, tickets sales have surged since 2020, with independent theaters experiencing the highest spikes, driven primarily by a younger audience. Notably, these venues often screen older films, well-loved by the youth demographic.
"Curzon, which operates 16 venues across the UK, has observed a remarkable demographic shift over recent years. Young audiences have overtaken older ones; the dominant age group in 2025 is 25-34, rising from 16% in 2019 to 31%. Similarly, the 18-25 age group grew from 17% to 24%."
This trend is mirrored in venues like the Watershed in Bristol, where ticket sales to under 25s increased from 19% in 2021 to 27% in 2024. The availability of classic, indie, and arthouse films online appears to have fueled this resurgence. Many young moviegoers are described as adventurous in their tastes, particularly enjoying cult classics and indie offerings.
In Britain, Gen-Z individuals have embraced cinema enthusiastically, appreciating the distraction-free environment theaters offer. As noted by a young moviegoer, "It's nice to switch off... I don't touch my phone the whole time I'm in the cinema." This in stark contrast to their phone-heavy habits at home.
It remains uncertain if similar trends are occurring in the U.S., but domestic cinema attendance has shown a recovery trajectory too. Despite fluctuating box office revenues since the pandemic, unconventional hits have helped boost summer sales, hinting at a potential for future gains in interest.
