Plot twist! Gen Z powers a movie theater resurgence.

A surprising shift is reshaping the American moviegoing landscape. Two low-budget films, each directed by first-time filmmakers in their early 20s, are sparking a renewed interest among Gen Z audiences and contributing to a surge in box office revenue. Curry Barker’s “Obsession,” released in May, became the first film since “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” to consistently increase its earnings during each of its first three weekends. Meanwhile, Kane Parsons’ “Backrooms” opened with $81 million and has surpassed the earnings of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” another May release. Both films belong to the horror genre, yet their appeal lies in their freshness and originality, drawing crowds eager for new experiences. The success of these films, along with the blockbuster “The Odyssey,” which grossed $124.5 million in its opening weekend, marks what appears to be Hollywood’s strongest summer box office performance in the U.S. since 2023. This revival comes after decades of declining theater attendance, which began around 2002. During the pandemic, movie theaters faced a severe drop in sales as indoor gatherings were restricted, leading many to turn to streaming platforms for entertainment. However, Gen Z has defied expectations by not only returning to theaters but also driving much of the recent resurgence. Pew Research Center surveys indicate that young people are once again embracing the in-person moviegoing experience. This trend has eased concerns within Hollywood, which had feared that prolonged isolation during the pandemic might permanently alter viewing habits. The success of “Obsession” and “Backrooms” suggests that Gen Z is not only consuming content but actively seeking out unique and immersive cinematic experiences. “The younger generations want to go to the movies,” asserts Ross Melnick, a professor of film and media studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The pandemic disrupted the entire film industry, forcing theaters to close and shifting consumer behavior toward digital platforms. While streaming services gained popularity, particularly among families, many viewers found themselves dissatisfied with the lack of novelty and the repetitive nature of available content. Film analysts had predicted that Gen Z’s preference for mobile devices and short-form content would diminish their enthusiasm for traditional cinema. Yet, this prediction has proven incorrect. Cinema enthusiasts argue that the theatrical experience remains irreplaceable. Viewers of “Obsession” and “Backrooms” describe the communal atmosphere of a theater as essential to the enjoyment of the films. “The movie theater experience has become the hottest ticket out there,” notes Paul Dergarabedian, a box-office analyst for Rentrak. “It’s somewhat unexpected because a lot of people had counted the movie theater out when they shut down in mid-March of 2020.” Recent data from Fandango highlights that Gen Z is now the most active group of moviegoers. Logan Deree, a young IT professional, exemplifies this trend. After nearly four years without visiting a theater, he attended a screening of “Backrooms” in Boston. It marked his first time in a cinema since 2019, when he saw “Avengers: Endgame.” He admits that subsequent films failed to capture his attention until “Backrooms” offered something different. “I’m tired of the same ‘Star Wars’ movie,” he explains. “I need something fresh, I need something original. ‘Backrooms’ was original.” The narrative behind “Backrooms” originated from online forums exploring the concept of liminal spaces, such as the interior of an abandoned furniture store, as potential gateways to alternate dimensions. Its success has prompted Hollywood to look beyond mainstream franchises and explore original storytelling rooted in internet culture. As the demand for fresh narratives grows, so too does the potential for further innovation in how films are created and consumed.