Gen Z, Millennials are Over the Film Remakes
Many young people want to see fresh and original content.
(Getty Images)
California; Hayward — Last summer, movies like "Barbie," "Oppenheimer," and "Sound of Freedom" triumphed at the box office, prompting industry observers to emphasize the need for Hollywood to pursue originality to resonate with young audiences. The latest installments in franchises such as Marvel, Indiana Jones, Transformers, and Jurassic World fell short. At the same time, even adaptations like "Super Mario Bros.," "Five Nights at Freddy’s," and "Poor Things" surpassed expectations.
IndieWire reported that a strong desire for original films exists among young people.
This inclination toward original content is not confined to theaters; it also extends to streaming services. A recent streaming insights survey conducted by Tubi, a free-streaming platform, revealed that 74% of Millennials and Gen Z prefer watching original content over franchises or remakes. The survey emphasizes the growing appetite for fresh and innovative ideas that push creative boundaries rather than recycled narratives.
The study also sheds light on the preferences of young viewers, indicating that 71% prefer content produced by independent and small-time creators, valuing a direct connection to the creators by supporting their work. Almost an equal percentage expresses a desire for diversity and representation among creators on streaming platforms. Additionally, 89 % of respondents want a diverse content library, ranging from true-crime stories to classic Hollywood films and one-season wonders.
Despite this emphasis on originality, the survey notes that nostalgia plays a significant role in viewer preferences. Ninety-six percent of respondents desired quality nostalgic content, exemplified by shows like "The Office" or "Friends," for binge-watching on leisurely weekends.
However, the study acknowledges the complexity of viewer behavior, as evidenced by Netflix's charts occasionally being dominated by non-original content. The survey also highlights the importance of affordability, with 99% of households subscribing to at least one streaming service, and half of the respondents regularly evaluating the cost-effectiveness of their subscriptions. The survey makes a case for the value of ad-supported and Freemium services, with two-thirds of respondents regularly using ad-supported platforms and a majority preferring their free account over sharing a paid one. Conducted between Dec. 22, 2023 and Jan. 5, 2024, the Tubi survey involved 2,503 U.S. adults aged 18 and above who stream video for at least one hour weekly.
Noumaan Faiz, (he/him) is a journalist and entertainer from Hayward, CA who covers culture and entertainment.
Edited by Nykeya Woods