It’s not just about original storytelling, Navarrette argued, but also assuring young moviegoers that corporate slop won’t be force fed to them on the big screen. We understand it’s fundamental. We grew up with commercials that are fun that we still quote like State Farm and Aflac.
But we don’t want to be sold. We want original stories.” “Just because we’re living in the time of technology doesn’t mean we’re not living a human life or feel human experiences,” she added. We want originality and we want to feel.” “Obsession” turned Navarrette and co-star Michael Johnston into overnight sensations when it dominated the box office this summer on its way to a staggering $522 million global haul.
Produced for less than $1 million, the Focus Features-released horror movie is one of the most profitable films in Hollywood history. Even more shocking was how “Obsession” kept earning more money at the box office for four consecutive weekends, becoming a Gen Z word of mouth blockbuster. Perhaps Hollywood should listen to Navarrette.
Variety reported on a Fandango study earlier this year that declared Gen Z the most active moviegoing demographic. The study found that 87% of Gen Zers and 82% of millennials saw at least one movie theatrically over the course of a year, compared to 70% of Gen Xers and 58% of baby boomers. Gen Z and millennials also returned more frequently, with each demo averaging about seven visits per year, ahead of Gen X (6.1) and baby boomers (5.7).
The study noted Gen Z also spends more per visit on concessions and on premium format screens like Imax.
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