A recent poll of 2,000 adults found that a significant portion of Gen Z, or those born after 1996, have never watched classic movies such as Citizen Kane, Casino, and Vertigo. The poll revealed that 26 percent of young adults claim they don’t have enough time to watch these films, despite preferring a night in over a night out. Additionally, many Gen Z individuals admitted to missing out on other iconic movies like Apocalypse Now and Airplane. Interestingly, Baby Boomers were found to be more likely to have seen these films, with 79 percent having watched Airplane compared to only 40 percent of Gen Z.
The research also highlighted a shift in viewing habits among younger generations. Gen Z are less likely to see the importance of having a TV at home, as 71 percent of them consume most of their media through smartphones. This trend reflects a broader change in the way young people consume media, with 73 percent feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of “must-see” content available. While traditional blockbusters may not have the same impact on a smartphone screen, the younger generation’s preference for mobile viewing is clear.
Despite their penchant for consuming media on smartphones, many Gen Z individuals struggle to recognize classic movie quotes. Only 24 percent could identify the quote “I see dead people” from The Sixth Sense, and just 33 percent recognized “Say hello to my little friend” from Scarface. Music has become more popular than TV for relaxation among Gen Z, but many young adults opt for individual songs over albums. Masterpieces like The Velvet Underground & Nico and Led Zeppelin IV have been overlooked by today’s youth, indicating a shift in musical tastes.
In terms of relaxation, technology plays a crucial role for Gen Z. 93 percent of young adults consider technology and devices important for unwinding, whether through entertainment, calming music, or connecting with others. However, this dependence on technology stands in contrast to older generations, with 43 percent of Baby Boomers not viewing tech as essential for relaxation. Despite the prevalence of technology in modern life, there are still younger individuals who have yet to experience classic albums like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours.
The research also highlighted specific movies that Gen Z have overlooked but are popular with older generations. Films like Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Sound of Music are among those that have been missed by younger viewers. Additionally, iconic movie quotes like “Here’s looking at you, kid” from Casablanca and “Why so serious” from The Dark Knight are frequently unrecognized by Gen Z. This gap in cultural knowledge underscores the importance of bridging generational divides in media consumption and entertainment.
Overall, the research paints a picture of a generation that is consuming media in a vastly different way than previous generations. While Gen Z may be missing out on classic films and music, they are finding new ways to relax and unwind through technology. As viewing habits continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how younger generations engage with traditional media and cultural touchstones in the future.
