#Japan #Gen Z #Tokyo #CineBridge #Zootopia 2

2025 Winter Movie Preferences Among Generation Z

The Power of Gen Z in the Current Film Market

In recent years, the influence of Generation Z on the film industry has been significant, shaping trends and determining the fate of films at the box office. A joint survey conducted by CineBridge and Testee gathered insights from 1,200 young individuals aged in their teens to twenties, focusing on their most anticipated movies for the winter of 2025 and their movie-watching habits from the previous summer.

Survey Highlights

1. Top Movie Selection: Disney's animated sequel Zootopia 2 emerged as the clear favorite among Gen Z, showcasing their preference for established brands. The runner-up, 5 Centimeters Per Second, a live-action adaptation of Makoto Shinkai's acclaimed anime, demonstrates strong interest in recognizable intellectual properties and high-profile adaptations.

2. Motivation Behind Choices: The primary reason Gen Z chose these films is undoubtedly their fondness for the original works, with many opting for familiar content over the uncertainties of newer films. Also notable is the influence of word-of-mouth and social media on their viewing decisions, demonstrating the current generation’s reliance on digital platforms for recommendations and reviews.

3. Television Adaptations as Popular Choices: Despite trends suggesting a shift away from television, Gen Z showed high familiarity with adaptations of popular TV dramas, incentivized by digital distribution via platforms like TVer and vigorous social media campaigns.

4. Unique Cinema Experiences: The appeal of films such as Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer) and the widely discussed Kokuhou (National Treasure) indicates that younger audiences value stories soaring to cultural phenomena, leading them to the cinema in droves.

5. Study of Viewing Trends: The survey also revisited summer films to determine which candidates scored higher between anticipated desire and actual viewership. Demon Slayer led the summer viewing ranks, followed by Exit 8 and Tokyo MER. This highlights a frequent pattern where recognition of the source material plays a pivotal role in driving attendance.

Key Influencers in Movie Decisions

The survey results highlight a crucial trend: Gen Z prefers Hollywood adaptations and films based on previously beloved material. This trend is likely shaped by a need for reassurance in their viewing choices. Cinema goers expressed that they often attend with friends, showcasing strong social dynamics that enhance the movie-watching experience.

Additionally, significant findings reveal that specific genres, particularly horror, saw a surge in actual attendance compared to anticipation, indicating the growing influence of social media buzz in shaping perceptions and consumption.

Conclusion

This investigation into the cinematic preferences of Gen Z underscores a high level of engagement with films that evoke nostalgia and familiarity. The comfort derived from known stories and characters remains a driving force behind their cinema attendance. Importantly, the allure of social media chatter and shared experiences further nourishes engagement, setting the stage for upcoming film releases to capitalize on these dynamics for greater audience reach.

Through this extensive survey, CineBridge aims to harness these insights to craft impactful promotional campaigns that resonate with the trends and values of Generation Z, ensuring a successful winter season for the film industry.

About the Research

The survey was conducted from September 5 to September 22, 2025, among 1,200 individuals aged 12 to 24, using the Powl web application.

CineBridge, a leader in cinema marketing, works extensively on in-theater promotions and innovative advertising solutions tailored to the needs of contemporary film audiences.