In a recent survey conducted by the National Research Group (NRG), a striking trend has emerged regarding the cinematic preferences of Generation Alpha, those individuals under the age of 13. The study, which surveyed 6,100 moviegoers across the United States during May and June, revealed that this young demographic is the most inclined to favor the theater experience over watching films at home. An impressive 59% of Gen Alpha respondents expressed a preference for the big screen, compared to 48% of their Gen Z counterparts.
This inclination towards theater attendance may come as a surprise to many, yet the survey suggests that Gen Alpha is growing up in a world where on-demand viewing is the norm. For them, the thrill of a home movie night lacks the novelty and excitement that a trip to the cinema provides. However, the allure of the movies must also resonate with their interests. The report highlights that Gen Alpha perceives fandom as a participatory experience, seeking films that encourage creativity and foster a sense of community.
Franchises that Resonate
It is no wonder then that over half of the top 20 franchises identified by Gen Alpha respondents as popular among their peers are rooted in the realm of video games. The top five franchises, in particular, are noteworthy:
- Roblox*
- Minecraft
- Fortnite*
- Grand Theft Auto*
- Pokémon
Interestingly, only four superhero-related properties made it onto this list, a stark contrast to the dominance of superhero films in recent years. This shift may signal a change in audience preferences, particularly as superhero movie box office revenues have plummeted over 60% from their peak in 2018 and 2019. In contrast, post-pandemic hits like “Minecraft” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” have captured the attention of younger audiences.
Among the franchises that Gen Alpha enjoys, several originate from Netflix, including “Squid Game,” “Wednesday,” and “Stranger Things.” While this demonstrates Netflix’s ability to create engaging content for younger viewers, it also highlights the challenges they face in developing successful movie franchises. With “Squid Game” concluded, “Wednesday” taking three years for a new season, and “Stranger Things” reaching its finale this year, the streaming giant must navigate the complexities of sustaining viewer interest.
As Hollywood seeks to revitalize its offerings, the need for video game adaptations has become increasingly apparent. Studios are actively pursuing game franchises to create new cinematic experiences. Paramount, for instance, has recently acquired the rights to “Call of Duty” and plans to release a new “Street Fighter” film next year. Warner Bros. is working on a “Minecraft” adaptation, while Universal is set to release a sequel to “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Sony is also developing a new “Resident Evil” film, and even A24 is venturing into the realm of gaming with an “Elden Ring” movie.
However, the rise of streaming platforms poses a challenge for traditional studios in fully realizing the potential of video game intellectual properties in cinema. Amazon is already producing a “Fallout” TV series, with additional shows based on “God of War,” “Mass Effect,” and “Tomb Raider” in the works. Netflix is also set to debut an “Assassin’s Creed” series, further illustrating the competitive landscape of adapting gaming content for audiences.
