
Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z stands out for numerous reasons, but a key defining moment was the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to navigate middle school, high school, and college through digital screens.
This generation has confronted significant challenges, from inaction on climate change by older generations to the exploitation of their online privacy and a barrage of cyber-related issues. Despite these hurdles, their resilience, humor, and social consciousness have flourished, shaping their exceptional taste in cinema. Here are 15 of the top movies adored by Gen Z.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
After years of grappling with the beloved character, Sony collaborated with Marvel to create a fresh iteration that seamlessly integrated into the MCU. This led to a portrayal of Peter Parker (Tom Holland) who balanced everyday teenage struggles with the monumental task of stopping bike thieves and saving the world.
The film presented a cleverly grounded superhero narrative: Following the Battle of New York, Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton), a salvage company owner, repurposes alien technology to retaliate against Tony Stark for putting him out of business, transforming into the Vulture. Simultaneously, Peter, demoted to the junior varsity team after his clash with Captain America during Civil War in Germany, navigates a budding relationship with Liz (Laura Harrier), prepares for his academic decathlon with MJ (Zendaya), and investigates the Vulture’s sinister schemes alongside his best friend and tech-savvy ally, Ned (Jacob Batalon).
The Hate U Give (2018)
Adapted from Angie Thomas’s young adult novel, this gripping coming-of-age story unfolds under intense pressure. It centers on Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), a 16-year-old who witnesses her friend’s fatal shooting by a police officer from the passenger seat of a stopped car. Though her role as the witness is initially concealed, she soon finds herself torn between a public outcry for racial justice, enraged friends, and the King Lords gang, which she identifies as the true menace to her community. Directed with fierce determination by George Tillman, Jr., the film masterfully explores themes of social justice and the perils of unchecked power.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Elio (Timothée Chalamet) stands on the brink of adulthood, residing in his family’s stunning Northern Italian home, where he spends his days quietly immersed in books. When his father, an archaeology professor (Michael Stuhlbarg), invites a graduate student named Oliver (Armie Hammer) to stay and work with them, Elio finds himself drawn to Oliver’s lively and charismatic personality. As they explore the picturesque countryside on bikes, dance, and bond, Oliver initially resists taking their relationship further—but their connection deepens, leading to a whirlwind of passion, tenderness, and the looming heartbreak of their inevitable separation.
Shrek (2001)
The affection is genuine. In a classic chicken-or-egg scenario, this film either won over Gen Z with its snarky, nostalgic charm about a cynical ogre who became a meme icon, or it was the ubiquitous memes that endeared it to them unironically. This groundbreaking animated feature stars Mike Myers as the grumpy ogre Shrek, who begrudgingly embarks on a quest to reclaim his swamp. Along the way, he’s joined by the talkative Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and reluctantly rescues Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), all while Smash Mouth’s hits play in the background, creating an unforgettable mix of humor and heart.
Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight unfolds in three acts, each offering a glimpse into the life of Chiron (Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes) and Kevin (Jaden Piner, Jharrel Jerome, Andre Holland) as they navigate childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Growing up in Miami during the crack epidemic, Chiron faces bullying and a fractured home life, yet he shares a profound romantic and sexual connection with Kevin. Directed and written by Barry Jenkins, the film portrays their struggles in a world that offers little hope for a happy ending. With Mahershala Ali’s Oscar-winning performance and a stellar ensemble cast, this poignant love story is a masterpiece.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018)
Adapted from Jenny Han’s novel, the first film in this beloved series follows Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor), a shy teenager who pens heartfelt letters to her crushes, never intending to send them. When the letters are accidentally mailed, she must navigate a whirlwind of confused boys, potential romances, and her own tangled emotions. The result is a hilarious comedy of errors, filled with cringe-worthy moments that we can laugh at from the comfort of our couches.
Clueless (1995)
Amy Heckerling's modern take on Jane Austen’s Emma resonates across generations, particularly appealing to Gen Z’s love for ’90s nostalgia. Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) is a well-meaning but clueless teen who dreams of helping others but often misses the mark. Obsessed with fashion and social status, she learns valuable life lessons from her insightful stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd) and a series of humorous misadventures. While it’s a romantic comedy at heart, the film also explores themes of personal growth and the realization that charm alone won’t help you pass a driving test after a fender bender.
Booksmart (2019)
Olivia Wilde helms this audacious tale of two academically driven girls stumbling through an unforgettable night. Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) harbors feelings for a girl named Ryan but, true to her cautious nature, avoids acting on them. Her best friend Molly (Beanie Feldstein), the overachieving class president, convinces Amy to crash a popular kids’ party, sparking a chaotic adventure filled with dying phone batteries, a principal moonlighting as an Uber driver, and the perils of accidentally playing explicit content over a car’s Bluetooth speakers. As their night spirals into madness, the film—essentially a modern-day American Pie—demonstrates that life’s unexpected twists often surpass our carefully laid plans.
Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s visually stunning masterpiece follows Chihiro (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi), a young girl whose family stumbles upon a mysterious abandoned village while relocating. She soon discovers the village is a bathhouse for spirits, overseen by the witch Yubaba (Mari Natsuki). With the help of Haku (Miyu Irino), a boy enslaved by Yubaba, Chihiro must reclaim her identity and save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs. Beyond its enchanting plot, the film is a visual spectacle brimming with whimsical oddities, chronicling Chihiro’s transformation from a spoiled child into a courageous and compassionate heroine.
Eighth Grade (2018)
Before creating his pandemic-era special Inside, Bo Burnham wrote and directed this poignant coming-of-age comedy about Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher), a socially awkward teen who posts motivational vlogs about self-confidence despite having no audience. Kayla embodies the quintessential outsider—eager yet unprepared for adulthood. The film delves into the anxieties of adolescence, from awkward romantic encounters and friendship woes to Kayla’s struggle with her growing anxiety and depression, offering a raw and relatable portrayal of teenage life.
The Hunger Games (2012)
A groundbreaking YA phenomenon (and perhaps a glimpse into our dystopian future), this adaptation of Suzanne Collins’s novel features Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, a resourceful young woman from a poor district who volunteers to replace her sister in a brutal televised competition where teens fight to the death. Katniss defies the oppressive rules of the game, forming an alliance with fellow tribute Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and winning the hearts of the public with her defiance. Her rebellion against the Capitol’s tyranny sparks a revolution, threatening to turn the violence of the games back on its creators. A single rewatch might just inspire you to pick up a bow and arrow.
Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking debut as a filmmaker redefined horror by blending social commentary with chilling suspense. The film follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black photographer, as he visits the secluded estate of his white girlfriend’s (Allison Williams) family. While they appear welcoming, Chris’s unease grows as he uncovers their sinister intentions. Peele masterfully uses the horror genre to explore themes of racism and exploitation, creating a modern classic that lingers long after the credits roll.
The Truman Show (1998)
Jim Carrey portrays a man whose entire existence is a meticulously orchestrated lie, as he unknowingly stars in a globally popular TV show. Directed by Peter Weir, the film delves into the artificiality of modern life and presciently predicts the cultural impact of reality television. Truman Burbank gradually uncovers the truth about his fabricated world, challenging the control of the egocentric director Christof (Ed Harris), who revels in his role as a manipulative deity. Heartwarming yet thought-provoking, this film raises profound questions about authenticity, the boundaries between reality and performance, and the courage required to live a genuine life.
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
This vibrant horror flick transforms social alienation into a gripping nightmare. A group of friends, played by Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, and Pete Davidson, convene at a remote mansion during a hurricane for a night of drinking and a murder-mystery game. However, the game turns deadly when an actual killer emerges, plunging the group into paranoia and mistrust. Blending sharp humor with chilling suspense, the film captures the existential dread and chaotic energy of youth, amplified by its stellar comedic cast.
Dune (2021)
Few things resonate more with those born during the George W. Bush era than a 1965 sci-fi tale featuring a former Disney star and the actor who would later portray Bob Dylan. Denis Villeneuve’s visually stunning adaptation of Dune captivated audiences of all ages, blending breathtaking artistry with a compelling narrative that made the flow of spice—and storytelling—equally mesmerizing.
Gen Z holds a special affinity for this film and its sequel, which could easily be their generation’s equivalent of Lord of the Rings—if they weren’t already deeply enamored with Lord of the Rings itself. Adapted from Frank Herbert’s legendary novel, the movie stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, the youngest scion of a noble family tasked with ruling a desert planet. After a devastating betrayal, Paul joins forces with Chani (Zendaya) and a band of rebels, embarking on a journey of survival, vengeance, and mastering the art of sandworm riding.