Look out, Hollywood. Video game franchises dominate Gen Alpha’s attention

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Want to get Generation Alpha into movie theaters? Look to video games.

According to recent research, children continue to enjoy going to cinemas. However, unlike the typical blockbuster films associated with Hollywood and popcorn, their preferred genres seem to deviate from tradition.

As a part of the younger generation of film enthusiasts, I find that seven out of the top ten entertainment franchises that resonate most with me are derived from video games, as revealed in a recent study conducted by the National Research Group (NRG).

Among children belonging to Gen Alpha, age 12 and younger, the topics they frequently discuss are dominated by five video game titles: Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto, and Pokémon. Notably, these games top the list. The sixth most-discussed topic, however, isn’t a video game but rather “The Avengers,” a property owned by Marvel and Disney Co.

In terms of popular conversations among Gen Alpha kids (ages 12 and under), video games take the lead with Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto, and Pokémon being the top five frequently mentioned titles. Interestingly, “The Avengers” from Marvel and Disney Co., while still a popular topic, ranks sixth and is not associated with gaming.

Movie studios are beginning to recognize the potential of adaptations based on popular video games, as exemplified by “A Minecraft Movie.” This film, which revolves around players constructing and traversing various worlds in the beloved game, proved exceptionally successful, garnering an impressive $955 million at the global box office (as reported by Comscore). Theaters were filled with enthusiastic young audiences who even applauded during scenes significant to gamers, indicating a strong connection between the film and its fanbase.

Fergus Navaratnam-Blair, NRG’s vice president of trends and futures, mentioned that gaming plays a significant role in Gen Alpha culture as it offers a crucial space for social interaction. Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite allow them to bond with their peers, create friendships, establish networks, and nurture their individuality.

1 Way: A potential change lies in how theaters and production companies approach catering to Generation Alpha, a crucial demographic born from 2013 onwards, for their long-term success. Unlike millennials and Gen X, 38% of Generation Alpha members expressed interest in going to the cinema to watch a movie if their friends were discussing it, according to NRG.

Over half of Gen Alpha members expressed a preference for watching movies in cinemas rather than at home, as revealed by a survey conducted by NRG involving over 6,000 U.S. moviegoers between May and June this year. Most children aged 6-12, according to the same survey, stated that they visit theaters primarily to socialize with friends and family and to enhance their cinema experience, making it seem like a unique occasion.

As a film lover, I’ve noticed something intriguing among this particular demographic: they truly cherish the movie-watching experience in cinemas. Despite growing up immersed in technology with phones, tablets, and other devices, it seems these experiences have only heightened their appreciation for the rare chances to disconnect and immerse themselves in a different world on the big screen.

Movies

Pause for a moment: The briefest track on Billboard’s Hot 100 is ‘Steve’s Lava Chicken’ from the film ‘A Minecraft Movie.’ At only 34 seconds, it delivers a quick, zesty punch.

Stories that connect with Generation Alpha can be based on series they already know, such as “Minecraft,” or new ones, like “Wicked,” which motivate them to write fan stories or express their fandom through cosplay, according to him.

Currently, film studios are actively promoting their movies on popular platforms favored by younger audiences such as Roblox and TikTok.

Business

Instead of producing traditional films, Hollywood is exploring new ways to engage young audiences by delivering immersive experiences within platforms they frequently use, such as gaming environments and social media sites, where they also buy tickets.

As a passionate movie critic, I believe engaging Gen Alpha audiences requires more than just playing their favorite films. Instead, we should transform the cinema experience itself. For instance, why not offer food items that mirror what characters are savoring on-screen? This immersive approach, as suggested by Navaratnam-Blair, will make each visit to the theater feel like a unique adventure for this tech-savvy generation.

A unique cinematic experience, like a sing-along version of a film, can draw younger viewers to the theater even after its release on streaming platforms. For instance, the hit animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters” had several sing-along screenings in theaters, and despite already being available on Netflix, it became the top domestic box office earner that weekend, grossing approximately $18 million.

Hollywood Inc.

The popular animated film, currently trending on streaming platforms, is set to captivate full houses in cinemas for unique sing-along performances. However, Netflix has chosen not to disclose ticket sales figures.

According to Navaratnam-Blair, this generation holds promise for the future of cinema-going. To make the most of it, we should identify their desired experience and cater to it effectively, thereby fulfilling their expectations from cinema visits.

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2025-08-30 01:01