Young people are watching movies and shows, but want relatable content

by

Despite what Hollywood believes, young people are actually avid viewers of movies and TV shows – even more so than older generations realize. The UCLA study found they’d watch even more if the stories felt relevant to their lives.

A recent survey found that 57% of young people believe they watch more TV and movies than older generations realize. However, they consume this content in different ways – almost half primarily use personal devices like tablets, phones, and laptops to watch.

I was really interested to learn from the latest Teens and Screens report – it seems like a huge number of young people, around 78%, are watching movies and shows on platforms like YouTube and TikTok! The report, from UCLA, actually surveyed 1,500 people between the ages of 10 and 24 all over the U.S., so it’s a pretty comprehensive look at what’s happening.

Hollywood Inc.

People no longer browse movie listings at the theater itself. Now, theaters are finding new ways to attract customers and make up for lost business.

This year, young audiences are shifting away from fantasy and seeking stories that feel real and reflect their own experiences. Instead of magical worlds or tales about the wealthy and famous, they’re now drawn to relatable narratives about everyday life, a change from their preferences last year, according to a new report.

A majority of people surveyed expressed a desire for more stories focused on friendship, particularly platonic friendships between men and women that don’t necessarily turn into romantic relationships.

According to Yalda T. Uhls, the lead researcher and founder of the UCLA Center for Scholars and Storytellers, children are primarily focused on learning how to build friendships and understand the world around them. She explained that they strive for a true understanding of their experiences and relationships.

This feeling was clear in the movies and shows young people said they enjoy. “Stranger Things” on Netflix was the most popular, followed by “Wednesday” starring Jenna Ortega, and the animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants” from Nickelodeon.

The report indicates that central romantic storylines, like those in shows such as “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” tend to rank lower in popularity.

Young adults are also growing weary of predictable storylines, such as love triangles, unhealthy relationships portrayed as romantic, and connections built primarily on physical attraction.

According to Uhls, these results suggest what kinds of stories will likely attract young audiences to both movie theaters and digital platforms.

She explained that many stories don’t connect with young girls. However, when movies like ‘Wicked’ and ‘Barbie’ – both centered around the importance of friendship – come out, they become very popular with this audience.

Read More

2025-10-22 16:31