From “Obsession” to “Backrooms,” it seems Gen Z’s love for the cinema is alive and well. Movies have long been somewhat of an escape from reality, and through the harmony of cinematography, direction and performance, you can be transported into an alternate dimension in the span of a few hours. In 2026, as memes circulating on TikTok are influencing people to grab some popcorn and a friend to find out what all the hype is about, more and more Gen Zers are taking a trip to the movies.
Although it’s exciting to run to the cinema to watch whatever hot new movie seems to be all the rage, the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Scrolling through reels or TikToks has become a favorite pastime for many, making it difficult for many people to sit through a movie at home when they aren’t forced to be present in a theater.
Even if you can’t make it to the cinema, there are thousands of movies at your fingertips waiting to be enjoyed. Who knows? A cheesy 2000s romcom you typically wouldn’t reach for could become your favorite source of comfort when you need a laugh after a stressful day or a cry just to feel something. An exceptional movie can even transcend a screen. Through watching the portrayal of stories that resonate with real human experiences, you might find a source of inspiration outside of your typical worldview.
“‘Rushmore’ … was probably the very first movie that inspired me to pursue filmmaking as a kid,” radio-television-film sophomore Cassia Cardenas said. “Being born in Houston, Texas, I never really thought of it as a backdrop or set of a movie.”
While movies can be a source of entertainment and a chance to wind down, they can also be incredibly transformative. Watching movies that span different cultures and eras can introduce you to diverse perspectives that may lead you to change your way of thinking.
“With different eras, you learn just what life was like,” said Philip Compton, radio-television-film senior and film editor. “It’s pretty much a time capsule … a beautiful transfer of culture that is so human.”
During difficult times, movies can allow us to forget about the state of the world. They unite people from all across the globe through a shared love for stories, transcending nations and borders. Although a film with an unfamiliar setting may not be trending, it has the power to make you more empathetic.
“They teach us the very nature of life, in that they are finite,” radio-television-film lecturer Casey Walker said. “They have a beginning, a middle and an end, and that’s just like our lives.”
Trending movies can be good, but don’t limit yourself. Skip your nightly scroll to give something out of your comfort zone a chance. Whether romance or thriller, it might leave you hooked long after the end credits stop rolling.
Sayed is a health and society sophomore from Frisco, Texas.
