By Madison Rosenfield
Every generation has its defining films—movies that capture the culture of a particular moment, shape personalities and identities, and resonate for years to come. For Gen Z, growing up in the digital era offered unprecedented access to information and entertainment and, thus, the chance to watch many movies—blockbusters and indie hits alike. While the list of must-watch favorites goes on and on, here are five movies that stand out as Gen Z classics (And don’t worry, we’ve also included some honorable mentions to consider the next time you’re scrolling through Netflix and can’t decide what to put on!):
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
More than just another Marvel movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse revolutionized animation with its comic book-inspired visuals and innovative, multiversal approach to storytelling. The film introduced protagonist Miles Morales, a biracial Afro-Latino teen from Brooklyn, as a new Spider-Man, offering diverse representation and a new take on a superhero we know and love. Its cultural impact, a killer soundtrack, and fresh animation style have made it an all-time Gen Z favorite.
Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, cemented itself as a Gen Z favorite from its release. Mixing psychological horror and comedy elements, Get Out descends into chaos as Chris, a young Black man, discovers shocking (to say the least) secrets about his girlfriend and her family. Featuring trippy visuals and freaky plotlines, the film explores themes of racism, trauma, relationships, and the appropriation of Black bodies.
Dope (2015)
This one might be more of a *cult* classic…but it’s still widely appreciated and well-worth a watch, especially if you’ve never seen it before! Coming-of-age film Dope is a clear standout, centering around the wild adventures of a group of nerdy L.A. high schoolers who inadvertently find themselves with a drug dealer’s stash of Ecstasy. Beyond the plot itself, the film’s soundtrack stands on its own, featuring Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets, Public Enemy, and more. It also stars Shameik Moore, was executive produced by Pharrell, and has cameos from some of hip-hop’s biggest names (including A$AP Rocky, Vince Staples, and Tyga!).
Dune (2021)
Obviously, a movie starring Timothée Chalamet had to feature on this list…it’s Gen Z we’re talking about, after all! Sci-fi movie Dune, a remake of the 1984 original and adaptation of the 1965 novel, hooked fans with its epic plot and striking cinematography. Despite its somewhat long runtime, many Gen Z-ers find it an instant classic—which makes sense considering how soon after they released Dune: Part Two.
Inside Out (2015)
This list wouldn’t be complete without a Pixar movie, and while so many have captivated Gen Z since childhood, Inside Out stands out among the rest. Besides the film’s heartwarming storyline and vibrant animation, it was released in 2015 (a good year for a big part of Gen Z to be able to enjoy it), maintained enough relevance for a sequel to come out almost a decade later, and the emotional aspect is just so relatable!
Some honorable mentions, in no particular order:
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Black Panther (2018)
21 Jump Street (2012)
Grown Ups (2010)
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
La La Land (2016)
Project X (2012)
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Baby Driver (2017)
Midsommar (2019)
The Hate U Give (2018)
Knives Out (2019)
Whiplash (2014)
The Hunger Games series (2012-2015)
Pitch Perfect (2012)
What do you think, did we miss any of your favorites?
