Boo who? Gen Z loves horror because real life has scared them plenty
Boo who? Gen Z loves horror because real life has scared them plenty
The Generation Z Horror Phenomenon
Boo who Gen Z loves horror – Gen Z, the generation born roughly between 1997 and 2012, has faced a unique blend of existential challenges. From economic instability to school shootings and global pandemics, their reality has been shaped by a relentless series of crises. These experiences have influenced their cultural preferences, particularly their affinity for horror films. Two recent releases, “Obsession” and “Backrooms,” have captured the attention of Gen Z audiences, reflecting how the genre has evolved to mirror their anxieties and aspirations. According to Lauren Cook, a therapist and author of “Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide for Staying Afloat in Uncertain Times,” the horror genre has shifted to align with the darker themes of Gen Z’s lived experiences. “The genre of horror has kind of shifted with Gen Z, where it’s exploring some darker real life concepts sometimes rather than just the gore and things like that,” she explained. This evolution suggests that Gen Z’s horror consumption is not merely about fear but about finding resonance in stories that echo their own struggles.
Themes That Resonate
“Obsession,” directed by 26-year-old YouTuber Curry Baker, exemplifies this trend. While the film includes elements of gore—such as the bloodshed in its plot about a man’s unrequited love for a woman—its deeper themes connect with Gen Z’s social consciousness. The narrative delves into red pill culture, a concept that frames men as victims of a systemically biased society, advocating for the rejection of feminism and a return to traditional values. This theme resonates with a generation that has grappled with identity politics and shifting societal norms. Similarly, “Backrooms,” helmed by Gen Z filmmaker Kane Parsons, is a psychological horror film that explores isolation and trauma. Inspired by Parsons’ YouTube series, the movie mirrors the introspective nature of Gen Z’s experiences, particularly their sense of being trapped in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s performance as a furniture store owner descending into his own darkness underscores the genre’s ability to translate personal struggles into universal narratives.
“Gen Z enjoys the honesty that horror can bring. It’s not trying to sugarcoat things,” Cook added. “They can sit with that morbidity a little bit more than maybe previous generations have, where they want to plaster things and put a smile on it and I think that’s actually a strength.”
These films are part of a broader pattern. Kaitlyn Ruano, a 23-year-old high school teacher and film analyst who runs The Drama Drive-In, noted that horror has become a reflection of Gen Z’s focus on social issues. “Moving into the 2000s, we had horror that almost seems more like action based. That’s where we had all the zombie movies and, in my opinion, I think it’s really reflective of the war on terror in America’s kind of militaristic environment there,” she said. Ruano highlighted that each generation seems to have its own horror subgenre, from the slashers of the 1970s to the “Satanic panic”-inspired films of the 1980s and 1990s. However, Gen Z’s horror preferences are distinct, rooted in their experiences with climate disasters, active shooter drills, and the upheaval of the 2008 financial crisis. These events have created a backdrop of uncertainty, making horror a genre that feels both relevant and cathartic for them.
Data That Speaks Volumes
The popularity of horror among Gen Z is backed by concrete numbers. A report from market research firm Statista revealed that 91% of Gen Z consumers watch horror movies or TV shows, surpassing all other age groups. Cathy Boxall, global head of entertainment at advertising agency Dentsu, referenced this study in a recent analysis, calling it “the highest share of any generation.” The data shows that horror is the third most favored genre for Gen Z, following comedy and action. What’s more, the genre’s share of North American ticket sales has grown significantly, jumping from 4% a decade ago to 17% today. This surge indicates that Gen Z is not only engaging with horror but also driving its commercial success.
Studios are capitalizing on this trend. A24, the production company behind “Backrooms,” reported that the film, directed by Kane Parsons, became the youngest filmmaker in Hollywood history to achieve a No. 1 box office opening. Gen Z’s support helped the movie gross $80 million in North America and $120 million globally during its debut weekend. This success is emblematic of a larger shift in the film industry, where Gen Z’s preferences are reshaping market dynamics. “Obsession,” produced by Focus Features and Blumhouse Productions, also found its place in the top two films of the weekend, amassing nearly $150 million since its release on May 15. The film’s low production budget—around $750,000—contrasts sharply with its massive returns, underscoring the power of Gen Z’s collective interest in horror.
Why Horror Connects
Gen Z’s embrace of horror is not accidental. It reflects their ability to confront reality without flinching. Unlike earlier generations that might have preferred escapism, this cohort has grown up in a world where danger is often normalized. The 2008 financial crisis, for instance, introduced economic anxiety to their formative years, while climate catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina and the pandemic have amplified their sense of vulnerability. These factors have made horror a genre that feels both familiar and transformative. As Ruano put it, “Horror is their third-favorite genre after comedy and action, and the numbers are accelerating: scary movies now account for 17% of North American ticket purchases, up from just 4% a decade ago.” This growth is not just a statistic—it’s a cultural signpost.
For Gen Z, horror offers a space to process their fears. It allows them to explore themes of isolation, trauma, and systemic inequality through a lens that is both personal and universal. The genre’s ability to blend the visceral with the philosophical has made it a powerful medium for storytelling. Whether it’s a psychological thriller about inner demons or a supernatural tale of unrequited love, Gen Z finds meaning in these narratives. The success of films like “Backrooms” and “Obsession” demonstrates that the industry is finally catching up to their unique perspective. As Cook emphasized, this generation’s resilience in the face of adversity is a strength that horror helps them channel. Their love for the genre is not just about thrills—it’s about validation, connection, and a shared sense of navigating a world that feels increasingly surreal.
Looking ahead, the influence of Gen Z on horror may continue to redefine the genre. Their preference for stories that mirror their real-life struggles suggests a future where horror becomes even more introspective and socially charged. As Hollywood adapts to this demand, the genre may evolve further, offering new narratives that speak to the complexities of a generation defined by both resilience and uncertainty. The numbers, the quotes, and the box office triumphs all point to one truth: Gen Z is not just watching horror—they are shaping it.
