Action movies, franchises, popcorn… What do young people expect from cinema today? Fascinating research answers it!

Although Un P’tit truc en plus is a hit this spring, a real phenomenon at the French box office, a new study looks at a part of society that is particularly desirable for the film industry: young people, right here 15-24 years old! These viewers are actually the future of cinemas and therefore it is essential to know what motivates them to watch a movie or not, to go to the cinemas.

A fascinating study by the National Cinematography Center (CNC) has just been released, which reviews many of the themes of the report.

“This research made it possible to question the practices but also the perceptions of 15-24 year olds about cinema and to identify motivations, obstacles and expectations. He highlighted the existence of six profiles in the young public, with a relationship with cinema and different levers to activate: Cinévores, Eclectics, Enthusiastic Neophytes, Constrained, Large Occasionals and Non-viewers.”, CNC explains in the preamble.

• Read the full study “Youth and Cinema”

The research is very dense and asks many questions. One aspect in particular attracts our attention, which in this case is related to the confrontation between American cinema and French cinema. The latter still suffers from prejudice.

A very important piece of American culture that anchors the imagination around cinema

The CNC points out in its research that there is “a very important American culture that anchors the imagination around cinema” and thus breaks down the theme:

– Caricature view of French cinema (= comedy) vs. American cinema (= action), in speeches, not necessarily in use

– French films that suffer in perception compared to US standards (strong cultural pressure)

– French know-how in comedy that remains popular, despite some weariness at times

– The variety and quality of French cinema is often unknown, even with negative preconceptions and the later discovery of other genres, accompanied by a sense of risk-taking (against American films with well-identified promises)

Cinema remains a “still popular” activity despite “more casual” theater attendance, the study found.

Strong complementarity between platforms and cinema

CNC develops the following three points:

– An ever-expanding competitive world and comprehensive consumption of content

– But in representations and uses, a strong complementarity between platforms and cinema

– Movie outings, which always lead to general pleasure and satisfaction, the vast majority want to return

Let’s celebrate this last figure, which is still encouraging after the Covid period: 85% of 15-24 year olds went to the cinema at least once in 2023. The French average (64%) and the highest for all age groups combined.