Audiences Prefer Original Movies Over Franchises, Study Suggests

Audiences Prefer Original Movies Over Franchises, Study Suggests

As a movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I find the results of this UCLA study truly fascinating. It seems that the younger generation, Gen Z, is not just interested in big-budget blockbusters but craves original storytelling and underdog tales that resonate with hope and uplifting content.


Despite the fact that blockbusters based on well-known intellectual properties have ruled cinemas for many years, it seems that viewers have a soft spot for independent, original films. A recent study carried out by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) questioned 1,500 individuals between the ages of 10 and 24 about their movie preferences and attitudes towards contemporary films. Despite box office earnings indicating that major franchises have a strong grip on theaters, this research indicates that most viewers lean towards original storytelling in theaters. In fact, around two-thirds (65%) of the participants expressed a preference for watching original movies over “franchises, adaptations, and remakes.”

A research conducted last year at UCLA looked into various subjects such as stereotypes, prevalent plotlines, and whether social media can be considered genuine. The findings indicated that stereotypes are strongly disfavored in films and television, even to the point where a villain portrayed by a person of color is not well-received. Although some results were unexpected, the study did validate that traditional underdog narratives continue to captivate audiences. Interestingly, the favorite theme among viewers in movies and TV is heartwarming, inspiring content that showcases people overcoming adversity. After all, who doesn’t love a good underdog tale?

Ever since social media first emerged, there’s been a lot of discussion about its legitimacy and significance. However, an intriguing study has unveiled some fascinating insights, particularly concerning Gen Z (individuals aged between 12-27). What stood out the most was their perspective on social media platforms – they view them as “genuine communication channels.”

Gen Z Want to See Less Sex in Movies & TV

Audiences Prefer Original Movies Over Franchises, Study SuggestsAudiences Prefer Original Movies Over Franchises, Study SuggestsAudiences Prefer Original Movies Over Franchises, Study SuggestsAudiences Prefer Original Movies Over Franchises, Study Suggests

Inspired by the controversy surrounding Jennifer Lawrence’s adult comedy “No Hard Feelings,” particularly a scene where she fights onlookers on a beach completely nude, I found myself pondering over the role of explicit content in storytelling. This specific scene sparked discussions about the necessity of nudity in the narrative, and it seems that many viewers share my curiosity. The study conducted by UCLA delved into this very topic, focusing on audiences’ perspectives towards sex on screen.

While the results may come as a shock to some, the study’s findings correlate with a report from May of this year about the quantity of sex on screen. Those who believe sex is “overused” in movies will rejoice to hear that sexual content in recently released films has decreased by nearly 40%. The study also found that close to 50% of all movies contain no sexual content at all. However, the study’s findings are a double-edged sword. While the frequency of sex in movies has decreased, its severity has drastically increased. Many modern movies surpass what was once permissable by Hollywood censors. The study cited the mature content in Saltburn, Poor Things, and May/December as key examples.

Read More

2024-08-31 16:31