Gen-Z, the generation born between theyears 1997 and 2012, is a group that grew up with social media, the internet, and technology. While it is hard to put a label on a group of people and categorize them based on their birth year, it is quite clear that the young adults and the teenagers of today do have some common features which can be distinguished from other generations like Millennials. Even if the internet and social media have a lot to do with how this Gen-Z has been carved, those are not the only elements that affected them.
Over the recent years, many filmmakers have attempted to transform these features to the screen and present films that tackle Gen-Zs. Some have succeeded in this challenge, while others have not. The following list of films has been able to present what the Gen-Z group is like. What is interesting about these films is that they differ from one another, in turn, capturing different elements of the Gen-Z.
15Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
A24’sBodies Bodies Bodiesis thebest satire of Gen-Z. The film heavily criticizes the negative attributes of the generation by bringing together a group of teenagers and one older man. The way in which the group criticizes each other for being insensitive by using buzzwords like “toxic”, “gaslight” and “offensive” can be seen as a nod towards the generation’s attempt at using these topics as an excuse, in turn, diminishing its meaning. We are also able to see how self-obsessed the group is and how they look down on Greg (Lee Pace) for being older.This horror takes you on one funny rideand concludes with the most absurd ending. In fact, the ending itself shows how the group, similar to the members of Gen-Z, has blasted something out of proportion, which ultimately killed the whole group except for two.
Related:How Scream and Bodies Bodies Bodies Explore and Criticize Different Generations
14The Hate U Give (2018)
Based on Angie Thomas’s novel of the same name,The Hate U Giveis a story about racism and how the young children of the black community are forced to witness the brutality of it all. The story follows Starr (Amandla Stenberg), who goes to a majority-white school and is seemingly leading a normal life until she witnesses her childhood best friend, Khalil (Algee Smith), get shot by the police. Following this, we see how Starr attempts to seek justice for Khalil’s murder. This is definitelya must-watch emotional storyon how racism and police brutality heavily affects the black community of Gen-Z.
13The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
This coming-of-age drama features Hailee Steinfeld as the protagonist, Nadine Franklin, who is struggling to cope with loneliness and the death of her father. Nadine’s life becomes even more tumultuous when she finds her best friend developing a relationship with her brother, of whom she is envious. This results in Nadine trying to find coping mechanisms, ultimately, developing bonds with different people including her high school teacher, Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson) who helps her out. The film ends with Nadine finally accepting her feelings and repairing her relationships with her brother, best friend, and mother. It is a perfect capture of the idea of loneliness and teenagehood of Gen-Z.
12Not Okay (2022)
Yet another satirical jab at Gen-Z,Not Okayfollows Danni, played by Zoey Deutch, as she pretends to be a victim of a terrorist attack. It all starts with Danni being bored with her normal, not-famous life and thus, creating a facade of herself on social media and posing as a tourist in Paris. However, everything takes a turn when the site she “posed” in front of was bombed and everyone assumed that Danni was a survivor of the attack. This leads her to gain immense sympathy and pity from social media users, in turn, turning her into a celebrity. She is contrasted with anactual survivor of a school shooting, Rowan(Mia Isaac). From the need forsocial media fameto using fake stories to garner sympathy, Danni is a great example of the dark side of Gen-Z.
11Do Revenge (2022)
As the title suggests, thisteen black comedyby Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is about the two protagonists “doing” revenge. With Maya Hawke taking over the role of Eleanor, we see her posing as a new student at an elite private school to take revenge on an old bully. Eleanor used to be Nora and was outed by Drea (Camila Mendes) at a Summer Camp. Thus, Eleanor pretends to be Drea’s friend to butcher her popularity. Thegames of revenge, fame, and trying to win different titles are all examples of how toxic the Gen-Z environment can be. We also find characters like Max (Austin Abrams) who attempt to come off as feminists and allies but are actually quite misogynistic.
Related:Do Revenge: How the Netflix Movie is Mean Girls for Gen Z
10Booksmart (2019)
This comedy film by Olivia Wildeexplores the theme of identity crisis and finding one’s self through the lenses of two high-school students, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein). The two are seen as “nerds” and, thus, are not very popular among their peers. As their high school days come to an end, Amy and Molly attempt to make the best use of the remaining time to enjoy their high school life. The journey takes them in different directions and allows them to explore their own identity while figuring out their own friendship.
9The Fallout (2021)
Anemotional rollercoaster,The Falloutfocuses on theissue of school shootingsand how it affects the survivors. With Jenna Ortega taking over the role of Vada and Maddie Ziegler portraying Mia, the film focuses on these two characters as they experience a school shooting. Following the incident, the two struggle to cope with its impact. The portrayal of trauma and pain makes the film a hard, but an absolutely necessary watch. It also reminds the viewers of the struggles the current generation has to face.
8To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Based on Jenny Han’s novel of the same name,To All The Boys I’ve Loved Beforeis the first film of a trilogy of teen rom-coms that focus on Lara Jean (Lana Condor), as she tries to navigate her love life during her teen years. The film is a beautiful reminder of young love and focuses on the many bonds Lara Jean develops over her high school years. The way in which the film places itself within the present day allows it to focus on the life of an everyday teenager.
7Eighth Grade (2018)
Eighth Gradeisa film by Bo Burnhamthat perfectly captures Gen-Z’s attempts at using social media as a scapegoat from reality. The story follows Kayla (Elsie Fisher), an eighth grader who uses YouTube to post motivational videos. However, the reality is that Kayla is struggling to be comfortable with herself and make friends. With an emphasis on issues like sexual harassment and forcefully asking for nudes, the film explores some dark sides of social media usage as well as its impact on teenagers. With a rating of99% on the Tomatometer, the film is a brilliant exploration of what it’s like to be a Gen-Z.
6Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
It is obvious thatTom Holland’s version of Spider-Manis Gen Z and this particular movie is a perfect portrayal of a Gen-Z superhero. With Peter Parker navigating his high school life while trying to develop his Spidey skills, we see that his Spider-Man is more infused with technology due to its connection to Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). From his persona to the life outside the Spider-Man suit, there are so many ways in which this film has placed itself within the present generation.
