Gen Z Media Makes a Comeback: December Review
December has been a major month for movies and TV shows, especially projects that seem clearly targeted toward Gen Z audiences. Many of the releases bring back fandoms people grew up with, mixing nostalgia with darker or more emotional stories. Altogether, this month clearly targets “the weird kids” who enjoy fantasy, horror, animation, and long-running series.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 premiered on Disney+ and airs weekly on Wednesdays, continuing the story of Percy and his friends as they face new challenges rooted in Greek mythology. The show is especially popular with Gen Z viewers who grew up reading the books. Its weekly release format has kept fans engaged and talking online throughout the month.
Stranger Things Season 5 was also released on Netflix as the final season of the series. Vol. 1 was released earlier in the month, and Vol. 2 was scheduled for Dec. 25, leading up to the finale on New Year’s. The show has been a major part of Gen Z culture since it first premiered, and this season focuses on resolving storylines that began in earlier seasons. Many fans are watching to see how the characters and mysteries finally come to an end.
“Some of the recent movies and shows are amazing and very story-driven, like Stranger Things, for example, being able to resolve loose ends from the beginning of the show, but on the other hand, there are movies that just feel like nothing they’re based on, like FNAF, making it seem like it’s for fans while just showing random references and expecting people to like a bad story because of them,” said junior Logan Rodriguez from Barbara Goleman Senior High school.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 was released in theaters as a sequel to the first film. The movie targets Gen Z audiences familiar with the video game franchise and its online fanbase. While some fans enjoy the horror elements and references, others feel that the movie relies too much on fan service rather than strong storytelling, which is a big turn-off.
Avatar: Fire and Ash was also released in theaters this December, three years after The Way of Water, continuing the Avatar movie series. The film focuses on large-scale action, intense visuals, and themes of conflict, making it appealing to younger audiences looking for a big cinematic experience during the holiday season. This ongoing series continues to connect audiences through its engaging storytelling.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants was released in theaters, bringing the long-running animated character back to the big screen. For many Gen Z viewers, SpongeBob is a major part of their childhood, and the movie leans into that nostalgia with familiar humor and characters. Compared to the darker releases this month, the film offers a more lighthearted option while still attracting older fans. This also came out alongside the SpongeBob meal at Burger King.
“They’re really cool, especially since some of them have been around since I was a little kid. The nostalgia makes me enjoy the movies more. Overall, the movies that have been coming out have been really great,” said sophomore Michael Caceres.
Overall, December’s releases show how entertainment continues to appeal to Gen Z by blending nostalgia with emotional storytelling and popular genres. This month’s lineup offered something that can surely bring back old memories and mixed opinions.
