Fandango Unveils Its 2026 Moviegoing Trends and Insights Study, Showing Generational Shifts Driving the Future of Theatrical

Fandango revealed the results of its annual Moviegoing Trends & Insights Study which highlighted the effects of generational differences

Latest study explores how Gen Z and millennials are leading the moviegoing journey, from premium formats and digital ticketing to concessions, discovery, and alternative content

NEW YORK, NEW YORK ( April 8, 2026 ) -

Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketing service, today revealed the results of its annual Moviegoing Trends & Insights Study, ahead of CinemaCon, Cinema United’s official convention taking place from April 13th – April 16th in Las Vegas. Surveying over 5,000 moviegoers, this year’s study highlights how generational differences are shaping the future of theatrical moviegoing, with Gen Z and Millennials not only attending movies more frequently but also spending more per trip and seeking out enhanced, experience-driven offerings that extend beyond the screen.

The study reveals clear distinctions in how different generations approach moviegoing. Gen Z is leading attendance growth and treating moviegoing as a social, premium experience, over-indexing on premium formats, digital ticketing, and pairing trips to the theater with dining and group outings. In contrast, Millennials approach moviegoing as a more planned and value-conscious purchase, balancing entertainment with budget considerations and family logistics, while leaning into nostalgia more than any other group.

“As the moviegoing landscape continues to evolve, understanding generational behaviors is critical to unlocking future growth,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “Gen Z and Millennials are redefining what it means to go to the movies by prioritizing premium experiences, social engagement, and new forms of content. Meeting them where they are isn’t optional, it’s essential to the future of theatrical moviegoing.”

Additional key findings from Fandango’s 2026 Moviegoing Trends & Insights Study:

  • Attending premium formats continues to rise, reaching 84% in 2025. IMAX remains the top choice overall, with Millennials favoring Dolby Cinema next and Gen Z showing stronger interest in 3D experiences.
  • 92% of moviegoers prefer to attend theaters with others. Gen Z attends with friends more than any other generation, and Millennials are most likely to attend with significant others or family.
  • Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to pair moviegoing with dining and drinks, reinforcing theaters as part of a broader social and entertainment experience.
  • Interest in alternative content is rising, with 89% of Gen Z and 83% of Millennials expressing interest in options like sporting events, concert films, re-releases, and TV premieres or finales.

    • The appetite for summer moviegoing remains strong, with 76% of all moviegoers surveyed planning to see a movie in theaters this summer. Summer 2026 is gearing up to make quite a splash with titles like “Toy Story 5,” “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “The Odyssey” and “Scary Movie (2026)” leading the top 10 most anticipated summer movies list, offering a nostalgic adventure for all audiences and all ages.

    The top 10 most anticipated summer movies are:

    1. “Toy Story 5”
    2. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”
    3. “The Devil Wears Prada 2”
    4. “The Odyssey”
    5. “Scary Movie (2026)”
    6. “Moana (2026)”
    7. “Minions & Monsters”
    8. “Mortal Kombat II”
    9. “Supergirl”
    10. “Sony/Blumhouse Insidious”

    The Complete 2026 Moviegoing Trends & Insights Study is available HERE.

    About Fandango
    Fandango digital network provides unrivaled, instant access to all things movies and TV, enhancing fan enjoyment across the entire entertainment journey. The portfolio serves more than 50 million unique visitors per month and includes leading online movie ticketer, Fandango, which tickets for 31,000 U.S. movie screens; world-renowned entertainment review site, Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home, the on-demand streaming service offering the industry’s best selection of 4K UHD titles and more than 300,000 new release and catalogue movies and next day TV shows.