Gen-Z are becoming hooked on foreign language films, with the number of 20 to 30-year-olds watching subtitled movies rising by a third
British twenty-somethings are becoming hooked on foreign language films, with numbers watching rising by a third.
By contrast over half of those in their mid to late-50s find them a turn off, research has found.
Just over 72 per cent of Gen-Z viewers – those born in the mid to late 1990s and 2010 – were happy to watch a subtitled movie.
They have grown up watching subtitled shows on streaming services like Netflix and also have become frustrated with 'formulaic' American blockbusters.
Recent Hollywood releases including The Stunt Man and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga have performed poorly at the box office. International films such as the Oscar-winning Parasite from Korea and Troll from Norway have proved popular with young people.
Gen-Z have grown up watching subtitled shows on streaming services like Netflix
The award-winning cast of Parasite pose with their trophies at the Screen Actor's Guild Awards in Los Angeles
The pandemic, which boosted numbers watching streaming services, also played a part.
Research for National Lottery operator, Allwyn, also found almost 40 per cent of 16-24 year olds said foreign films satisfied an 'increased interest in new cultures' which could surprise those who criticise Gen Z for being apathetic.
Pavel Turek, Allwyn global brand chief officer, said: 'It is great to see young people leading the way.'
The findings were revealed ahead of the Future Frames showcase of young European directors at the Czech Karlovy Vary film festival.