The Best Movies About Generation Z (So Far)

Based on the novel by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give deftly captures the raw emotions of a young black woman, Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), who stands up against racial injustice following the murder of her best friend by a police officer. Garnering widespread acclaim and applause, starring Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, and KJ Apa, the film resonates with the Gen Z's fight against systemic racism and amplifies the voice of a generation driving change. It's a powerful narrative that garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards like ALA's Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults.

Booksmart, a comedic narrative of two high-achieving female friends, played by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, rediscovering their teenage years on the last day of high school and finding the balance between fun and seriousness, is praised for its vibrant portrayal of Gen Z experiences. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the film is an empowering take on female friendship and the positive impact of self-awareness for a generation striving to define their identity. As a critical darling, Booksmart has gained a dedicated cult following and secured its place among contemporary coming-of-age classics.

The Edge of Seventeen, starring Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson, is a poignant coming-of-age film tackling the intricacies of growing up as a misunderstood teenager. Steinfeld's stellar performance, as the frustrated and troubled protagonist, seamlessly showcases the essence of Gen Z's frequent desire for acceptance and social affirmation while navigating various hardships. The film, lauded by critics, has earned numerous accolades and nominations, most notably a Golden Globe nomination for Steinfeld.

To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, the compelling sequel to the hit Netflix original film, reintroduces Lana Condor's Lara Jean as she navigates her newfound relationship with Noah Centineo's Peter, as well as the unexpected arrival of another former love interest, played by Jordan Fisher. Capturing the quintessential complications of Gen Z romance, the film thoughtfully delves into themes of trust, communication, and fidelity. Alongside its widespread popularity, the movie cements its place among the most cherished contemporary romantic classics for Gen Z viewers.

Spider-Man: Homecoming, directed by Jon Watts, brings a fresh perspective to the popular Marvel character, played charmingly by Tom Holland, while simultaneously addressing the anxieties and responsibilities that come with Gen Z superheroes. The film boasts a brilliant ensemble cast, including Zendaya, Michael Keaton, and Robert Downey Jr., which enhances the movie's appeal to younger and older viewers alike. Homecoming went on to achieve box-office success and captivated the audience with its ultimate ability to blend action-packed sequences and a genuinely relatable coming-of-age experience.

Spider-Man: Far From Home ventures into uncharted territory as the beloved teen superhero, played by Tom Holland, grapples with the aftermath of the preceding Avengers movie, itchy feet, and the yearning for a bit of normalcy in his life. Holland's performance captivates audiences with the very human depiction of a Gen Z superhero caught between personal challenges and saving the world. The movie's themes resonated deeply with audiences, becoming another box-office success for the franchise.