7 Famous Movies That Gave Gen Z Permanent Anxiety

In the early 21st century, Generation Z has encountered an extraordinary assortment of global occurrences and advancements. From coping with a pandemic to observing trends, technological breakthroughs, and political upheavals, these individuals, commonly known as Zoomers, have lived through a myriad of experiences. This also encompasses movies, numerous of which mirror the world and the times in an unsettling manner, particularly within the horror genre. This genre frequently explores deeper societal concerns and questions in ways that are often grim or disturbing, reflecting the anxieties of the era.

For Generation Z, the 21st century has delivered a significant number of horror films that have left them unsettled and terrified. Not only have some of these movies become major box office successes, but they’ve also pushed the boundaries between horror, psychological thrillers, and other genres, creating enduring classics that have given Gen Z an ongoing case of the chills. Here are seven films from the 21st century that have left a lasting impact on this generation.

Paranormal Activity (2009)

2009 brought a significant leap for the popular trend of found-footage horror movies, marked by the unexpected success of “Paranormal Activity”. This movie follows a young couple, Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, who encounter strange hauntings during their nights. In an attempt to investigate these supernatural occurrences, Micah sets up a camera. With a production budget of merely $15,000 and the entire story unfolding within their house, “Paranormal Activity” effectively utilizes its limited resources to amplify fear through the skillful handling of found-footage scares by director Oren Peli.

I was thoroughly captivated by how Paranormal Activity subtly escalated the sinister presence of the demonic entity. The ominous sounds in the night grew more intense, culminating in doors slamming shut and Katie being mysteriously pulled from her bed. The movie’s climax, influenced by Steven Spielberg, intensified the terror to its peak, although the final scene, while divisive among viewers, undeniably sent chills down the spine of many. The film’s fear-inducing scenes garnered it widespread acclaim and box office success in 2009. This breakthrough catapulted the Paranormal Activity series to fame and sparked a trend for found footage horror films that lasted for years. It continues to be a beloved choice for Halloween found footage enthusiasts today.

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

In contrast to the initial 2013 film “The Purge“, where society’s rules are suspended, even allowing for murder, its sequel from 2014 titled “The Purge: Anarchy” truly demonstrated the potential of this concept as a horror movie backdrop. The story unfolds in a dystopian future following America’s transformation by the New Founding Fathers of America, and it centers around various characters who find themselves stranded outdoors on Purge Night in downtown Los Angeles. As mayhem ensues for 12 hours, this group must navigate through the chaos to survive, finding unexpected protection from Leon Barnes (played by Frank Grillo), a mysterious figure with his own personal matters to address during Purge Night.

In “The Purge: Anarchy,” the narrative significantly broadens the confines of the Purge Night, previously depicted in its prequel as a home invasion thriller, to present a suspenseful account of characters desperately evading the violent turmoil erupting beyond their immediate surroundings. The film also introduces shades of complexity to its political commentary and satire through Leo Barnes’ vengeance quest, which is driven by deeply relatable human suffering and grief. The “Purge” series effectively immerses its viewers in the chaotic atmosphere of a night when lawlessness prevails, and “The Purge: Anarchy” is widely regarded as one of its most compelling entries, as well as the film that truly ignited the success of the “Purge” franchise.

Midsommar (2019)

In terms of art house horror films, A24 has earned its reputation, and Ari Aster’s “Midsommar” stands out as one of their most successful works in unsettling viewers. The movie chronicles college student Dani (Florence Pugh), who joins her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) on a trip to a Swedish village for his friends’ Masters Thesis project, which is supposed to be an ordinary summer getaway. However, as the group immerses themselves in the community’s midsummer festivities, a string of progressively strange occurrences hint that this is no ordinary vacation – it’s something much more unsettling.

Set amidst constant, dazzling summer sunlight and captivating Scandinavian landscapes, “Midsommear” subtly unfolds as a group of strangers discover they’ve stumbled upon a cult preparing for a sacrificial rite. Although the film is replete with grim deaths and disquieting visuals, its true power lies in the unravelling of Dani and Christian’s relationship, which reaches its breaking point in the most harrowing circumstances possible. The climax of “Midsommar” serves as the most chilling depiction of a break-up ever filmed, with Florence Pugh’s portrayal of the tormented and devastated Dani elevating the movie to a modern horror masterpiece.

Joker (2019)

Todd Phillips’ film “Joker” presents an innovative backstory for the infamous villain, The Clown Prince of Crime, through the character of Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. As a clown-for-hire in Gotham City, Arthur is often mistreated by his fellow city dwellers. A turning point comes when he defends himself against subway attackers, unknowingly igniting a widespread rebellion among the oppressed citizens of Gotham who find inspiration in him. Despite pre-release concerns that it might promote mass violence, “Joker” has become a cultural sensation, with Phoenix’s portrayal of Fleck also garnering significant acclaim.

In the movie “Joker”, many viewers recognized a portrayal of a divided society much like our own, with Arthur Fleck’s transformation into a violent villain serving as a warning about the risks of neglecting those who are most vulnerable. Fleck doesn’t fully embody the Joker until later in the film, and his chilling interview with talk show host Murray Franklin (played by Robert De Niro) signifies a descent into madness. The potential failure of the 2024 sequel “Joker: Folie a Deux” might indicate that “Joker” was a unique instance of powerful social commentary, much like lightning in a bottle.

The Lighthouse (2019)

2019’s “The Lighthouse,” directed by Robert Eggers for the second time, pairs up Robert Pattinson as Ephraim Winslow, a new lighthouse keeper, with the enigmatic and eccentric Thomas Wake, played by Willem Dafoe. In this predominantly two-character narrative, “The Lighthouse” delves into a suspenseful exploration of isolation as Winslow becomes increasingly influenced by Wake’s peculiarities, all while feeling the grip of cabin fever due to being confined with such an unusual companion. When a storm forces Winslow to remain longer in the lighthouse with Wake, his mental state deteriorates further, plagued by hallucinations of a mystifying mermaid.

In “The Lighthouse,” both Pattinson and Dafoe deliver intense performances, portraying characters Winslow and Wake who gradually become more unstable. The film’s black-and-white cinematography creates an eerie, enigmatic atmosphere that surrounds the story of these two main characters. As for “The Lighthouse,” it concludes with a troubling yet ambiguous ending, paving the way for Robert Eggers’ thriving directing career.

Terrifier 2 (2022)

In contrast to establishing Art the Clown as a terrifying clown figure through the 2016 cult horror hit Terrifier, the 2022 sequel, also known as Terrifier 2, solidified his status as a legendary slasher movie antagonist. The story unfolds after the initial Terrifier, focusing on Art the Clown (David Howard Thorton) embarking on yet another murderous rampage during Halloween night. Pursued by the young protagonists, Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera), and her brother Jonathan (Elliott Fullam), Terrifier 2 is renowned for its extreme levels of bloodshed and violence. Moreover, Art’s enjoyment of torturing his victims adds an unsettling layer to the already disturbing film experience.

Art’s gruesome murders, such as the infamous bedroom scene from “Terrifier 2,” and an unfortunate boyfriend who experienced a brutal dismemberment, stand out. At 138 minutes, “Terrifier 2” is slightly longer than necessary, making the climactic fight in an abandoned amusement park a bit tiresome (the original “Terrifier,” a mere 85 minutes long, feels like a leisurely stroll). Nevertheless, it sparked what is now considered the leading slasher film series in Hollywood. The success of “Terrifier 2” brought Art the Clown back for the holiday season in “Terrifier 3” in 2024, with future appearances planned in “Terrifier 4.

Smile 2 (2024)

In the 2022 horror sensation, titled “Smile“, a fresh mythology surrounding a malevolent spirit was introduced that drove its victims to madness before moving on to another. The upcoming sequel, “Smile 2“, not only builds upon this solid foundation but also enhances it further. In the sequel, pop sensation Skye Riley (portrayed by Naomi Scott), is preparing for a comeback tour after a harrowing car accident and stint in rehab. However, her life takes a dark turn when she witnesses the death of the spirit’s latest victim, leading to Skye being tormented by a sinister entity that manifests as a smiling demon, ultimately causing her mental collapse. The original “Smile” director, Parker Finn, returns for the sequel to deliver a chilling supernatural horror experience alongside a poignant narrative about a star’s tragic descent into darkness.

Naomi Scott delivers a captivating portrayal of Skye Riley, a young woman grappling with the weight of success she’s worked hard for and struggling due to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Despite not being haunted, Skye finds herself in a challenging predicament as her handlers push her back into the limelight when it’s evident she’s not yet ready. The sequel, Smile 2, concludes with a jaw-dropping twist that foreshadows the ominous return of the entity in Smile 3, promising catastrophic consequences on an apocalyptic scale. This return is rooted in the chilling smile, which serves as the terrifying signature symbol for the Smile series.

2025-01-10 19:10