Gen Z’s DVD Revival: Why Physical Media Is Making a Comeback
By Lila Roberts, Entertainment Editor
February 23, 2026
In an era dominated by streaming services, a surprising trend is taking hold: Gen Z is embracing DVDs and Blu-rays. What was once considered a relic of the past is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by frustrations with the current streaming landscape and a desire for a more tangible connection to film.
The Decline Slows, Then Reverses
For years, physical media sales have been in decline. In 2023 and 2024, sales dropped by over 20% annually. However, 2025 saw a significant shift, with the decline slowing to just 9%, according to the Digital Entertainment Group. This marks a dramatic change in a shrinking market and signals a growing interest in owning physical copies of films.
Why the Comeback?
Several factors are driving this unexpected revival. A primary reason is “subscription fatigue,” as young consumers find themselves overwhelmed by the number of streaming services required to access the content they desire. As one 27-year-classic told The Los Angeles Times, “At this point, I’m forced to have six different subscriptions, which is insane, and I still can’t find what I want to watch.”
Beyond cost and convenience, a sense of ownership and control is also appealing to Gen Z. “I want something I can put on my shelf,” said Aidan Gannon, a 24-year-old collector who owns 200 discs. “I can go shopping in my closet and grab something and pop it in, instead of spending an hour scrolling through Netflix.” This desire to own media, rather than simply rent access to it, is a key driver of the trend.
The appeal extends to a sense of cultural rebellion and a desire to support film preservation. As another consumer noted, owning physical media ensures access to films even if they are removed from streaming platforms due to studio decisions. “If something gets deleted off an online platform, I will still be able to watch it because I have a physical copy,” said Lauren, 31.
Video Stores See a Resurgence
The renewed interest in physical media is benefiting independent video stores. Vidiots in Eagle Rock, California, reported its biggest month ever in January 2026, renting an average of 170 movies daily and 500 titles in a single day. Rental numbers have doubled since the store opened in 2023, rising from 22,000 discs loaned to around 50,000 in a year. Similar trends are being seen at Vidéothèque in Highland Park and Cinefile on the Westside.
Cinefile, founded in 1999, has seen its membership grow from roughly 300 post-COVID to around 500 today, with a noticeable influx of college students. The store reports increased interest in films from directors like David Lynch and David Cronenberg, as well as titles from A24.
Boutique Blu-ray Companies Thrive
The Criterion Collection, a leading independent home-video seller specializing in classic and contemporary films, is also experiencing significant year-over-year sales increases. Criterion President Peter Becker attributes this growth to young customers’ enthusiasm for physical formats and the desire for curated collections.
Barnes & Noble Joins the Trend
Even major retailers are taking notice. Barnes & Noble, one of the last major chains selling movie discs, has seen sales of DVDs and Blu-rays increase by “mid-double digits” in the last year, with demographics skewing toward younger shoppers. Bill Castle, director of B&N’s music and video section, notes that people “want to own things and build libraries.”
The Future of Physical Media
While physical media is unlikely to return to its former dominance, its resurgence demonstrates a desire for alternatives to the streaming-only model. As Ed Saxon, producer and chair of USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program, suggests, collecting and renting DVDs is a way “to be able to slow down and get off this hedonic treadmill of ‘where’s my next stimulus coming from.’” The renewed interest in physical media isn’t necessarily about competing with streaming, but rather “correcting for the context and commitment.”