Pop Culture and Social Interaction

• Blockbuster movies become major sources of the latest trends, merchandise items and even new words and expressions. The younger crowd, who usually has more time for fun and leisure, find it cool to be the first attendees to watch the latest movie releases, and even memorize some lines to discuss with their friends later.
  
  Apart from the entertainment the youth get from movie elements such as humor, drama, sex or violence, the movie scenes they enjoy can become temporary or permanent sources of inspiration for them. Becoming fans of certain movie characters often results in people imitating how the characters act or speak. Fans also typically buy movie memorabilia or even use the same wardrobe or costume when attending parties, cosplay events or even school affairs.
  
  

Movie Genres, Self-Image and Aspirations

• The young movie viewers' interests are usually associated with the movie genre they prefer. Attachment to a genre like action, horror, drama or fantasy often reflects how they project themselves to the public. For instance, someone who finds interest in vampire movies may prefer to wear gothic clothing as a form of self-expression. Others don't necessarily show their attachment to a movie genre or subgenre physically, but their dreams or aspirations may become greatly influenced by their favorite movies or genres. Someone who loves dance movies may enter dance lessons. Someone who enjoys military movies may end up dreaming of becoming a military service member.
  
  

Movie Star Influence

• When teens turn to celebrity icons to look up to, most teens usually find them through the movies they watch. They may also follow the fashion sense or even the specific hobbies and interests of these celebrities who tend to become role models for them. The impact of these stars, however, is not always positive for the teens, especially if the celebrities are not living healthy lives or if they tend to break the law as part of their daily routine. Some teens turn out to suffer from eating disorders or end up becoming smokers or alcoholics because of the influences of movies they watch and the stars they adore.
  
  

Leisure and Entertainment

• Watching movies is a form of leisure and entertainment for the general public. It is a bonding activity for families and friends, especially during the weekends and holidays. Both young and old couples usually enjoy going on dates to the movies as well. For teens, watching their favorite stars or finding ways to relate themselves to the stories that touch them on the big screen also become leisurely ways to spend their free times. While most teens prefer watching blockbuster movies featuring big stars, there are also those who are interested in watching independent movies, which usually showcase topics that are more relevant or themes with social relevance.