Mandalay Del Barco

As NPR's Mandalay Delbarco reports, it found the biggest growth was with moviegoers in Generation Z. Cinema United reports that the number of habitual moviegoers, those who watch films in theaters at least six times a year, is on the upswing.

Leading the way are those aged 13 to 28, says the group's president and CEO, Michael O'Leary.

He says Gen Z audiences went to cinemas 25 percent more this year than last.

He says particularly for younger people, watching movies in theaters is a break from cell phones, social media, and other digital inundation.

The report comes at a time when cinephiles worry about the future of movie theaters in this streaming age.

Mandelit Del Barco, NPR News.