DVDs Are Back: Gen Z Rediscovers Video Stores & Physical Media

Younger consumers are driving a resurgence in physical media, from bustling video stores to increased DVD and Blu-ray sales.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:21pm

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In an era dominated by streaming, a surprising trend is taking hold: the resurgence of physical media. From bustling video stores to increased sales of DVDs and Blu-rays, consumers, particularly younger generations, are rediscovering the tangible appeal of owning movies and TV shows. This isn't simply nostalgia; it's a deliberate shift driven by a desire for control, curation, and a deeper connection to film culture.

Why it matters

The revival of physical media represents a broader cultural shift towards valuing tangible ownership and curated experiences, in contrast to the ephemeral nature of streaming. This trend mirrors the resurgence of vinyl records, suggesting consumers are seeking more control and personal connection with their media consumption.

The details

While DVD sales have been declining for years, the rate of decline slowed significantly in 2025, dropping just 9% after steeper falls in previous years. This coincides with a growing interest among Gen Z and millennials in collecting physical copies. Consumers are increasingly frustrated with the limitations of streaming platforms, such as content disappearing without notice, the constant need for subscriptions, and the lack of ownership. The revival extends beyond mainstream releases, with boutique Blu-ray companies like the Criterion Collection experiencing significant growth, attributed to the enthusiasm of younger customers for physical formats.

  • In 2025, DVD sales declined by just 9%, a significant slowdown compared to previous years.
  • In January 2026, Vidiots in Los Angeles experienced its biggest month ever, renting an average of 170 movies daily and 500 titles in a single day.

The players

Aidan Gannon

A 24-year-old cinephile who has amassed a collection of 200 DVDs and Blu-rays, preferring to 'shop' his own library rather than endlessly scrolling through streaming services.

Lauren

A 31-year-old film enthusiast who prefers physical media because 'if something gets deleted off an online platform, I will still be able to watch it because I have a physical copy.'

Peter Becker

The President of the Criterion Collection, who notes that the company's significant year-over-year sales increases are attributed to the enthusiasm of younger customers for physical formats.

Ed Saxon

A producer who was 'shocked' to see his 1988 film, 'Married to the Mob,' receive a new Blu-ray release, highlighting the renewed demand for even less mainstream titles.

Bill Castle

The Director of Barnes & Noble's music and video section, who attributes the increase in DVD and Blu-ray sales to a desire for ownership and the convenience of having content readily available without relying on streaming services.

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What they’re saying

“If something gets deleted off an online platform, I will still be able to watch it because I have a physical copy.”

— Lauren, 31-year-old film enthusiast

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The resurgence of physical media, particularly among younger generations, represents a broader cultural shift towards valuing tangible ownership, curated experiences, and a deeper connection to film culture. This trend mirrors the recent revival of vinyl records, suggesting consumers are seeking more control and personal investment in their media consumption, in contrast to the ephemeral nature of streaming platforms.