Plot Twist: DVDs Are Making a Comeback, Thanks to Gen Z

Plot Twist: DVDs Are Making a Comeback, Thanks to Gen Z

Is physical media finally making a comeback? According to new data, Gen Z is certainly making a case for it. Barnes & Noble, one of the few remaining chain retailers still dedicating real in-store space to DVDs and Blu-rays, says those sales have increased over the last year. “We see across all of our platforms, books, vinyl, everything, is way up for us. People want to own things and build libraries,” said Bill Castle, the director of B&N’s mus…

DVD Sales Decline Slows Sharply as Gen Z Discovers the Appeal of Physical Media

DVD and Blu-ray sales have been in freefall for years, but the decline is slowing considerably as Gen Z buyers turn to physical media and drive a measurable uptick at video rental stores and retailers across the U.S. Overall disc sales fell just 9% last year after dropping more than 20% in both 2023 and 2024, according to the Digital Entertainment Group, and U.S. consumers spent 12% more on 4K UHD Blu-rays in 2025 than the prior year. The Criter…