The number of films featuring a female lead or co-lead among the top 100 grossing movies dropped to a seven-year low of 39% in 2025, down from 55% in 2024.
Recent data from 2025 and early 2026 indicates a period of high volatility for women in leading roles. While 2024 saw a historic high, 2025 marked a significant regression.
Report: Mature Women in Entertainment and Cinema (2024–2026) mature german milf
Progress for women behind the camera, who are often in the mature stages of their careers, has also stalled or regressed. Beyond the Stereotypes: The Reality of Aging Women in Films
Women over 40 face a sharp decline in visibility. On broadcast programs, female representation in major roles plummets from 42% for women in their 30s to just 15% for those in their 40s. The number of films featuring a female lead
Only about 8 of the most popular films in 2024 featured a woman aged 45 or older in a leading or co-leading role. By 2025, not a single top-grossing film featured a woman of color aged 45+ in a leading role.
This report examines the current state of mature women (defined generally as those aged 40–50+) in the entertainment industry, analyzing on-screen representation, industry trends, and the persistent challenges of ageism and intersectionality. 1. Current State of On-Screen Representation Only about 8 of the most popular films
Research shows female characters 50+ are significantly more likely to be depicted in stereotypical ways than men of the same age. They are often shown as "frumpy," "sickly," or "physically inactive". 2. Industry Power and Behind-the-Scenes Influence