UK Study Finds 6 'Chris' Leads Beat 5 Women Over 60 in Top Films
Updated
Updated · Dark Horizons · May 26
UK Study Finds 6 'Chris' Leads Beat 5 Women Over 60 in Top Films
4 articles · Updated · Dark Horizons · May 26
A University of West London review of the 100 highest-grossing UK films from 2023 to 2025 found six had a male lead named Chris, while only five starred a woman over 60.
The study, produced for the Age Without Limits campaign, also found talking animals were four times more likely to lead a hit film than women in that age group.
Polling tied to the research showed 39% of women think too few films feature female leads over 60, while 16% of respondents said such casting would make them more likely to watch, versus 8% less likely.
Emma Thompson backed the campaign, saying older women are "compelling, relatable, and overdue for center stage" as advocates press the film industry to improve representation.
Why do hit films feature four times more talking animals than leading women over sixty?
Is the film industry leaving millions on the table by ignoring older female-led stories?
Outnumbered and Overlooked: Older Women Appear Less Than Talking Animals in UK Cinema
Overview
This report highlights the stark underrepresentation of older women in cinema, reflecting broader patterns of exclusion in society. Campaigners emphasize that the problem goes beyond the screen, as older women's input is often minimized and ignored across media, employment, and public life. Dr. Carole Easton points out that this is a structural issue, calling for a strong pushback against ageism, especially where it intersects with sexism. The report urges cultural gatekeepers to ensure that all stages of life are genuinely represented in the content people consume, advocating for more authentic and inclusive portrayals of older women.