Streaming and independent cinema continue to offer more opportunities for mature talent than traditional blockbuster studios.
: Despite high-profile successes, the majority of female characters remain in their 20s and 30s. Women over 60 are dramatically underrepresented, accounting for only 2% of major female characters in top-grossing films. Milftoon Grounded [v0.01]
: The number of women directing top 100 films fell for the second consecutive year in 2026, with only 11 women directing films on the 2025 Top 100 list—a drop of nearly half since 2023. 3. The Influence of Streaming and Independent Platforms Streaming and independent cinema continue to offer more
: In 2025, lead roles for women hit a seven-year low . Only 39 of the top 100 films featured female leads, down from 55 in 2024. down from 55 in 2024.