📰 Full Story
A UK anti-ageism analysis published this week found that the 100 highest-grossing films in the UK between 2023 and 2025 were more likely to feature a lead actor called “Chris” or a talking animal than a female lead aged over 60.
Researchers working with the Centre for Ageing Better’s Age Without Limits campaign and the University of West London reviewed box-office charts and found six top films led by a man named Chris (half of those featuring Chris Pratt) compared with five that starred a woman over 60.
The study also found talking animals were four times as likely as older women to headline a top-grossing movie.
Named examples of older-woman-led films in the top 100 include Allelujah, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, Book Club: The Next Chapter, The Substance and Freakier Friday; Chris-led titles included the Super Mario Bros and Guardians franchises, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and Transformers One.
A separate public poll of 4,000 people showed one in three believe there are too few films led by women over 60, with higher concern among women.
🔗 Based On
🤝 Social Media Insights
Social Summary
Readers say the study’s headline overstates the case because a blockbuster‑focused top‑100 sample is dominated by franchises and a handful of high‑profile actors named Chris; the debate reflects concerns over framing and a belief that commercial incentives, not publicity, drive casting choices.






💬 Commentary