A 2026 report from the Geena Davis Institute found that women over 40 are twice as likely as men to have storylines focused strictly on physical aging.

: Older women are often still confined to "passive" roles characterized by illness or as "grandparents" without their own agency, though modern 2020s films are successfully challenging this. Romantic Disparity

: A 2025 study found that women aged 60 and older represent just 2% of all major female characters , compared to 8% for their male counterparts. San Diego State University Stereotypical Portrayals

The early days of cinema were surprisingly inclusive for women. Pioneers like Alice Guy-Blaché and Lois Weber were among the industry's first narrative directors, often addressing complex social and moral issues.

The visibility of mature women fluctuates significantly depending on the platform and year:

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the value and contributions of mature women in film and television. By providing more opportunities for women over 40 to take on leading roles and challenging traditional stereotypes, we can create a more inclusive and representative entertainment landscape that reflects the diversity and complexity of women's experiences.