Blockbuster movies have always shown and shaped how gender roles change over time.
1930s-1950s: In the early days of movies, women mostly played traditional roles. For example, in 1950, female characters only had 30% of the speaking parts in the biggest films.
1960s-1970s: The feminist movement helped create more interesting female characters. Movies like "Wonder Woman" (1975) started to tell stories that showed women as strong and powerful.
1980s-1990s: Action heroes like Sigourney Weaver in "Alien" (1979) and Linda Hamilton in "Terminator 2" (1991) changed how people viewed women. During this time, women started to lead in the box office, making up 50% of the top-grossing films.
2000s-Present: More recent blockbusters, such as "Wonder Woman" (2017) and "Black Panther" (2018), have continued to challenge old stereotypes. They highlight diversity and strong female characters. In 2020, women directed 21% of the top-grossing films, showing that progress is still happening.
Blockbuster movies have always shown and shaped how gender roles change over time.
1930s-1950s: In the early days of movies, women mostly played traditional roles. For example, in 1950, female characters only had 30% of the speaking parts in the biggest films.
1960s-1970s: The feminist movement helped create more interesting female characters. Movies like "Wonder Woman" (1975) started to tell stories that showed women as strong and powerful.
1980s-1990s: Action heroes like Sigourney Weaver in "Alien" (1979) and Linda Hamilton in "Terminator 2" (1991) changed how people viewed women. During this time, women started to lead in the box office, making up 50% of the top-grossing films.
2000s-Present: More recent blockbusters, such as "Wonder Woman" (2017) and "Black Panther" (2018), have continued to challenge old stereotypes. They highlight diversity and strong female characters. In 2020, women directed 21% of the top-grossing films, showing that progress is still happening.