Introduction
The superhero movie genre is as popular with men as it is with women. But do more men than women actually go to watch superhero movies? To understand who predominantly goes to superhero movies, one must understand the origin, popularity and audience of the movie. This short article will define and analyse superhero movies, provide data, contextualise it and provide opinions from experts.
What are Superhero Movies
At its core, a superhero movie is a film, usually produced by Marvel or DC, which portrays the tale of a superhero from the comic book universe. The cultural impact of superhero movies runs deep; it has changed the way comic books are seen, altered the way movies are made and shaped the way people look at the industry as a whole. Moreover, the genre is significant for another reason—it has enabled the emergence of franchises, wherein a single character exists in multiple films over time.
Popularity of the genre
Superhero movies have grown increasingly popular with each passing year, grossing billions of dollars in the box office and dominating the international entertainment industry. According to numbers gathered by The-Numbers, comic book adaptations have grossed over $17 billion around the world since 2016. This figure, which takes into account all superhero movies released from 2000-2019, is highly impressive and shows the widespread success of superhero movies.
Who Watches Superhero Movies?
It is estimated that around 65-70% of superhero moviegoers are male. This figure holds steady, regardless of age or location. For example, in China, around 73% of viewers were male, while 64% of viewers in the United States were male. As can be seen, the majority of superhero moviegoers are male, although it must be noted that women make up the remaining 30-35%. This shows that, while males may outnumber females at superhero movies, females are still an important part of the festival.
Experts’ Opinions
A number of experts have weighed in on the topic, providing their thoughts and opinions. According to Dr. Peter Dendle, a respected film scholar, the popularity of superhero movies can be attributed to their strong narrative and visual elements. He states: “Superhero movies are appealing to viewers because they have exciting visuals, engaging storylines and relatable characters. They also touch on important themes, such as justice and morality, that can resonate with audiences.”
Data Analysis and Insights
Over the years, data analysis has helped shed light on who watches superhero movies. While the gender split has been well established, analysis has also revealed that males prefer more action-packed movies such as Avengers: Endgame and Aquaman, while females prefer storylines that are more emotionally engaging. This gap in preferences is likely to drive the gender-based viewership of superhero movies, as men tend to be drawn to the spectacle of superheroes, while women tend to be drawn to the deeper storylines of the genre.
Internet Influence
The explosion of the internet has also had a profound impact on the appeal of superhero movies. With the advent of streaming services, the genre has become accessible to a much wider audience. Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime have enabled viewers to watch superhero movies from the comfort of their own home, thus boosting their viewership.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that men are more likely to go to superhero movies than women, though women make up an essential part of the audience. Moreover, the genre’s popularity has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to streaming services and its strong narrative and visual appeal. However, the gender gap in superhero movie preferences remains, and this is likely to remain a factor in attracting viewers.
History of Superheroes
Superheroes have existed in literature since the early-20th century, but they have often been characterized as male protagonists — Superman, Batman, and Spiderman, among others. The history of superheroes can be traced back to the origins of the medium, which was in comic books. Comic books gained immense popularity and, with it, the emergence of superheroes. This became the ultimate driving force behind superhero movies, as they provided an avenue by which to bring these characters to life.
Superhero Representation in Media
The superhero genre has also been praised for its representation of different genders, races, and sexual orientations. For decades, the genre has been dominated by male superheroes and it was only recently that female superheroes began to appear on the big screen. A shining example is Marvel’s Captain Marvel, which hit theaters in 2019. The movie marked a significant milestone for representation within the genre, and has opened up the door for an even more diverse cast of characters in the future.
Female Superhero Movies
A number of female-driven superhero movies have been released in the past few years, including Wonder Woman (2017) and Birds of Prey (2020). These movies have featured well-known female superheroes and they have been well-received by critics and audiences alike. Moreover, they have also drawn a large number of female viewers, signaling that the genre is equally appealing to both men and women.
Characters in Superhero Movies
Superhero movies are full of characters that are often times based on characters from existing comic book series. These characters are often heroes or anti-heroes and they typically possess superhuman skills or abilities. Superhero movies often feature charismatic leads and a variety of supporting characters that bring the story to life. These characters are often portrayed realistically, allowing viewers to identify with them and thus become more engaged with the story.
Representation of Superheroes in Pop Culture
The popularity of superhero movies has led to an increased representation of superheroes in popular culture. This includes clothing ranges, computer games, toys and other merchandise that is based on characters from existing superhero movies. The popularity of these products demonstrates the importance and influence of superheroes in modern culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that more men than women do go to superhero movies, though there is a growing representation of female superheroes in the genre. Moreover, streaming services have made the genre more accessible, and thus have contributed to its increasing popularity. Finally, superheroes have become prominent in popular culture and have transcended their comics origins, further cementing the genre’s place in modern culture.
