: A recent surge in "age-gap" films—like Nicole Kidman in Babygirl , Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You , and Demi Moore in The Substance —portrays older women in romantic or sexual contexts that were previously taboo.
: Outside of these "vixen" roles, women over 50 are four times more likely than men to be depicted as "senile, feeble, or frumpy".
If you're looking for authentic or boundary-pushing portrayals, these recent titles are worth a watch: Older Women Are Finally Being Represented In Hollywood milfs naked
While mature women in entertainment and cinema have seen some record-breaking highs recently, a deeper look reveals that "making it" in Hollywood still comes with a steep "age tax" for women that men simply don't pay. In 2024, representation for women in lead roles hit a historic high of 54% among top-grossing films, but this progress is fragile. By 2025, that number plummeted to 39% —the lowest in seven years. The State of the Industry
: Women aged 60 and older are almost entirely invisible, accounting for just 2% to 4% of major roles . : A recent surge in "age-gap" films—like Nicole
“As a female actor in my mid 50s I've never felt more invisible, neither have I felt angrier. There are few parts out there for women my age... it simply feels like it's getting worse.” The Conversation · 4 years ago Recommended Watches (2024–2025)
: While 41% of major female characters on TV are in their 30s, that number drops to just 16% once they reach their 40s. In contrast, the majority of male characters are consistently cast in their 30s and 40s . In 2024, representation for women in lead roles
The current landscape is a mix of high-profile "exception" wins and a persistent, systemic "cliff" that many women hit once they turn 40.