The Geena Davis Institute has unveiled a new study showing how menopause and aging are portrayed in the 100 top-grossing domestic films from 2009 to 2024 that prominently feature women ages 40 and older on screen.

Key findings in the study called, “Missing in action: Writing a new narrative for women in midlife on the big screen,” showed how menopause is nearly invisible: Of the 225 films prominently featuring a 40-plus female character released between 2009 and 2024, only 6% (or 14 films) mentioned menopause. These mentions were usually side comments. Only one film featured a prominent menopause storyline.

Furthermore, menopause was often used as a comedic device. When featured, it was used as a joke to explain women’s anger or mood swings, and even non-menopausal characters were assume

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