Films directed by women drop to seven-year low in 2025, study finds

A recent industry report shows a troubling decline in the number of major films directed by women in 2025, with representation falling to its lowest point in seven years.

According to the annual study from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, women directors were behind only nine of the 100 top-grossing films of the year, accounting for roughly 8.1% of the total, a significant drop from the previous year’s figures.

The report underscores that progress for women behind the camera has been uneven, with the latest data reversing gains seen in recent years. In 2024, women made up 13.4 percent of directors on the top 100 films, compared with just 4.5 percent in 2018, making the downturn in 2025 especially notable.

Dr. Stacey L. Smith, founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, noted that the new data suggests progress has been “fleeting,” and that industry decision-making plays a major role in shaping who gets opportunities to direct major studio projects.

Many of the movies counted in the 2025 study were greenlit and put into production years earlier, meaning decisions made before recent shifts in diversity, equity and inclusion policies are still influencing outcomes today.

The findings arrive amid broader discussions about gender equity in film, both in the United States and internationally. Studies from other markets have also pointed to declining representation of women behind the camera, illustrating that the challenge of achieving meaningful parity is widespread and persistent.

Industry advocates argue that the downward trend in female directors not only limits opportunities for talented filmmakers but also narrows the diversity of stories presented to audiences. While women have historically been underrepresented in directing roles, many had hoped the gains of recent years would signal lasting change.

This year’s report, however, serves as a stark reminder that sustained effort is still needed to create equitable pathways for women in filmmaking.

The study also draws attention to the broader context of inclusion in Hollywood, where gender disparities have been well-documented across both on-screen and off-screen roles, indicating ongoing challenges in translating awareness into consistent industry practice.