Violence Depicted in Superhero-Based Films Stratified by Protagonist/Antagonist and Gender

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe and quantify acts of violence depicted in a select number of superhero-based films, further stratified by protagonist/antagonist characters and gender. A total of 10 superhero-based films released in 2015-2016 were analyzed by five independent reviewers. The average number of acts of violence associated with protagonist and antagonist characters for all included films was 22.7 and 17.5 mean events per hour, respectively (p=0.019). The average number of acts of violence associated with male and female characters for all included films was 33.4 and 6.5 mean events per hour, respectively (p<0.001). The most common acts of violence for all major characters were "fighting", "use of a lethal weapon", "bullying/intimidation/torture", "destruction of property", and "murder" (14.9, 11.4, 3.5, 3.4, and 2.4 mean events per hour, respectively). Based on our sample of superhero-based films, acts of violence were associated more with protagonist characters and male characters.

With great power comes great responsibility: A content analysis of masculinity themes in superhero movies.

“…Our finding that superheroes and villains did not significantly differ in the rates of violence portrayed is particularly troubling, given that violence was one the most common themes reported for both the superheroes and villains. These results parallel previous research reporting high levels of violence by male superheroes (e.g., Baker & Raney, 2007; Bauer et al, 2017) but contradict a study that found higher instances of violence in superheroes compared to villains (Muller et al, 2020). While our current analysis did not measure the effects of viewing the films, past research has found that exposure to superhero programming is associated with higher levels of weapon play in children (Coyne et al, 2014) and the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a warning regarding exposure to violent media (Council on Communications and Media, 2009).…”

“…Additionally, endorsement of traditional masculine norms in emerging adult men is associated with childhood superhero identification (Roberts et al, 2021). Whereas, past research documents the prevalence of messages regarding masculinities in superhero programming (Baker & Raney, 2007; Burch & Johnsen, 2020; Miller et al, 2016), this research focuses primarily on the male superhero, who is altruistic and likable (Muller et al, 2020). Superheroes may promote resilience (Fradkin et al, 2016) or prosocial behaviors (Rosenberg et al, 2013), and it is often believed that superhero violence is acceptable or justified in order to achieve the greater good (Kort-Butler, 2012).…”

Themes in Superhero-Based Television Shows: An Opportunity for the Development of Children and Adolescents Through Co-Viewing and Active Mediation

“…In stark contrast, Superman of today can be seen in the film Man of Steel violently ending his epic battle against his adversary, General Zod by gruesomely snapping his neck, which seemed reflective of the darker and more violent nature of superhero cinema in the modern era. Research presented at the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition reported that, contrary to the popular belief, protagonists ("good guys") performed more acts of violence in their sample of superhero-based films compared with antagonists ("bad guys") [9]. An increase in violence is not only true for superhero-based films.…”

Superheroes, resilience and COVID-19

“…The list goes on: Catwoman, Luke Skywalker, Jessica Jones… There are few superheroes who do not rise from an humble or disadvantaged origin. In fact, approximately 50% had one parent murdered, 85% are orphans or have been abandoned and 29% had suffered from bullying (1,2).…”

“…Resilience in superheroes often help them develop into what they are, and they are usually depicted as good and altruistic people. Some of this heroes may represent role models for children and youngers, which may promote resilience, especially in vulnerable children (1,2).…”