A recent survey conducted in Moscow and across social networks managed by film channels of the Digital Television media explored perceptions of masculinity in popular foreign films. The study, carried out from February 9 to 20, gathered responses from 966 adults aged 18 to 65, offering a snapshot of how audiences in Russia perceive male-centric cinema and how those views align with or diverge from international perceptions.
Among the films cited as emblematic of masculine energy by women, Die Hard leads the list with eight of ten votes, followed by Terminator, Fight Club, Baba, and Rocky in the top five. The distribution suggests that female respondents associate traditional action and resilience-driven storytelling with strong masculinity, though the margins indicate a broader spectrum of appeal across genres within the category of foreign films.
Male respondents, meanwhile, identified Die Hard as the most masculine foreign film by a clear margin, with one in nine votes. Terminator, Commando, The Professional, and Saving Private Ryan also appeared prominently on their list, reflecting a leaning toward films that emphasize survival, tactical prowess, and high-stakes combat. The ranking demonstrates a different emphasis when men assess masculine traits in cinema, favoring action-oriented narratives and military or covert operations settings.
Interestingly, the survey reveals nuanced views about how masculinity is labeled by gender. While many women described certain titles as strongly masculine, others noted that some films resonate with male audiences even when female viewers also enjoy them. Conversely, some titles associated with male audiences were acknowledged by respondents of both sexes, illustrating the shared appeal of certain cinematic experiences beyond gender boundaries.
Several respondents commented on the surprises and inconsistencies in the results. A number of men expressed surprise that a film like Fight Club, often interpreted as a male-centric work, resonated with a broader audience. Others questioned whether certain directors or franchises were being overestimated in their association with masculine themes. These reflections highlight the variability in how viewers interpret character, plot, and on-screen action as indicators of masculine storytelling.
The survey contributes to a broader conversation about cultural perceptions of film and gender. It shows that audiences in Russia value action, resilience, and tactical savvy as markers of masculinity in cinema, while also recognizing the complex ways in which different genres and characters can carry those same attributes. The findings align with global conversations about how audiences interpret gendered storytelling, yet they also reveal distinctive local preferences and interpretations that shape how foreign films are received within the country. (Source: Moscow study, 2024–2025 snapshot)