I studied the data behind 10,524 films and more than four million audience reviews to see whether conversations about woke-adjacent themes correlate with box office outcomes.
The term “woke” is now divisive because it was co-opted and politicized by the far-right, much like other things, to their advantage, even though most people are unaware of its origins. In 1938, Lead Belly, a Blues musician, used the phrase “stay woke” in the song “Scottsboro Boys.” The song told the story of nine Black teenagers in Alabama falsely accused of rape. Lead Belly used a spoken word segment to tell listeners to “stay woke, keep your eyes open” — his plea for African Americans to remain vigilant against racial injustice while in Alabama.
Based on your analysis, films affected by a perceived political agenda are primarily big-budget productions, like superhero franchises and historical dramas, which are typically viewed and presented from the perspective of a straight, cisgender white male who often holds conservative political views. Analyzing the impact of “wokeness” on blockbuster movie profits is like asking fanboys if their heroes should represent ideals beyond their own perception of justice.
A key takeaway is that diverse films resonate, boosting box office success because viewers want stories mirroring their varied world. Studios view tent pole properties as less risky, but original IP has recently soared. According to Deadline, Warner Brothers is the first studio to earn $4 billion this year. Though A Minecraft Movie and Superman were big hits, the studio’s main success came from the creativity of Sinners, Weapons, and Mickey 17 alongside the horror franchises of The Conjuring and Final Destination.
Time has proven Hollywood can’t survive on a singular diet of big-budget superhero franchises. Like fanboys, I love superhero movies, though maybe not as much recently. Also, I’ve always wanted to see marginalized groups like myself in film. I, a movie buff, am allowed to enjoy both. From its inception, cinema aimed to deliver a message, political or otherwise. Movies, particularly the better ones, cause us to reflect, empathize, and connect, and this will be the case regardless of fabricated political trends.
I remember being so excited that the book series by Louise Penny was being made into a series. I felt so let down.
People who read the series truly connect with the characters.
Whoever wrote the TV script was so out of touch with this dynamic. They changed and messed up beloved characters and shoehorned in First Nations political messages with all the grace of a boar! Which wasn't present in the books even by a whiff. I didn't get past episode 2 before I had to quit. Didn't want to ruin my sweet memories of the books!!
This is how complexity should always be analyzed
Wow! Another great piece, Stephen! This has become my favorite thing to read online by far!
Fascinating piece Stephen - thanks as ever for sharing your thought provoking findings. 🙏
really insightful article, thanks Stephen!
The term “woke” is now divisive because it was co-opted and politicized by the far-right, much like other things, to their advantage, even though most people are unaware of its origins. In 1938, Lead Belly, a Blues musician, used the phrase “stay woke” in the song “Scottsboro Boys.” The song told the story of nine Black teenagers in Alabama falsely accused of rape. Lead Belly used a spoken word segment to tell listeners to “stay woke, keep your eyes open” — his plea for African Americans to remain vigilant against racial injustice while in Alabama.
Based on your analysis, films affected by a perceived political agenda are primarily big-budget productions, like superhero franchises and historical dramas, which are typically viewed and presented from the perspective of a straight, cisgender white male who often holds conservative political views. Analyzing the impact of “wokeness” on blockbuster movie profits is like asking fanboys if their heroes should represent ideals beyond their own perception of justice.
A key takeaway is that diverse films resonate, boosting box office success because viewers want stories mirroring their varied world. Studios view tent pole properties as less risky, but original IP has recently soared. According to Deadline, Warner Brothers is the first studio to earn $4 billion this year. Though A Minecraft Movie and Superman were big hits, the studio’s main success came from the creativity of Sinners, Weapons, and Mickey 17 alongside the horror franchises of The Conjuring and Final Destination.
Time has proven Hollywood can’t survive on a singular diet of big-budget superhero franchises. Like fanboys, I love superhero movies, though maybe not as much recently. Also, I’ve always wanted to see marginalized groups like myself in film. I, a movie buff, am allowed to enjoy both. From its inception, cinema aimed to deliver a message, political or otherwise. Movies, particularly the better ones, cause us to reflect, empathize, and connect, and this will be the case regardless of fabricated political trends.
Mickey 17 was a big bomb.
Agreed. While it didn't wow many critics, it made north of $100 million at the box office, and to studios every dollar counts.
I remember being so excited that the book series by Louise Penny was being made into a series. I felt so let down.
People who read the series truly connect with the characters.
Whoever wrote the TV script was so out of touch with this dynamic. They changed and messed up beloved characters and shoehorned in First Nations political messages with all the grace of a boar! Which wasn't present in the books even by a whiff. I didn't get past episode 2 before I had to quit. Didn't want to ruin my sweet memories of the books!!
How do you find the time to do all your research?
I enjoy it, so I kinda find the time. Not to say that's healthy, but it works!
I'm shocked that an article about woke movies didn't mention Barbie once. The wokest movie I'd ever seen.