Survey Uncovers Real Reasons Men Watch Romantic Movies
A recent survey has shed light on the motivations behind why men watch romantic films, revealing that factors like sex, sleep, and phone scrolling play significant roles. Conducted on behalf of the Freeview channel Great Romance, the poll of 2,000 film fans highlights distinct differences between male and female viewers when it comes to enjoying romance movies together.
Key Findings from the Poll
The top three reasons cited by men for watching a romance film are feeling closer to their partner at 36%, wanting a quiet life to avoid arguments at 21%, and thinking it might lead to sex at 20%. Additionally, 20% of men said such films remind them of the magic of when they first met their partner, while 10% viewed it as a low-effort activity that still feels like bonding.
Among the less admitted motivations, 8% of men said watching romance films means I can fall asleep, and 4% admitted it means I can check my phone. The survey focused on heterosexual stories, as Great Romance's programming caters to this demographic, though the sexuality of participants was not explicitly indicated.
Differences Between Men and Women
Female viewers showed notable divergences in their responses. Only 15% of women cited an unwillingness to argue as a reason for watching romantic movies, and just 11% believed it might lead to sex. A higher proportion of women, 15% compared to 10% of men, said that while low effort, it still feels like bonding. Interestingly, more women than men, 11% versus 8%, cited the potential for sleeping during the movie as a lure.
Historical Context and Similar Studies
These findings align with a 2007 study by Kansas University psychology professor Richard Harris, which involved 250 men and women watching a romantic movie together and rating their enjoyment. While women averaged a score of around six out of seven, men rated the film a 4.8 on average. Harris noted that men also enjoyed the movies, and the choice to view them was often made jointly as a couple, not just by the woman.
Harris's research challenged stereotypes, revealing that fewer men than expected chose sex scenes as their preferred moments, with women often misguessing their partners' preferences. He emphasized that marketing to men could be beneficial for romantic films, as many male viewers do appreciate the genre.
Impact on Film Marketing and Titles
Since Harris's survey, films like Palm Springs, She's Out of My League, and Judd Apatow's works such as Knocked Up have attempted to cater to both genders. Actor Steve Carell recently commented that his 2011 film Crazy, Stupid, Love might have attracted more male viewers if it had kept its original title, The Wingman. He suggested that the buddy movie elements could have appealed to men, but the title may have deterred them due to embarrassment at the box office.
This survey underscores the complex dynamics of romantic movie viewership, suggesting that while motivations vary, there is a shared enjoyment across genders that filmmakers can leverage for broader appeal.
