Poll finds Bond and Rambo still outshine superheroes among British audiences
A poll has found that British audiences prefer classic action heroes like James Bond and Rambo to modern superhero films. Notably, Gen Z shows the highest fatigue with the superhero genre, with eight in ten 18-to-29-year-olds saying they're tired of these films, compared to seven in ten across all age groups. This suggests a potential waning interest despite superhero films' continued box office success.
According to the study of 2,000 people, Sean Connery's James Bond topped the list with 38 per cent of votes, followed by Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones at 37 per cent and Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator at 34 per cent. Respondents complained that superhero films feature repetitive storylines, over-reliance on CGI, and demand extensive knowledge of sprawling cinematic universes. Seven in ten fans believe classic action heroes are more authentic, and six in ten found them more attractive than modern superhero characters.
- Gen Z most tired of superhero films, preferring classic action heroes like Bond
- Sean Connery's Bond ranked top with 38 per cent in audience poll
- Audiences cite repetitive plots and excessive CGI as superhero fatigue reasons
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A new poll of 2,000 British people has found that audiences prefer classic action heroes to modern superhero films. Characters like James Bond, Indiana Jones and the Terminator ranked higher in audience favour than contemporary superhero characters.
The finding is particularly significant among younger viewers, with eight in ten people aged 18 to 29 expressing dissatisfaction with superhero films, compared to seven in ten across all age groups. This indicates a notable generational difference in attitudes towards the superhero genre.
Audiences gave several reasons for their preference, including concerns that modern superhero films rely excessively on computer-generated imagery and suffer from repetitive storylines. Many also complained about the complexity of sprawling cinematic universes, which require viewers to maintain knowledge of numerous interconnected films and characters.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Classic action heroes offer more authentic storytelling through character-driven narratives that don't require extensive universe knowledge or sprawling franchise familiarity. Audiences increasingly value practical effects, direct plots and individual protagonist focus over repetitive superhero formulas that prioritise spectacle over substance. This explains their enduring appeal and why viewers of all ages find them more engaging and compelling than the fatigue-inducing superhero model.
The case against
Superhero cinema addresses complex moral questions about power, identity and responsibility that resonate with contemporary audiences seeking meaningful blockbuster entertainment. The genre represents significant technical innovation, provides representation opportunities, and builds rich fictional worlds through interconnected storytelling that offers genuine depth for invested viewers. Despite survey fatigue, continued commercial success indicates the genre meets substantial audience appetite and continues to evolve, particularly among viewers exploring moral complexity through speculative fiction frameworks.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Still got a licence to thrill! Classic action stars like Bond and Rambo remain Brits’ favourites – as poll shows we’re all BORED of superhero flicks”.