Study: Moviegoers prefer patriotic films

A six-year study of the habits of U.S. moviegoers has found they prefer films with patriotic, pro-American themes that uphold Judeo-Christian values over those that push a left-wing or socialist agenda.

The analysis, done by Movieguide, a family entertainment guide, compared the box-office take of major films to the themes and worldviews those films present.

TRENDING: Reigning Mrs. World arrested after taking tiara from winner in ugly meltdown

"Movies that support capitalist ideals, traditional Judeo-Christian values and patriotism do much better at the box office than movies promoting socialism, communism, radical feminism, left-wing political correctness, atheism and homosexuality," said Dr. Ted Baehr, publisher of Movieguide and chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission, a Christian advocacy group in Hollywood.

Baehr points out that in 2004, films like "The Passion of the Christ," "The Incredibles," "National Treasure," "America's Heart and Soul," "Spider-man 2," "The Aviator" and "In the Face of Evil: Reagan's War in Word and Deed," made much more money on average than movies like "The Day After Tomorrow," "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Kinsey," "The Corporation," "A Day Without a Mexican," "The Motorcycle Diaries," "Super-size Me," "Vera Drake," "Saved!" and Spike Lee's "She Hate Me."

An analysis of 2004 films found those with "very strong Judeo-Christian morality" averaged $107.7 million at the box office. Those films said to have "anti-patriotic/anti-American" themes brought in an average of $47.3 million. Similarly, 2004 films that included "communist content" brought in just $28.9 million on average, and those pushing homosexuality saw $1.2 million in average ticket sales.

Said a statement from Movieguide: "[The data] clearly prove our point that, if a filmmaker or studio wants to be successful at theaters in North America, he or she should film a story with pro-capitalist, patriotic and pro-American content reflecting very strong traditional moral values. Radical, left-wing politics, atheist humanism and strong homosexual content offend the average moviegoer."

Related stories:

Reagan documentary, 'Passion' honored

'Passion' leads nominees for award

Movieguide awards honor best family films

Study: Movies with explicit sex don't sell

Box office tells Hollywood to 'come clean'

Related special offer:

"Movieguide:The Family Guide to Movies & Entertainment"