Poll Shows Disney Is NOT Popular: Will They Change Direction?

A recent survey reveals a startling decline in public perception of Disney’s content quality, with only 16% of Americans viewing it as better than past productions.

At a Glance

  • 47% of Americans believe Disney’s content quality has declined
  • Only 16% think Disney’s entertainment has improved
  • 65% of Republicans feel Disney’s entertainment quality has worsened
  • Disney faces an image crisis due to perceived promotion of progressive politics
  • Recent box office failures include The Marvels, Indiana Jones 5, and The Little Mermaid remake

Public Opinion Shift

A recent Rasmussen Reports survey has unveiled a significant shift in public perception regarding the quality of Disney’s content. The poll, conducted from January 5-7, 2025, with 1,408 American adults, reveals that nearly half of Americans (47%) believe Disney’s movies and TV shows have declined in quality. This stark assessment contrasts sharply with the mere 16% who think Disney’s entertainment has improved.

The survey, which has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% confidence level, also found that 29% of respondents feel Disney’s entertainment quality has remained consistent. These findings suggest a growing disconnect between Disney’s content strategy and audience expectations, potentially threatening the company’s long-standing reputation as a creator of beloved family entertainment.

Political Divide and Content Controversy

The poll results reveal a notable political divide in the perception of Disney’s content quality. A striking 65% of Republicans feel that Disney’s entertainment quality has declined. This disparity may be linked to the company’s perceived focus on progressive storytelling, particularly involving transgender topics, which has sparked divergent reactions among viewers.

Disney’s recent content choices have led to accusations of promoting “woke identity politics,” potentially alienating a portion of its traditional audience. This shift in focus has resulted in an image crisis for the company, with its brand no longer universally seen as a signal of quality family entertainment.

Box Office Struggles and Streaming Setbacks

The perceived decline in content quality corresponds with notable setbacks in both box office and streaming spheres. Disney’s 2023 saw a string of box office disappointments, including high-profile releases such as The Marvels, Indiana Jones 5, The Little Mermaid live-action remake, Wish, and the latest Ant-Man sequel. Other recent underperformers include Strange World, Haunted Mansion, A Haunting in Venice, and Pixar’s Elemental.

In the streaming realm, the Star Wars spin-off series The Acolyte serves as a prime example of Disney’s current challenges. The series, which featured a transgender actor and was promoted as the “gayest” Star Wars production, faced significant backlash and was canceled after just one season, despite a reported budget of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars.

Future Outlook

As Disney grapples with these challenges, the company faces the daunting task of recalibrating its content strategy to reconnect with its core audience while navigating evolving social expectations. The underperformance of recent releases, including the Mufasa prequel to The Lion King, underscores the urgency for Disney to address these perception issues and rediscover the storytelling magic that has long been its hallmark.

The coming months and years will be crucial for Disney as it seeks to balance artistic innovation with audience expectations, potentially determining whether the company can maintain its position as a leader in family entertainment or if it will continue to face declining public perception and commercial challenges.