Men who are tall, masculine and about 35 years old are perceived as being the most dominant by others. (Channing Tatum pictured)

If you ever thought certain movie hunks were born with an unfair advantage, you may just have been right.

Men who are tall, masculine and about 35 years old are perceived as being the most dominant by viewers.

The finding may explain why actors like Channing Tatum, who is 6 foot 1 and 35 years old, are cast as warriors in movies like Jupiter Ascending.

Simple increases in a man's height and age automatically makes them appear more dominant, according to the study by scientists at the University of St Andrews.

Researchers used computer graphics to manipulate the faces of men to make them appear a certain age or height.

Images were also altered to make them appear more or less masculine, and participants were asked their opinions of the men.

When images of a 25-year-old man were altered to make him appear three inches (8 cm) taller, a decade older or more masculine - for example increasing prominence of eyebrows - they were rated more dominant.

Perceived dominance was at its height when the appearance of the men was at around 35 years old, after which it started to decline.

But dominance increased in step with height and masculinity, with maximum dominance achieved by increasing these alterations.

Carlota Batres, who led the research, said, 'Understanding what influences dominance perceptions is important since a dominant appearance in male faces is associated with a variety of social outcomes, ranging from high rank attainment of cadets in the military to high levels of sexual activity in teenage boys.

Researchers used computer graphics to manipulate the faces of men to make them appear a certain age (bottom row) or height (top row). Images were also altered to make them appear more or less masculine (middle row), and participants were asked their opinions of the men

'Dominant people are also favoured as leaders during times of inter-group conflict and are more successful leaders in the business world.

'Hence, understanding what it is that makes someone look dominant is important given its influence on a variety of social outcomes'.

IT'S ALL IN THE FACE In a separate study, researchers demonstrated how certain facial features correlate to personality traits, meaning initial perceptions may be more accurate than previously thought. The research showed those with higher IQs are usually good-looking, while those with wider faces are usually perceived as being more powerful and successful. Mark Fetscherin, professor of international business at Rollins College, Florida, found a link between company profits and the shape of its chief executive's face. In his new book, CEO Branding, Mr Fetscherin describes how the executive tended to have wider faces than the average male. A wider face means that the person is viewed as dominant and successful, Mr Fetscherin said. He also found a positive link between that shape face and the profits of the company. British researchers found a similar result when they analysed the results of FTSE chief executives. Advertisement

The researchers said the findings shed light on certain casting decisions made by Hollywood directors, with male leads like Channing Tatum fitting the description.

Professor David Perrett, Head of the Perception Lab at the University of St Andrews added, 'Such perceptions may also follow reality: taller men being more formidable opponents and strength increasing with age until a man gets to his mid-thirties.'

In a separate study, researchers demonstrated how certain facial features correlate to personality traits, meaning initial perceptions may be more accurate than previously thought.

The research showed those with higher IQs are usually good-looking, while those with wider faces are usually perceived as being more powerful and successful.

There is even evidence that sexual deviancy can be picked up from facial features, with paedophiles more likely to have minor facial flaws.

Mark Fetscherin, professor of international business at Rollins College, Florida, found a link between company profits and the shape of its chief executive's face.

In his new book, CEO Branding, Mr Fetscherin describes how the executive tended to have wider faces than the average male.

A wider face means that the person is viewed as dominant and successful, Mr Fetscherin said. He also found a positive link between that shape face and the profits of the company.

He told The Sunday Times: 'Facial width-to-height ratio correlates with real world measures of aggressive and ambitious behavior and is associated with a psychological sense of power.'

British researchers found a similar result when they analysed the results of FTSE chief executives.