Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t rate movies based on a personal opinion, but rather aggregates critic reviews and calculates the percentage of positive reviews. This “Tomatometer” score reflects the proportion of critics who liked the film, not necessarily its overall quality.
What is Rotten Tomatoes and Why Does it Matter?
Rotten Tomatoes is a website that aggregates movie and television reviews from hundreds of critics, providing a snapshot of critical consensus. Its Tomatometer score and Audience Score have become increasingly influential in shaping public perception and influencing box office performance. While not the definitive measure of a film’s worth, Rotten Tomatoes offers a readily accessible barometer of critical reception, heavily relied upon by moviegoers to inform their viewing choices. Understanding how these ratings are derived is crucial to interpreting their significance.
The Tomatometer Explained: From Reviews to Scores
The Tomatometer is the cornerstone of Rotten Tomatoes. It represents the percentage of professional critic reviews that are positive. A movie is considered “Fresh” (good) if it receives a Tomatometer score of 60% or higher. Below 60%, it’s deemed “Rotten.”
Aggregating Critic Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes gathers reviews from approved critics. These critics must meet specific criteria related to the size and credibility of their publication, their history of writing reviews, and their adherence to ethical standards. The site employs a system to ensure that only reliable and professional voices contribute to the overall rating. Each approved critic’s review is then analyzed to determine whether it is positive or negative.
The Fresh/Rotten Dichotomy
Crucially, Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t average the ratings that critics assign (e.g., 3 out of 4 stars). Instead, it classifies each review as either Fresh (positive) or Rotten (negative). This binary classification is determined by whether the critic, in their own judgment, recommended the film or not. A review snippet is also included, providing context for the Fresh/Rotten designation.
Calculating the Tomatometer Score
The Tomatometer score is simply the percentage of Fresh reviews among all reviews counted. For example, if a film receives 100 reviews and 75 of them are Fresh, the Tomatometer score will be 75%. This percentage is prominently displayed on the film’s Rotten Tomatoes page, providing a quick and easily understandable overview of the critical reception.
The “Certified Fresh” Seal
Beyond simply being Fresh, a movie can earn the “Certified Fresh” seal of approval. To qualify, a film must:
- Achieve a Tomatometer score of 75% or higher.
- Have at least 80 reviews (40 for limited releases).
- Have at least 5 reviews from Top Critics (a select group recognized for their consistent quality and reach).
The “Certified Fresh” badge signifies a broad consensus of positive reviews from respected critics.
Beyond the Tomatometer: Audience Score and Other Metrics
While the Tomatometer is a key indicator, Rotten Tomatoes also incorporates other metrics to provide a more comprehensive assessment.
The Audience Score
The Audience Score reflects the percentage of users who have rated the movie 3.5 stars or higher (out of 5). Unlike the Tomatometer, the Audience Score is based on ratings, not simply a Fresh/Rotten designation. This provides a valuable counterpoint to the critical consensus, offering a glimpse into how general audiences are receiving the film.
Average Rating
Both the Tomatometer and Audience Score are accompanied by an average rating, offering more granularity. This is the average of all the star ratings given by critics (for the Tomatometer) or users (for the Audience Score). It provides a sense of the overall enthusiasm, not just whether it was considered “good” or “bad.”
Top Critics
Rotten Tomatoes also highlights reviews from Top Critics, a select group known for their influential voices and consistent quality. This allows users to prioritize the opinions of the most respected critics in the industry. Reviews from Top Critics are weighted more heavily in certain analyses performed by Rotten Tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rotten Tomatoes Ratings
Here are some common questions about how Rotten Tomatoes ratings work:
FAQ 1: How are critics selected for Rotten Tomatoes?
Critics are selected based on the size and credibility of their publication, their history of writing reviews, and their adherence to journalistic ethics. Rotten Tomatoes employs a rigorous application process to ensure the quality and reliability of its critical pool. They require verified websites or publications, a proven track record of consistent movie reviews, and a commitment to unbiased and professional criticism.
FAQ 2: Does Rotten Tomatoes pay critics for their reviews?
No, Rotten Tomatoes does not pay critics for their reviews. They simply aggregate existing reviews published elsewhere. Their revenue model is advertising and partnerships, not direct compensation for critical content.
FAQ 3: How does Rotten Tomatoes deal with review bombing or manipulation?
Rotten Tomatoes has implemented various measures to combat review bombing and manipulation, including verifying users’ identities, delaying the publication of user reviews until after a movie’s release, and utilizing algorithms to detect suspicious activity. These measures aim to ensure that the Audience Score reflects genuine opinions.
FAQ 4: What’s the difference between the Tomatometer and the Audience Score?
The Tomatometer is the percentage of professional critic reviews that are positive (Fresh), while the Audience Score is the percentage of users who rated the movie 3.5 stars or higher (out of 5). One reflects critical consensus, and the other reflects audience reception.
FAQ 5: Can a movie be “Fresh” with a low average rating, or “Rotten” with a high average rating?
Yes, this is possible. A movie can be “Fresh” with a low average rating if a majority of critics gave it a slightly positive review. Conversely, a movie can be “Rotten” with a relatively high average rating if the distribution of scores is polarized, with a mix of very high and very low ratings. The Tomatometer focuses on the proportion of positive reviews, while the average rating reflects the magnitude of those scores.
FAQ 6: How does Rotten Tomatoes handle documentaries and foreign films?
The rating process for documentaries and foreign films is the same as for other films. However, the number of available reviews may be lower, especially for smaller or independent films. The “Certified Fresh” criteria are adjusted for limited releases, recognizing the challenges of securing a large number of reviews.
FAQ 7: Is the Tomatometer a reliable indicator of a movie’s quality?
The Tomatometer reflects critical consensus, not necessarily overall quality. It’s a useful tool for gauging critical reception, but personal preferences vary. It’s crucial to consider individual tastes and read actual reviews to form your own opinion.
FAQ 8: How often does Rotten Tomatoes update its scores?
Rotten Tomatoes updates its scores continuously as new reviews are published. This ensures that the ratings reflect the most current critical reception. However, significant changes are less likely after a film has been widely released.
FAQ 9: What are some limitations of using Rotten Tomatoes as a guide?
Some limitations include the binary “Fresh/Rotten” classification, which can oversimplify complex opinions, and the potential for bias among critics. Additionally, the Tomatometer doesn’t account for aspects like originality or cultural impact, which are not easily quantifiable.
FAQ 10: What does it mean when a movie has a “no score yet” on Rotten Tomatoes?
A “no score yet” designation means that Rotten Tomatoes hasn’t yet collected enough reviews to calculate a Tomatometer score. This is common for films that are not yet widely released or haven’t received significant critical attention.
FAQ 11: How can I become a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic?
Becoming a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic requires meeting specific criteria, including having a well-established platform for publishing reviews, a proven track record of consistent and thoughtful criticism, and adherence to ethical standards. The application process is competitive and requires demonstrating a commitment to quality journalism.
FAQ 12: Does Rotten Tomatoes influence movie studios and filmmakers?
Yes, Rotten Tomatoes can significantly influence movie studios and filmmakers. A high Tomatometer score can boost a film’s box office performance, while a low score can deter audiences. This pressure can lead to studios prioritizing projects that are perceived to be more critically appealing.