Rotten Tomatoes: Movie & TV Show Reviews

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Rotten Tomatoes has become a household name for movie and TV show reviews, influencing what audiences choose to watch. But what makes it so influential, and how does its Tomatometer work?

What is Rotten Tomatoes?

Rotten Tomatoes is a website that aggregates reviews from film and television critics. Launched in 1998, it quickly became a go-to source for audiences looking for critical opinions on the latest releases. The site is known for its "Tomatometer," which represents the percentage of professional critic reviews that are positive for a given film or television show.

How the Tomatometer Works

The Tomatometer isn't an average of the ratings; instead, it reflects the percentage of critics who have given the film a positive review. A score of 60% or higher means the film is considered "Fresh," while anything below that is labeled "Rotten."

  • Fresh: 60% or higher positive reviews
  • Rotten: 59% or lower positive reviews

Why is Rotten Tomatoes Influential?

Several factors contribute to Rotten Tomatoes' influence:

  1. Accessibility: It provides a quick and easy way for audiences to gauge critical reception.
  2. Aggregation: By compiling numerous reviews, it offers a broad consensus rather than relying on a single critic's opinion.
  3. Impact on Box Office: Studies suggest that Tomatometer scores can significantly influence a film's box office performance.

Critic and Audience Scores

Rotten Tomatoes also features an audience score, representing the percentage of users who have rated the film positively. This can sometimes differ significantly from the Tomatometer score, highlighting the divergence between critical and popular opinion. It is a good idea to consider both scores when deciding on a movie.

Controversy and Criticism

Despite its popularity, Rotten Tomatoes isn't without its critics. Some argue that:

  • It oversimplifies critical opinion.
  • It can create a bandwagon effect, influencing critics.
  • It doesn't account for nuance in reviews.

The Future of Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes continues to evolve, with ongoing debates about its impact on the film and television industry. Whether you love it or hate it, its influence on popular culture is undeniable.

Check out Rotten Tomatoes before your next movie night to see what the critics and audiences are saying!