What does Rotten Tomatoes mean on movies? Rotten Tomatoes has become a household name in the film industry, serving as a vital resource for both critics and moviegoers alike. This platform, known for its unique approach to movie reviews, provides a comprehensive overview of a film’s reception, often influencing viewers’ decisions to watch or avoid a particular movie. But what exactly does the Rotten Tomatoes rating signify, and how does it impact the film industry?
Rotten Tomatoes is an American website and mobile application that specializes in collecting and aggregating reviews from critics and audience members. The platform was launched in 1998 and has since grown to become one of the most influential sources for movie reviews. Its primary function is to provide a “Tomatometer” score, which is a percentage indicating the proportion of positive reviews a movie has received. A score of 100% means that the movie has been universally acclaimed, while a score below 60% suggests that the movie has been widely criticized.
The Tomatometer is calculated by analyzing the reviews of professional film critics. These critics are selected from a list of approved sources, which includes major publications such as The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety. Rotten Tomatoes does not consider reviews from audience members when calculating the Tomatometer score. However, the site does offer a separate “Audience Score,” which is based on the ratings and reviews submitted by users.
The significance of the Rotten Tomatoes rating cannot be overstated. Many consumers use the Tomatometer as a guide when deciding whether to watch a movie. A high Tomatometer score can boost a film’s box office success, while a low score can lead to disappointing box office returns. For filmmakers and studios, a positive Rotten Tomatoes rating can be a major selling point for marketing campaigns and can help to secure future projects for the involved talent.
However, it is important to note that Rotten Tomatoes is not without its critics. Some argue that the platform’s reliance on professional critics may skew the results, as these critics may have different tastes and preferences than the general audience. Moreover, the Tomatometer has been accused of being too subjective, as it does not take into account the quality of a movie’s plot, acting, or direction. Despite these concerns, Rotten Tomatoes remains a powerful tool for both filmmakers and moviegoers.
In conclusion, what does Rotten Tomatoes mean on movies? It serves as a barometer of a film’s critical reception, providing a snapshot of how critics and audiences perceive a movie. While it is not without its flaws, Rotten Tomatoes remains an invaluable resource for those looking to gauge a film’s potential success and make informed decisions about their viewing choices. As the film industry continues to evolve, the influence of Rotten Tomatoes is likely to grow, making it an even more important part of the cinematic landscape.
