Editorial Team · on 17 June 2026 · 8 min read · Last reviewed 17 June 2026
Rotten Tomatoes film reviews aggregate scores from approved critics to calculate a “fresh” or “rotten” rating for movies, reflecting critical consensus.
Imagine Rotten Tomatoes as a giant movie buff roundtable where each critic holds up a tomato or a popcorn box. The more tomatoes, the more the film gets splattered with disapproval; the more popcorn, the more it’s praised.
Key facts
- Rotten Tomatoes launched in 1998 and was acquired by Flixster in 2010.
- The site uses an algorithm to determine the percentage of positive reviews from approved critics.
- As of 2023, Rotten Tomatoes has over 500,000 film reviews.
- The site also provides audience scores, which are separate from the critics’ scores.
01How Rotten Tomatoes film reviews are calculated
Rotten Tomatoes film reviews are calculated using a simple yet effective formula. A film receives a “fresh” rating if a review is positive, and a “rotten” rating if it’s negative. The percentage of fresh ratings determines the film’s overall score. For example, a film with 70% fresh ratings is considered “fresh,” while one with 60% or below is “rotten.” The first time I really looked at the breakdown, I noticed that even films with high scores often have a significant number of rotten reviews, highlighting the diversity of critical opinions.
Critics must be approved by Rotten Tomatoes to have their reviews counted. This approval process ensures that the reviews are from reputable sources. The site also takes into account the number of reviews, with films having more reviews generally seen as having more reliable scores. The algorithm is designed to give a quick, at-a-glance indication of a film’s critical reception, making it a valuable tool for movie-goers.
02How to find Rotten Tomatoes film reviews
Finding Rotten Tomatoes film reviews is straightforward. You can visit the Rotten Tomatoes website or use the Rotten Tomatoes app. Simply search for the film you’re interested in, and you’ll see the overall score along with a breakdown of critics’ reviews. You can also filter reviews by critic, publication, or fresh/rotten status. For a more in-depth analysis, check out the “Critics Consensus” section, which provides a summary of the general critical opinion.
If you’re looking for specific reviews, you can use the search function to find reviews from particular critics or publications. For example, if you’re interested in what Roger Ebert thought of a film, you can search for his name and find his review if it’s available. This can be especially useful if you trust certain critics’ opinions more than others.
03How to use Rotten Tomatoes film reviews to make informed decisions
Using Rotten Tomatoes film reviews to make informed decisions about what to watch involves understanding the scores and the context behind them. A high score generally indicates that the film was well-received by critics, but it’s also important to read some of the individual reviews to get a sense of why. For example, a film might have a high score but still have criticisms about its pacing or certain performances. By reading the reviews, you can get a more nuanced understanding of the film’s strengths and weaknesses.
It’s also helpful to compare the critics’ scores with the audience scores. Sometimes, there’s a significant difference between the two, which can provide insight into how different audiences are responding to the film. For example, a film might have a high critics’ score but a lower audience score, indicating that critics and general viewers had different opinions about it.
04Rotten Tomatoes film reviews vs. other film review platforms
Rotten Tomatoes is just one of several film review platforms available. Others include Netflix Film Reviews, Film Reviews New York Times, and Focus on the Family Film Reviews. Each platform has its own methodology for calculating scores and aggregating reviews. For example, the New York Times reviews are known for their in-depth analysis and can provide a different perspective compared to the aggregated scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Focus on the Family Film Reviews, on the other hand, focuses on the religious and family-friendly aspects of films.
Comparing reviews from different platforms can give you a more comprehensive understanding of a film’s reception. For example, you might find that a film has a high score on Rotten Tomatoes but is criticized for its language or violence in a Focus on the Family Film Reviews. This can help you make a more informed decision about whether the film is suitable for you and your family.
05The impact of Rotten Tomatoes film reviews on box office performance
Rotten Tomatoes film reviews can have a significant impact on a film’s box office performance. Studies have shown that films with higher scores on Rotten Tomatoes tend to perform better at the box office. This is likely because positive reviews can generate buzz and attract more viewers. However, it’s not always the case that a high score guarantees box office success. Other factors, such as marketing, star power, and genre, also play a role.
The impact of Rotten Tomatoes scores on box office performance has led some filmmakers to express frustration with the site. For example, director David Fincher has criticized the site for its potential to influence audiences’ perceptions of films before they even see them. Despite these criticisms, Rotten Tomatoes remains a popular and influential platform for film reviews.
06Notable films with high and low Rotten Tomatoes scores
Some films have achieved nearly perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread critical acclaim. For example, “The Shawshank Redemption” holds a 91% score on the Tomatometer, reflecting its status as a classic film. Other highly rated films include “The Godfather” and “Pulp Fiction,” both of which have scores above 90%. These films are often praised for their direction, acting, and storytelling.
On the other hand, some films have received very low scores on Rotten Tomatoes. For example, “The Room” holds a 23% score, reflecting its status as a cult classic for all the wrong reasons. Other low-scoring films include “Cats” and “The Emoji Movie,” both of which were criticized for their poor execution and lack of substance. These films serve as examples of what can go wrong in filmmaking, providing valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers.
07How to contribute to Rotten Tomatoes film reviews
Contributing to Rotten Tomatoes film reviews is a straightforward process. If you’re a critic and want to have your reviews counted, you can apply for approval on the Rotten Tomatoes website. The approval process involves submitting your credentials and demonstrating that you have a track record of writing film reviews. Once approved, your reviews will be included in the site’s aggregated scores.
For audience members, contributing to Rotten Tomatoes is even simpler. After watching a film, you can visit the Rotten Tomatoes website or app and submit your own score and review. These audience scores are separate from the critics’ scores but provide valuable insights into how general viewers are responding to the film. By contributing your own reviews, you can help others make informed decisions about what to watch.
08The future of Rotten Tomatoes film reviews
The future of Rotten Tomatoes film reviews looks bright. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it’s likely to introduce new features and improvements. For example, the site has already begun incorporating audience ratings for individual aspects of films, such as acting, direction, and storytelling. This provides a more nuanced understanding of how viewers are responding to different elements of a film.
Another potential development is the integration of Rotten Tomatoes with other platforms, such as streaming services and social media. This could make it even easier for viewers to access film reviews and make informed decisions about what to watch. Additionally, the site may explore new ways to engage with its audience, such as through interactive content and community discussions.
- Visit the Rotten Tomatoes website or app.
- Search for the film you’re interested in.
- Read the overall score and the breakdown of critics’ reviews.
- Filter reviews by critic, publication, or fresh/rotten status.
- Read the “Critics Consensus” section for a summary of the general critical opinion.
- Compare the critics’ scores with the audience scores.
- Make an informed decision about whether to watch the film based on the reviews and scores.
Rotten Tomatoes film reviews provide a valuable resource for movie-goers looking to make informed decisions about what to watch. By understanding how the scores are calculated, how to find and use the reviews, and the impact they can have on box office performance, you can get the most out of this popular platform. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or just looking for a good movie to watch, Rotten Tomatoes has something to offer.
09Frequently asked questions
Comment Rotten Tomatoes calcule son score d'audience?
Le score d'audience sur Rotten Tomatoes est basé sur les notes des spectateurs, allant de 0,5 à 5 étoiles. Ce score est converti en pourcentage en divisant la somme des notes par le nombre total de votes, puis en multipliant par 10. Par exemple, 250 notes totalisant 875 étoiles donnent un score de 35%.
Pourquoi certains films ont-ils un score de 0% sur Rotten Tomatoes?
Un film affiche 0% si tous les critiques professionnels l'ont noté négativement. Par exemple, en 2018, 'The Happytime Murders' a obtenu 0% avec 30 critiques négatives. À l'inverse, 'Shazam!' en 2019 a atteint 90% grâce à 350 critiques positives.
Qu'est-ce que le 'Certified Fresh' sur Rotten Tomatoes?
Un film est 'Certified Fresh' s'il obtient au moins 70% de critiques positives et 80 critiques minimum. Par exemple, 'Parasite' a atteint 99% avec 479 critiques en 2019. Ce label est un indicateur de consensus critique fort.
Comment les critiques sont-elles sélectionnées sur Rotten Tomatoes?
Rotten Tomatoes collabore avec des critiques agréés, comme ceux du 'Los Angeles Times' ou 'The Guardian'. Les critiques doivent publier régulièrement et avoir une audience. Par exemple, Peter Travers de Rolling Stone est un critique agréé depuis les années 2000.