What is Rotten Tomatoes? 🍅
Rotten Tomatoes is the world’s leading review-aggregation website for film and television, established in August 1998 by three UC Berkeley students. The name references the classic act of audiences throwing rotten tomatoes at poor stage performances, but its direct inspiration came from a memorable scene in the film Léolo. Since its inception, Rotten Tomatoes has become an essential resource for moviegoers, offering a unique system that distills the opinions of critics and audiences into a single, influential metric: the Tomatometer[6][5].
The platform collects reviews from professional critics and everyday viewers, classifying them as either “Fresh” (positive) or “Rotten” (negative). This binary system, while sometimes criticized for oversimplification, has made Rotten Tomatoes a powerful tool for quickly gauging a film’s reception and influencing both audience decisions and industry marketing strategies[5][6].
How the Tomatometer Works 🍅
The Tomatometer is the heart of Rotten Tomatoes. It represents the percentage of positive (“Fresh”) reviews from accredited critics for a given film or TV show. If 60% or more of the reviews are positive, the title is considered “Fresh”; below 60%, it’s labeled “Rotten.” Each review is submitted by a certified critic, who must mark their review as “Fresh” or “Rotten.” The site also calculates an average score on a 0–10 scale, and highlights “Top Critics” separately for a more nuanced view[6][5].
In addition to the Tomatometer, there is an Audience Score, reflecting the opinions of regular viewers. This score is calculated from the ratings submitted by verified users and shows the percentage of audiences who rated the film positively. Both scores are displayed prominently, allowing users to compare critical and popular reception[5][6].
Certified Fresh & Audience Says 🍅
A film or TV show can earn the coveted Certified Fresh badge by maintaining a high Tomatometer score and meeting specific criteria, including a minimum number of reviews and a requisite portion from “Top Critics.” This status is highly sought after and is often used in marketing campaigns to signal quality and credibility[5][6].
Rotten Tomatoes also features two key consensus blurbs: the Critics Consensus and the Audience Says. The Critics Consensus summarizes the general sentiment of professional reviews, while Audience Says reflects the views of registered users, including any external factors or controversies that may influence public perception[6].
The Impact of Rotten Tomatoes on the Film Industry 🍅
Rotten Tomatoes wields significant influence over the entertainment industry. A high Tomatometer score can boost a film’s box office performance, while a low score can prompt studios to adjust their marketing strategies. The “Certified Fresh” badge is often used in promotional materials, and studios may even alter their release plans to manage the timing of reviews and scores[5][6].
While some filmmakers and critics argue that the aggregation system oversimplifies nuanced opinions, many appreciate its accessibility and transparency. The platform’s power to shape audience expectations and industry trends is undeniable, making it a crucial part of the modern moviegoing experience[5][6].
The History of Rotten Tomatoes 🍅
Rotten Tomatoes was founded in 1998 by Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wang. Over the years, it has changed ownership several times, most notably being acquired by Flixster (and later Warner Bros.), and eventually by Fandango in 2016. Despite these changes, Rotten Tomatoes has maintained its core mission: to provide a reliable, easy-to-understand snapshot of critical and audience sentiment for movies and TV shows[6].
The site’s influence has grown dramatically, with a significant portion of U.S. moviegoers consulting it before heading to the cinema. Its methodology, while occasionally controversial, remains a benchmark for film and television evaluation[6].
Rotten Tomatoes Ratings System Explained 🍅
Rotten Tomatoes uses a dual scoring system:
- Tomatometer: Percentage of positive reviews from professional critics. 60% or higher is “Fresh”; below 60% is “Rotten.”
- Audience Score: Percentage of positive ratings from verified users, offering a populist perspective[5][6].
The site also distinguishes between “All Critics” and “Top Critics,” with the latter group including writers from major publications like The New York Times and The Guardian. This ensures a balanced and authoritative assessment of each title[5][6].
How Critics Are Selected 🍅
To be included in the Rotten Tomatoes aggregation, critics must be affiliated with recognized publications or have an established track record in film criticism. The “Top Critics” category is even more selective, reserved for those from leading outlets. Rotten Tomatoes regularly updates its list of critics to maintain diversity and credibility, though it has faced criticism for representation and inclusivity[5][6].
Rotten Tomatoes and SEO 🍅
Rotten Tomatoes is not just a review aggregator; it’s also a powerhouse in search engine optimization (SEO). Its strong brand, iconic Tomatometer, and trusted content have helped it dominate movie-related search results. The site’s SEO strategy involves continuous experimentation and leveraging its unique assets to maximize organic traffic and visibility[3].
The Tomatometer is prominently displayed in Google’s Knowledge Panel, making it highly visible even above paid ads. This prime SERP (search engine results page) real estate ensures Rotten Tomatoes remains a top destination for movie and TV information[3].
Trending on Rotten Tomatoes 🍅
- Certified Fresh & Verified Hot
- TV Premiere Dates
- What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming
- Awards Tour
- 100 Best New Horror Movies
- 100 Best New Action Movies
- Best New TV Shows
- Marvel TV Ranked
Rotten Tomatoes is constantly updated with the latest reviews, news, and guides, making it a dynamic resource for entertainment enthusiasts[1].
Movie & TV Search 🍅
Top Drama Movies 🍅
Top Action TV Shows 🍅
Conclusion: Why Rotten Tomatoes Matters 🍅
Rotten Tomatoes has revolutionized the way audiences and critics interact with movies and TV. Its transparent, easy-to-understand scoring system, combined with a rigorous selection of critics and a strong focus on both professional and audience opinions, makes it a trusted source for entertainment guidance worldwide. Whether you’re looking for the next big drama or the hottest action TV series, Rotten Tomatoes is your go-to platform for honest, reliable, and up-to-date information[6][5].
