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IMDb vs. Rotten Tomatoes vs. Metacritic: Which Movie Ratings Site Is Best?

IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic are the three most popular ratings sites for movies, but they aren't all equal.

Thanks to online ratings, it's easier than ever to know whether or not a movie is worth watching. A quick Google search brings up plenty of websites offering their opinions on the latest films.

The three most popular are IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. But how do these sites differ, and which should you trust for information on movies? Here's everything you need to know.

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a gigantic compendium of movies, TV shows, and video games. Its primary use is to find detailed information about any actor, producer, or piece of media content.

When you pull up a movie, you'll see a synopsis, trailers, photos, a cast list, trivia, and much more. What makes IMDb so useful is its cross-referencing. Upon opening the page for an actor, you'll see their best-known roles. Thus, IMDb is great for those "what else have I seen her in?" moments.

The IMDb mobile app takes this a step further. If you create an account and give ratings to movies and other media, you'll see a You may know them from field on an actor's page if you've rated something they appeared in.

With a free IMDb account, you can also create a Watchlist of movies you want to see. Along with contributing to the 10-point rating scale with other users, IMDb has many other useful features to offer if you're interested.

Pros of IMDb

Unlike the other two sites, IMDb's reviews come solely from users. It only takes a minute to sign up for IMDb and leave a review, so there's little barrier to entry.

Thus, IMDb's biggest strength is that its scores gives you a good idea of what normal consumers think of it. Professional critics have no influence on IMDb scores.

IMDb has a weighted average system to prevent users from rigging the score, but the service doesn't make it clear exactly how this works. Click the review count next to the star icon on any movie's page to see a breakdown of how people rated it.

Below the overall star average, you can see how the ratings break down by a few demographics, including age and gender.

Cons of IMDb

IMDb's biggest problem is that like other platforms, most people only leave reviews if they love or hate a film. Thus, this skews the scores in favor of either fanboys or haters.

People who want to boost a movie's perception will likely rate the movie a 10, while those who didn't like it will give a rating of one. This means you should read a handful of reviews to get a full picture of the movie's quality.

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes is a trusted source for movie reviews sourced from critics. Every movie uses the "Tomatometer" to score the quality of a film. If the critic liked the movie, a red tomato appears by their review. When they don't like it, you'll see a green splat instead.

As long as 60 percent or more of critics like the movie, it earns an overall Fresh score with a red tomato. If under 60 percent of critics rate the movie favorably, it earns a Rotten score with a green splat.

Meanwhile, a Certified Fresh badge appears next to titles that are of particularly high quality. They must hold at least a 75 percent favorable score after 80 reviews, including at least five from top critics.

Open any movie's page, and you'll see the overall score plus its number of reviews at the top. Click See Score Details for a deeper breakdown. The Critics Consensus , present for most movies, is a great summary of why the movie received its score.

Rotten Tomatoes also providers a user score, shown by the popcorn bucket. When at least 60 percent of users rated it 3.5 stars (out of 5) or higher, it shows a full bucket. A tipped-over bucket represents that under 60 percent of users gave it under 3.5 stars. Since you can use half-star ratings, this is close to the IMDb score.

In 2019, Rotten Tomatoes made some changes to reduce "review bombing" of movies. There's no longer a Want to See percentage, and you'll also see a check next to user reviews where the site has confirmed that the person actually bought a ticket to the movie.

At the bottom of a movie's page, you can read excerpts from the critic reviews, filter by fresh or rotten, or only show top critics. Search for your favorite actors, and you can check the scores of films they appeared in.

Related: Sites Like Rotten Tomatoes to Find Average Ratings and Reviews for Anything

Pros of Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes has the advantage of sourcing its reviews from trusted critics. The Rotten Tomatoes criteria page explains that the site only takes reviews from trusted newspapers, podcasts, and websites. In theory, this means that only the opinions of the most-trusted movie critics influence the Rotten Tomatoes review.

The Top Critic designation lets you filter by the absolute best critics if you prefer. You can't get a more professional opinion than from these folks.

Overall, Rotten Tomatoes does a good job of letting you know at a glance whether or not a movie is worth your time. The easily identifiable icons, overall score, and consensus summary only take a moment to scan.

Cons of Rotten Tomatoes

The biggest issue with Rotten Tomatoes is that it breaks down complex opinions into a Yes or No score. It scores a critic who thought the movie was decent but had some flaws (say, a 59 percent rating) the same as one who thought the movie was absolute garbage (a zero percent score).

You'll notice this with the Average Rating under the score. Take Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle as an example. Of the 232 critic reviews, 177 of them are positive. This gives the movie a score of 76 percent. However, the critics rated the movie an average of 6.2/10---quite a bit under the 76 percent displayed on the page.

This doesn't mean the scores on Rotten Tomatoes are useless, of course. But it's important to remember that there's nuance in individual reviews, and the Fresh/Rotten system effectively turns every rating into a 100 or 0 score.

Metacritic aggregates reviews of movies and TV shows, plus video games and music albums. It's one of the best sites for gamers , but it can give you a good idea on the quality of movies too.

The site collects reviews from many sources and aggregates them into one "metascore" from 0 to 100. It displays a color and one-line indication of quality based on the overall score, with the following used for movies, TV, and albums:

• 81-100: Universal Acclaim (Green)
• 61-80: Generally Favorable Reviews (Green)
• 40-60: Mixed or Average Reviews (Yellow)
• 20-39: Generally Unfavorable Reviews (Red)
• 0-19: Overwhelming Dislike (Red)

Unlike Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic uses a weighted average system. Nobody knows the exact details, but the service assigns more importance to some sources than others. Like the other two sites, Metacritic also includes a separate user score, which does not influence the critic score.

The Pros of Metacritic

Metacritic avoids the Rotten Tomatoes problem of scoring every review as simply "good" or "bad." A review of 50 percent gets mixed in with the rest to create the metascore. Thus, the score you see on Metacritic is closer to the average review, as opposed to the percentage of critics who simply liked the movie on Rotten Tomatoes.

Additionally, among these three sites, Metacritic is the only one to feature full user reviews right next to critic reviews. This makes it easy to compare what the general public thinks compared to the professionals.

The Cons of Metacritic

While it's easy to translate a score from a five-star or 10-point scale, Metacritic's way of translating letter grade is questionable. We can see how this works on the About Metascores page :

While scoring an A as 100 percent makes sense, note the scores for B- and F , for instance. A 67 percent score for a B- seems a bit harsh. In most schools, a score of 67 percent is closer to an F than it is a B- .

And scoring an F as 0 percent seems unfair. Something like 20 percent for an F might be more appropriate. Because every site has different scales for scoring (some might not even use pluses and minuses), this could skew a reviewer's original meaning.

Also, unlike Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic seems to have few public standards. There's no detailed information on where it sources it critics from. Thus, the score potentially doesn't have as much weight behind it as Rotten Tomatoes does.

What Is the Best Movie Rating Website?

So we've now taken a look at IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic, and listed their major pros and cons. As you might have guessed, there's no one website that's best for everything.

However, we can recommend each of these sites for different reasons:

• IMDb is great for seeing what general audiences think of a movie. If you don't care what the critics say and want to see what people like yourself thought of a film, then you should use IMDb. Just be aware that fans often skew the vote with 10-star ratings, which may inflate scores somewhat.
• Rotten Tomatoes offers the best overall picture of whether a movie is worth seeing at a glance. If you only trust the opinions of top critics and just want to know if a movie is at least decent, you should use Rotten Tomatoes. While the Fresh/Rotten binary can oversimplify the often complex opinions of critics, it should still help you weed out lousy films.
• Metacritic offers the most balanced aggregate score. If you don't mind which critics' opinions go into the final score and prefer seeing a general average, then you should use Metacritic. Its standards are mostly unknown, but Metacritic makes it easy to compare professional and user reviews side-by-side.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with checking all three of these sites every time you're thinking of seeing a movie. Over time, you should figure out which site's tastes most match yours; then you'll know which is best for you personally.

Personal Taste Still Matters Most

Remember that movie scores aren't everything. All three of these sites don't, for instance, paint an accurate picture of movies that are so bad they're good. Because those movies are objectively terrible, they carry low scores even though they have ironic value.

Plus, it's impossible to sum up complex opinions from dozens of people into a single number. And no matter what the critics or general public think, your preferences might be totally different anyway. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a movie that most people find stupid. So while these sites are helpful, don't take them too seriously.

• Behind the scene

IMDb (Internet Movie Database); best movie critic websites:‎

IMDb is a well-known platform that serves as a one-stop destination for movie information. While it ‎primarily focuses on providing a comprehensive database of films, it also includes user-generated reviews ‎and ratings. IMDb’s extensive user community makes it a valuable resource for gauging public opinion on ‎movies of all genres.‎

Metacritic; movie critic website:‎

Metacritic stands out by presenting a metascore, which is a weighted average of scores from various ‎critics. This unique approach provides a quick snapshot of critical reception. Metacritic also includes user ‎reviews, allowing readers to explore a broader range of opinions.‎

You may also be interested in this: Top Movie Review YouTube Channels

Letterboxd:‎

Letterboxd is a social networking site for film enthusiasts. It offers a platform for users to log, rate, and ‎review movies they have watched. Letterboxd fosters a vibrant community that encourages discussions ‎and recommendations, making it an excellent resource for cinephiles to discover new films.‎

Criticker; movie review aggregator websites:‎

Criticker adopts a personalized approach to movie recommendations. Users rate films they have watched, ‎and the website’s algorithm suggests other movies based on their ratings. This collaborative filtering ‎system helps users find movies that align with their tastes and preferences.‎

FilmAffinity:‎

FilmAffinity is a Spanish-based movie review website that boasts an extensive international user ‎community. It features user-generated reviews and ratings, along with personalized movie ‎recommendations. FilmAffinity’s multicultural perspective makes it a valuable resource for exploring films ‎beyond mainstream Hollywood.‎

You may also be interested in this: Best Cinema Critics

Reddit, a popular online platform, hosts various communities dedicated to movies and film criticism. ‎Subreddits such as r/movies and r/TrueFilm provide spaces for discussions, sharing recommendations, and ‎reading insightful reviews. The diverse user base ensures a broad range of opinions and perspectives.‎

The Guardian’s Film Section; professional movie critic websites:

‎ The Guardian’s film section is a reputable source of movie reviews and features articles written by ‎experienced critics. Known for its thoughtful analysis and in-depth coverage, The Guardian provides ‎readers with well-crafted reviews that delve into the artistic and thematic aspects of films.‎

Best Cinema Review

BestCinemareview.com is a newly established website designed and updated daily by a group of cinema enthusiasts. The site introduces you to the best movies and series, and provides analysis of both classic and modern cinema.

When you visit BestCinemareview.com, you will find various sections, including Reviews (In-depth reviews of recently released movies and TV series), Genres, The Bests, Biography, Behind The Scene and Anime

Are movie critics biased?‎

The question of whether movie critics are biased is a complex one. While it is true that critics, like any ‎other human beings, have their own subjective preferences, it does not necessarily mean they are ‎inherently biased. Here are a few factors to consider:‎

Subjectivity and Personal Taste:‎

Movie criticism is inherently subjective because art, including film, is open to interpretation. Critics bring ‎their personal backgrounds, experiences, and tastes to their reviews, which can influence their opinions. ‎What resonates with one critic may not resonate with another. However, reputable critics strive to ‎evaluate films based on their artistic merits, storytelling, technical aspects, and cultural significance, rather ‎than solely on personal preferences.‎

Professionalism and Expertise:‎

Many movie critics have dedicated their careers to studying and analyzing films. They possess extensive ‎knowledge about film history, theory, and the craft of filmmaking. Their expertise allows them to provide ‎informed perspectives and critical insights. While personal biases may still exist, professional critics usually ‎aim to provide objective analyses and consider the broader context of a film’s production and cultural ‎impact.‎

Different Approaches and Critical Schools:‎

Film criticism encompasses a wide range of approaches and methodologies. Some critics focus on formal ‎analysis, examining the technical aspects of a film, while others emphasize the socio-cultural or political ‎implications of a movie. Critics may align with different critical schools or philosophies, which can result in ‎varying interpretations and evaluations. These diverse perspectives contribute to a well-rounded ‎understanding of a film’s strengths and weaknesses.‎

Influence and External Factors:‎

Critics, like any public figures, can be influenced by external factors such as industry relationships, ‎marketing campaigns, or personal biases. Some critics may succumb to these pressures, consciously or ‎unconsciously, affecting the objectivity of their reviews. However, reputable critics strive to maintain their ‎integrity and independence, providing honest opinions regardless of external influences.‎

Reader-Reviewer Relationship:‎

It is essential to recognize that movie criticism is a dialogue between the critic and the audience. Readers ‎often seek out critics whose opinions align with their own tastes or whose writing style resonates with ‎them. Therefore, what may be perceived as bias by some could simply be a critic’s consistent perspective ‎or writing style that attracts a specific audience?‎

When it comes to finding reliable movie reviews, these movie critic websites offer a range of perspectives ‎and insights. Rotten Tomatoes , IMDb, Metacritic , Letterboxd, Criticker, FilmAffinity, Reddit, and The ‎Guardian’s film section are just a few examples of the excellent resources available online. By exploring ‎these platforms, movie enthusiasts can make informed decisions about which films to watch, ensuring ‎their movie-watching experiences are both enjoyable and enriching.‎ In addition to these websites, some film and series production platforms such as Netflix or Amazon Prime ‎sometimes review films and series.‎

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Best Sites For Rating Movies: 6 Top Movie Review Websites

Our society has grown to worship movies. This can be seen in the sheer number of movies made each year, some good and some bad. Because there are so many to choose from, finding a good one can be a challenge.

Movies now make up a huge part of the entertainment industry. But with so many choices comes the problem of finding the best ones to watch.

It would take hours upon hours to watch every movie made in a year, and even then you’d likely miss some great ones. So how can we solve this problem?

The answer reviews. Reviews allow us to get an idea of whether or not others liked the movie before we decide if it’s worth watching ourselves.

BEST SITES FOR RATING MOVIES

What are movie review sites.

Movie review sites like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and Letterboxd are great places to find out what a movie is all about.

They can also be useful for finding out if your favorite actor has been in other movies you may have missed.

Movie review websites are one of the best ways to learn what critics think of a movie and how they feel about it.

The more information you can gather on a film, the better informed you’ll be when you decide whether to watch it or not.

Movie review sites don’t really have any effect on box office sales, but they can make a huge difference in determining what kind of an impact a movie will have on consumers.

A review helps us determine if others were entertained by a movie before we spend our time and money on it.

Picking a movie to watch can be hard. You have your mood to consider, the weather, and the amount of time you have available.

And who to see it with? But even after all that, one question remains — is it any good?

With sites like Letterboxd, the answer is now as easy as logging into your social media account.

The internet can be an overwhelming place when trying to find a good, reliable movie review site.

With so many sites out there, it’s hard to know which ones are actually worth your time.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best movie review sites out there. Not everyone will be for everyone, but each reviewer has something unique to offer that makes it worth checking out.

Best Sites For Rating Movies

If you love the cinema, and you’re constantly looking for the best ways to keep up to date with what’s new and what’s upcoming, then one of these sites is going to be perfect for you.

Below, we’ve gone through some of the most popular movie websites on the internet today and reviewed them, so that you can find out which site is best for your film needs.

Let’s start off with my personal favorite!

Letterboxd is a social network for sharing your taste in film. Keep a watchlist of films you’d like to see, and create lists/collections on any topic. Rate, review, and tag films as you add them. Find and follow friends to see what they’re enjoying.

Keep a diary of your film viewing, check in to films at theaters, and share your thoughts with the world. Search a database of over 2 million films, with filters that can refine your results by anything from decade and genre to personal ratings and reviews.

From Letterboxd themselves: “We’re proud of our place in a burgeoning ecosystem of film-related apps and websites that complement Letterboxd’s focus on social sharing, curation, and discovery.

In that spirit, we offer a range of developer tools to help integrate Letterboxd data into other applications and websites — you can explore these on our developer site.”

My Letterboxd profile can be found here, btw: FilmLifestyle’s Letterboxd profile . Give me a follow!

Try Letterboxd

iCheckMovies

iCheckMovies helps you keep a personal list of movies you have seen and liked. It’s a checklist more than anything else.

The main part of the site is the List, which is essentially a ‘Best Movies Ever’ list, as voted by users. Each movie in the list has been checked by at least 2 users.

The goal of the site is to provide an easy way to create and share your own customized list of favorite movies.

You can compare your lists with friends and explore other people’s lists. iCheckMovies helps you keep a personal list of your favorite movies and shows

• Create your own list of favorites to keep track of what you have seen and liked.
• Discover new movies by browsing lists created by our users.
• Compare your taste with other users and see how many movies you have in common.
• Explore the top-rated, most popular, and most discussed movies by our users.
• Get suggestions for movies and shows to watch based on your taste.

Originally a fan-operated website, the database is owned and operated by IMDb.com, Inc., a subsidiary of Amazon.

IMDb has approximately 4.7 million titles (including episodes) and 8.3 million personalities in its database,  as well as 83 million registered users.

IMDb stands out for its vast collection of film and television information. It’s not just a place for ratings; it’s a comprehensive resource for release dates, cast and crew details, trivia, and forums for discussion.

With user-contributed content and professional critic reviews, IMDb offers a balanced view of a film’s reception. Its integration with Amazon also allows for easy viewing options.

Matt Crawford

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Great guide to the top sites for rating movies.

Thanks, Jaani.

I would like to receive the latest movies before selling them. Thanks

Can’t help you there, Jurugo.

There are many websites that offer movie reviews and ratings, but here are six of the top sites:

Rotten Tomatoes: Rotten Tomatoes is one of the most popular movie review websites. It aggregates reviews from both professional critics and regular movie-goers to provide an overall score for each film.

IMDb: IMDb is a comprehensive database of movies information that also includes user reviews and ratings. Its Top Rated Movies list is based on user ratings, and it’s a great place to find information about upcoming movies.

Metacritic: Like Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic aggregates reviews from critics, but it also assigns a weighted score to each review based on the critic’s track record. The site’s Metascore is often used as a shorthand for a movie’s critical reception.

Letterboxd: Letterboxd is a social media platform for movie lovers that allows users to rate and review films, create watchlists, and follow other users with similar tastes. Its recommendation algorithm is known for being particularly effective.

RogerEbert.com: Roger Ebert was one of the most respected film critics of his time, and his website continues to offer thoughtful and insightful reviews from a team of writers. The site also includes essays, interviews, and other film-related content.

Empire: Empire is a UK-based magazine that covers movies, TV shows, and video games. Its website includes reviews, news, and features, and its annual Empire Awards are highly respected within the industry.

Thanks for the contribution, Rizwan.

Amazing content, thanks for sharing

Thanks, Kelvin.

I think that Toy Story is worth watching than Star wares Where it doesn t have have the force

Fair enough, Joel.

Great content, thanks for sharing

Cheers, Jenny.

great content, thanks for sharing

In India idmb is the best website for movie review after all your content is very informative and best knowledge provides.

Thanks, Hemant.

I have updated my knowledge after reading the information given on your site, thank you so much for such an awesome article.

Thank you for sharing such an informative and well-structured post on movie rating sites. The content was organized in a way that made it easy to navigate and find specific information.

Thanks, Soumen.

Toy Story, in my opinion, is more entertaining to watch than Star Wars because it lacks the force.

I see what you did there!

Great article on movie rating sites!

Thanks, rizwan

Brilliant article

These movie review websites are a lifesaver when it comes to choosing what to watch. Thanks for curating this list!

I’ve been looking for reliable movie review sources, and this article just made my search a whole lot easier. Kudos!

Thanks, Kuliah.

I’ve been looking for reliable movie review sources, and this article just made my search a whole lot easier. Kudos!

Thanks a lot, yousif.

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Whose ratings should you trust? IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, or Fandango?

by Alex Olteanu

A data scientist investigates

Should you watch a movie? Well, there are a lot of factors to consider, such as the director, the actors, and the movie’s budget. Most of us base our decision off of a review, a short trailer, or just by checking the movie’s rating.

There are a few good reasons you would want to avoid reading reviews, or watching a trailer, although they bring much more information than a rating.

First, you may want to completely avoid spoilers, no matter how small. I understand that!

Second, it could be that you want an uninfluenced experience of watching that movie. This usually applies only to reviews, which are sprinkled with frames, like “this is a movie about the complexity of the universe” or “this movie is really not about love”. Once these frames get encoded in your short-term memory, it’s really hard to stop them from interfering with your own movie experience.

Another good reason is that if you’re tired or hurried, you might not want to read a review, let alone watch a 2-minute trailer.

So a numeric movie rating seems to be a good solution in quite a few situations, for quite a few people.

This article aims to recommend a single website to quickly get an accurate movie rating, and offers a robust, data-driven argumentation for it.

Criteria for “the best”

Making such a recommendation is a lot like saying “this is the best place to look for a movie rating,” which is an evaluative statement, resting on some criteria used to determine what is better, what is worse or worst, and what is best, in this case. For my recommendation, I will use one single criterion: a normal distribution.

The best place to look for a movie rating is to see whose ratings are distributed in a pattern which resembles the most, or is identical to, the pattern of a normal distribution, which is this: given a set of values lying in a certain interval, most of them are in the middle of it, and the few others at that interval’s extremes. Generally, this is how a normal (also called Gaussian) distribution looks like:

What’s the rationale behind this criterion? Well, from my own experience consisting of several hundred movies, I can tell that I’ve seen:

• a few outstanding ones that I’ve watched several times
• a couple that were really appalling, and made me regret the time spent watching them
• and a whole bunch of average ones, for most of which I can’t even remember the plot anymore.

I believe that most people — whether critics, cinephiles, or just regular moviegoers — have had a similar experience.

If movie ratings do indeed express movie quality, then we should see the same pattern for both.

Given that most of us assess the bulk of movies as being of an average quality, we should see the same pattern when we analyze movie ratings. A similar logic applies for bad and good movies.

If you’re not yet persuaded that there should be such a correspondence between the patterns, think about the distribution of ratings for a single movie. As many people rate the movie, it’s not a leap of faith to assume that most often there will be many of them with similar preferences. They’ll generally agree that the movie is either bad, average, or good (I will quantify later these qualitative values). Also, there will be a few others who assess the movie with one of the other two qualitative values.

If we visualized the distribution of all the ratings for an individual movie, we would most likely see that one single cluster forms in one of the areas corresponding to a low, an average, or a high rating.

Provided most movies are considered average, the cluster around the average area has the greatest likelihood of occurring, and the other two clusters have a smaller (but still significant) likelihood. (Note that all these likelihoods can be quantified in principle, but this would require a lot of data, and would have the potential to turn this article into a book.)

The least likely would be a uniform distribution in which there are no clusters, and people’s preferences are split almost equally across the three qualitative values.

Given these likelihoods, the distribution of ratings for a large enough sample of movies should be one with a blunt cluster in the average area, bordered by bars of decreasing height (frequency), resembling, thus, a normal distribution.

If you have found all this hard to understand, consider this illustration:

IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Fandango, or Metacritic?

Now that we have a criterion to work with, let’s dive into the data.

There are a lot of websites out there that come up with their own movie ratings. I have chosen only four, mainly based on their popularity, so that I could get ratings for movies with an acceptable number of votes. The happy winners are IMDB , Fandango , Rotten Tomatoes , and Metacritic .

For the last two, I have focused only on their iconic rating types — namely the tomatometer , and the metascore — mainly because these are more visible to the user on each of the websites (meaning it’s quicker to find them). These are also shared on the other two websites (the metascore is shared on IMDB and the tomatometer on Fandango). Besides these iconic ratings, both websites also have a less-featured rating type where only users get to contribute.

I have collected ratings for some of the most voted and reviewed movies in 2016 and 2017. The cleaned dataset has ratings for 214 movies, and can be downloaded from this Github repo .

I haven’t collected ratings for movies released before 2016, simply because a slight change has occurred in Fandango’s rating system soon after Walt Hickey’s analysis , which I will refer to later in this article.

I’m aware that working with a small sample is risky, but at least this is compensated by getting the most recent snapshot of the ratings’ distributions.

Before plotting and interpreting the distributions, let me quantify the qualitative values I used earlier: on a 0 to 10 scale, a bad movie is somewhere between 0 and 3, an average one between 3 and 7, and a good one between 7 and 10.

Please take note of the distinction between quality and quantity. To keep it discernible in what follows, I will refer to ratings (quantity) as being low, average, or high. As before, the movie quality is expressed as bad, average, or good. If you worry about the “average” term being the same, don’t, because I will take care to avoid any ambiguity.

Now let’s take a look at the distributions:

At a simple glance, it can be noticed that the metascore’s histogram (that’s what this kind of graph is called) most closely resembles a normal distribution. It has a thick cluster in the average area composed of bars of irregular heights, which makes the top neither blunt, neither sharp.

However, they are more numerous and taller than the bars in each of the other two areas, which decrease in height towards extremes, more or less gradually. All these clearly indicate that most of the metascores have an average value, which is pretty much what we’re looking for.

In the case of IMDB, the bulk of the distribution is in the average area as well, but there is an obvious skew towards the highest average values. The high ratings area looks similar to what would be expected to be seen for a normal distribution in that part of the histogram. However, the striking feature is that the area representing low movie ratings is completely empty, which raises a big question mark.

Initially, I put the blame on the small sample, thinking that a larger one would do more justice to IMDB. Luckily, I was able to find a ready-made dataset on Kaggle containing IMDB ratings for 4,917 different movies. To my great surprise, the distribution looked like this:

The shape of the distribution looks almost the same as that for the sample with 214 movies, except for the low ratings area, which is in this case feebly populated with 46 movies (out of 4917). The bulk of the values is still in the average area, which makes the IMDB rating worth considering further for a recommendation, although is clearly hard to rival the metascore, with that skew.

Anyway, what’s really great about this outcome is that it can be used as a strong argument to support the thesis that the 214-movies sample is fairly representative for the whole population. In other words, there’s a greater confidence now that the results of this analysis would be the same — or at least similar — to the results reached if absolutely all the movie ratings from all the four websites were analyzed.

With this increased confidence, let’s move on to examining the distribution of Fandango’s ratings, which doesn’t seem to have changed much since Hickey’s analysis. The skew is still visibly towards the higher part of the movie rating spectrum, where most of the ratings reside. The area for the lower half of the average ratings is completely empty, just like the one for low ratings. It can easily be concluded that the distribution is quite far from fitting my criterion. Consequently, I won’t consider it further for a possible recommendation.

(I promise that the torment of scrolling up will end soon. It’s much easier to compare the distributions if they are placed one near the other, rather than having them scattered across the article.)

Lastly, the tomatometer’s distribution is unexpectedly uniform, and would look even flatter under a different binning strategy (a binning strategy is defined by the total number of bars and their ranges; you can play with these two parameters when you’re generating a histogram).

This distribution is not easy to interpret in context, because the tomatometer it’s not a classical rating, but rather represents the percentage of critics who gave a positive review to a movie. This makes it unfit for the bad-average-good qualitative framework, because it makes movies either good, either bad. Anyway, I guess it should still boil down to the same normal distribution, with most of the movies having a moderate difference between the number of positive reviews and the negative ones (rendering many ratings of 30% — 70% positive reviews), and a few movies having a significantly bigger difference, in one way or the other.

Given the last consideration and the shape of the distribution, the tomatometer doesn’t meet my criterion. It could be that a larger sample would do it more justice, but even so, if I were to recommend it, I would do it with some reserves because of the vague positive or negative rating system.

At this point of the analysis, I could say that by looking at the distributions, my recommendation is the metascore.

However, the IMDB’s distribution seems to be worth considering as well, especially if you tweak a little the rating intervals for the three qualitative categories (intervals which I defined myself, more or less arbitrarily). From this perspective, recommending the metascore by mostly doing a visual examination is clearly not enough.

So, I will try to delimit between these two by using a quantitative method.

The idea is to use the Fandango variable as a negative reference, and then determine which variable, from the IMDB rating and the metascore, is the least correlated with it (I call these variables because they can take different values — for example, the metascore is a variable because it takes different values, depending on the movie).

I will simply compute some correlation coefficients, and the variable with the smallest value will be my recommendation (I will explain then how these correlation coefficients work). But before that, let me briefly justify choosing the Fandango variable as a negative reference.

Fandango’s users love movies too much

One reason for this choice is that the distribution of Fandango’s movie ratings is the furthest from that of a normal one, having that obvious skew towards the higher part of the movie ratings spectrum.

The other reason is the cloud of suspicion around Fandango left by Walt Hickey’s analysis . On October 2015, he was also puzzled by a similar distribution, and discovered that on Fandango’s website the numerical ratings were always rounded to the next highest half-star, not to the nearest one (for example, a 4.1 average rating for a movie would have been rounded to 4.5 stars, instead of 4.0).

The Fandango team fixed the biased rating system, and told Hickey that the rating logic was rather a “software glitch” on their website, pointing towards an unbiased system on their mobile app. (More about this on Hickey’s article .) The adjustment did change some statistical parameters for the better, but not enough to convince me not to work with the Fandango variable as a negative reference.

This is what the change looks like:

Now, let’s zoom in on Fandango:

Between the metascore and the IMDB rating, which is the least correlated with the Fandango rating?

The least correlated with the Fandango rating is the metascore. It has a Pearson’s r value of 0.38 with respect to Fandango, while the IMDB rating has a value of 0.63.

Now let me explain all this.

As two variables change, taking different values, they are correlated if there’s a pattern corresponding to both changes. Measuring correlation simply means measuring the extent to which there is such a pattern.

One of the ways to perform this measure is to compute the Pearson’s r. If the value is +1.0, it means there’s a perfect positive correlation, and if it’s -1.0, it means there’s a perfect negative correlation.

The extent to which the variables are correlated decrease as the Pearson’s r approaches 0, from both the negative and the positive side.

Let’s better visualize this:

Now, to put the abstraction above into context, if we compare how the values for two rating types change — say Fandango’s and IMDB’s — we can determine the degree to which there’s a pattern corresponding to both changes.

Given the correlation coefficients just mentioned, there is a pattern between Fandango and IMDB to a greater extent than is for Fandango and the metascore. Both coefficients are positive, and, as such, the correlation is said to be positive, which means that as Fandango’s ratings go up, IMDB’s ratings tend to go up as well, more than the metascores do.

Put differently, for any given movie rating on Fandango, it is more probable that the metascore is going to be more different from it than the IMDB rating.

The verdict: use Metacritic’s metascore

All in all, I recommend checking the metascore whenever you are looking for a movie rating. Here’s how it works, and its downsides.

In a nutshell, the metascore is a weighted average of many reviews coming from reputed critics. The Metacritic team reads the reviews and assigns each a 0–100 score, which is then given a weight, mainly based on the review’s quality and source. You can find more about their rating system here .

Now, I just want to point out a few downsides of the metascore:

• The weighting coefficients are confidential, so you won’t get to see the extent to which each review counted in the metascore.
• You’ll have a rough time finding metascores for less-known movies that appeared before 1999, the year Metacritic was created.
• Some recent movies whose main language is not English aren’t even listed on Metacritic. For example, the Romanian movies Two Lottery Tickets (2016) and Eastern Business (2016) are not listed on Metacritic, while they are on IMDB, with ratings.

Few more words

To sum up, in this article I made a single recommendation of where to look for a movie rating. I recommended the metascore, based on two arguments: its distribution resembles the most a normal one, and it is the least correlated with the Fandango rating.

All the quantitative and the visual elements of the article are reproducible in Python, as it is shown here .

Thanks for reading! And happy movie-going!

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You should ignore film ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes

Picking a film to watch is an emotional rollercoaster. First, you have to deal with the crushing knowledge that none of your streaming services of choice actually have the film you want to watch. Then you narrow the field down to three films that you never really intended to watch but are the only half-decent options available.

At this point, paralysed by the thought of making the wrong decisions in life, you will Google the ratings of these films to find out if they’re worth your time. Three hours later – unable to make a decision because of the conflicting information – you realise that it’s too late to start watching a film now anyway and settle down to watch old episodes of Parks and Rec .

But why do the big film-ranking sites come up with such radically different options? Is The Wizard of Oz really best film of all time, or is it The Shawshank Redemption ? Why does Metacritic think that Ratatouille is the twenty-third best film in the history of cinema?

To answer all these questions, let’s take a look at how the three biggest film-ranking sites come up with their ratings, and why you should ignore them all.

Movie-rating: the methodology

On IMDb, all films are given an overall rating out of ten. In a roundabout way, these ratings are derived from votes submitted by IMDb users, not movie critics.

All registered IMDb users can submit a single rating – a number between one and ten – for any film on the website. These votes are then re-jigged so that certain demographics (newly-registered users, for example) don’t disproportionately influence the overall ranking of the film. IMDb doesn’t disclose how it re-jigs these votes, but what does mean is that a film’s ranking is not quite an overall average of all its user scores, but it’s probably quite close.

Read more: 52 of the best films on Netflix UK this week

Adrienne So

David Nield

Beth Mole, Ars Technica

Just to be extra helpful, IMDb’s Top 250 films are ranked in a slightly different way. Only votes from ‘regular IMDb voters’ are used to make up these rankings. Helpfully, IMDb doesn’t say what makes someone a regular IMDb voter.

In short: IMDb ratings are based on the votes of the website’s users, with a little bit of mathematical re-jigging to stop certain groups disproportionately influencing the vote.

This all sounds very egalitarian, but as we’ll see, most IMDb voters are male, which seems to skew the rankings in favour of films that are aimed more towards men.

****: 1. The Shawshank Redemption

****: 2. The Godfather

****: 3. The Godfather: Part II

****: 4. The Dark Knight

****: 5. 12 Angry Men

****: 6. Schindler's List

****: 7. Pulp Fiction

****: 8. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

****: 9. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

****: 10. Fight Club

Rotten Tomatoes gives films a score out of 100 based on the averaged reviews of professional film critics. If a film gets a rating of 60 or more it gets a ‘fresh’ red tomato on the site. Less than 60 and it gets a rotten tomato. The best films are picked out for a ‘certified fresh’ rating, which usually means the film has at least 80 critical reviews and a rating of 75 or more. The website also separately ranks film by user scores, but let’s not get distracted by that here.

For its main rankings, Rotten Tomatoes only takes into account reviews from approved critics and approved publications. To rank as an approved critic , you have to write for a large or well-regarded website, magazine or newspaper.

But just to make things a little more complicated, Rotten Tomatoes also weights its rankings depending on how many reviews a film has. That’s why The Wizard of Oz with an average score of 99 from 111 reviews beats Citizen Kane , which an average score of 100 from 75 reviews, to the top spot.

In short: Rotten Tomatoes ranks selected critics' reviews, and tweaks the rankings to favour films with a large number of positive reviews,

And you guessed it. Most of rotten Tomatoes’ selected critics are men.

****: 1. The Wizard of Oz

****: 2. Citizen Kane

****: 3. The Third Man

****: 4. Get Out

****: 5. Mad Max: Fury Road

****: 6. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari)

****: 7. All About Eve

****: 8. Inside Out

****: 9. Metropolis

****: 10. The Godfather

Metacritic also gives films a score out of 100, based on published critics’ reviews. The site converts letter or number scores from reviews into a score out of 100 and then weights those scores so that some reviews influence the score a little more than others do.

The website doesn’t publish a list of its featured critics, but you can see the list of which publications it aggregates scores from here . This list of publications is updated on a regular basis, but Metacritic doesn’t say why it picks some websites and ignores others.

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Unlike Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic seems to calculate its ranks based on fairly small numbers of critics’ reviews, so they are more subject to strange fluctuations in the rankings.

In short: Metacritic works a bit like Rotten Tomatoes, but with fewer reviews.

Metacritic seems to place a bit more emphasis on publishers rather than critics, so it’s hard to get an idea what the gender balance of reviewers is. Its top-ranking film – Citizen Kane – is based on reviews from only two women and ten men, though.

****: 1. Citizen Kane

****: 3. Casablanca

****: 4. Boyhood

****: 5. Three Colors: Red

****: 6. Singin' in the Rain

****: 7. Moonlight

****: 8. Pan's Labyrinth

****: 9. Hoop Dreams

****: 10. My Left Foot

Why you should ignore all movie-ranking sites

Don’t be tricked into thinking that movie-ranking sites give some kind of objective rating on how good a film is. All three of the above sites are skewed pretty heavily towards the opinions of men.

Take IMDb’s top-ranked film for example – The Shawshank Redemption . Its score of 9.3 is based on the votes of around 1.86 million IMDb users . 1.2 million of those votes came from men. IMDb does tweak its rankings to lessen the influence of particular demographics, but men often make up over 70 per cent of the voters for any film.

And it turns out that men tend to look much more favourably on films with more masculine themes, or male leading actors.

A look at the ratings for Sex and the City demonstrates how divided the voting audience on IMDb is. Over 29,000 men gave the film an average rating of 5.8, while 43,000 women came up with a score of 8.1. A straight-up averaging of the scores gives it a ranking of 7.4, but IMDb’s maths leaves it with a final score of 7.

IMDb breaks down the voting demographics for all of its films. Take a flick through them and you’ll see that men consistently rank masculine films higher than films that feature female leads or more traditionally female themes.

Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t come off much better. In 2015, Meryl Streep attacked the website for featuring way more male critics. Back then, there were 168 female critics on the websites’ approved list, and 760 men. A 2016 study from San Diego State University found that only 27 per cent of ‘top critics’ on the site were women.

There aren’t comprehensive breakdowns for the gender balance on Metacritic, but since it shares many of the same sources at Rotten Tomatoes, it’s likely that the website suffers from a similar degree of bias.

Just pick a film already

If you came here hoping for a verdict on which site should reign supreme in the movie-ranking stakes, then you must be bitterly disappointed. Really, it boils down to this: if you want to know which movies men on the internet tend to like, look on IMDb. If you’re looking for critics’ favourites, go for Rotten Tomatoes. If you want a slightly worse version of Rotten Tomatoes, opt for Metacritic.

Or just watch Inside Out now because it’s lovely and heartwarming and you are clearly incapable of making a decision independently.

This article was originally published by WIRED UK

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The Ultimate Movie Review Website Guide

Movie review websites are valuable for film enthusiasts and casual movie-goers alike. They provide a platform for sharing opinions, discovering new films, and staying updated on the latest releases. Whether you're looking to find the best movie review websites or make a movie review website, there's no denying these platforms' impact on the entertainment industry.

Benefits of Movie Review Websites

Movie review websites are a goldmine of information for movie buffs, offering everything from plot summaries to cast details and critical reviews. This wealth of knowledge makes it easier for audiences to decide which movies to check out. Moreover, these platforms often feature user-generated content and discussions that help create a sense of community among film enthusiasts. This engagement fosters a shared love for cinema and encourages meaningful interactions among fans, making the movie-watching experience even more enjoyable.

Top Movie Review Websites

When looking for the best movie review websites, you can't go wrong with big names like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. These platforms are popular for a reason - they offer a wealth of information including professional reviews, user ratings, and comprehensive databases that help movie enthusiasts make informed decisions about what to watch. Whether you're looking for critical analysis or audience opinions, these websites have got you covered.

How to Create a Movie Review Website

If you're thinking about starting your own movie review website, there are a few things you'll need to think about. First, you'll need to find a web hosting service that's reliable and suits your needs. Then, you'll want to make sure your website is engaging for users by incorporating interactive features that encourage participation and discussion. This might sound like a lot, but with the right tools and resources, creating your own movie review website can be an exciting and rewarding project. Creating a movie review website involves several important steps that can help ensure its success. In addition to finding a reliable web hosting service, you'll also want to choose a user-friendly website builder that makes it easy for you to design and manage your site.

It's also important to think about how you can make your website interactive and engaging for users by incorporating features like comment sections or forums where people can discuss their thoughts on different movies.

When it comes to building your own movie review website, it's important to choose the right tools and resources that will make the process easier for you. With Strikingly, for example, you can take advantage of customizable templates that allow you to create a unique design for your site. You can also integrate social media features that will help increase visibility and attract more visitors to your website. With the right tools at your disposal, creating a successful movie review website is definitely within reach!

Importance of Movie Review Websites

Movie Trailer Template from Strikingly

Movie review websites play a crucial role in providing valuable information to movie-goers. These platforms offer in-depth analysis and insights into the latest releases, helping viewers decide which movies to watch. Whether it's a detailed critique or a simple rating, these reviews give audiences a better understanding of what to expect from a film.

Provides Valuable Information to Movie-Goers

Movie review websites play a crucial role in helping movie enthusiasts make informed decisions about which films to watch. By offering detailed reviews, ratings, and user comments, these platforms provide valuable insights into the quality and content of the latest releases. This allows viewers to select movies that align with their preferences, leading to a more satisfying movie-watching experience overall.

Influences Box Office Success

The impact of movie review websites on box office success cannot be overstated. Positive reviews can significantly boost ticket sales, while negative ones deter audiences from watching certain films. As such, these platforms have the power to influence movies' financial performance, making them an integral part of the film industry.

Builds Community and Engagement Among Movie Enthusiasts

In addition to providing information and influencing box office success, movie review websites also foster community and engagement among movie enthusiasts. Through comment sections and user ratings, viewers can interact with one another, share their opinions, and discuss their favorite films. This sense of community adds value to the overall movie-watching experience.

IMDb is the go-to place for movie reviews, offering a massive database of movies, TV shows, and celebrity profiles. It's the ultimate destination for film buffs looking for information and user-generated ratings and reviews. With its user-friendly interface, IMDb provides a platform for movie enthusiasts to share their thoughts and engage with the community.

IMDb, or the Internet Movie Database, is a go-to destination for movie buffs looking for comprehensive information about their favorite films, TV shows, and celebrities. It's not just a review site - users can also rate movies, write reviews, and engage in discussions with other members. With its user-friendly interface and vast database of content, IMDb has become one of the top choices for movie enthusiasts seeking valuable insights and community engagement.

2. Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes is the ultimate destination for movie buffs looking for the inside scoop on the newest releases. The site gathers reviews from professional critics and assigns a score to each film, giving users a quick snapshot of its overall quality. This feature is especially helpful for people who want to make an informed decision before heading to the theaters or queuing up a movie at home. Whether you're a casual movie-goer or a die-hard cinephile, Rotten Tomatoes has got you covered with its comprehensive and reliable reviews.

3. Metacritic

Metacritic stands out from other movie review websites because it uses a unique method of assigning weighted scores to reviews from different sources. This approach allows for a more comprehensive rating system that takes into account the opinions of critics and publications. As a result, users can make more informed decisions about which movies to watch based on the aggregated scores.

Now that we've checked out some of the best movie review websites out there, let's dive into how you can make your own platform to share your thoughts on movies. Creating your own movie review website can be a fun and rewarding way to connect with other film enthusiasts and share your opinions on the latest releases. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a hardcore cinephile, having your own space to talk about the films you love (or hate) can be a great way to express yourself and engage with others who share your passion for cinema.

When you're just starting out with your movie review website, the first thing you need to do is find a reliable web hosting service. This is important because you want to make sure that your website is always up and running smoothly for your visitors. Look for a web hosting service that offers good uptime and fast loading speeds so that your audience can have a great experience on your site. It's also helpful to have access to customer support in case you run into any issues along the way.

Creating Movie Review Website with Strikingly

Strikingly Landing Page

Strikingly can be a great platform to create a user-friendly and visually appealing movie review website. Here's a roadmap to get you started.

1. Signing Up and Choosing a Plan

• Head to Strikingly's website and sign up for a free account. They also offer paid plans with additional features like custom domains and password protection (potentially useful in the future).
• Browse through Strikingly's template library. They offer a variety of website templates but look for ones that are image-centric or focus on blogs/articles, as these can be easily adapted for movie reviews.

2. Building Your Website's Foundation

• Once you've chosen a template, personalize it with your brand name, logo, and color scheme. Strikingly's drag-and-drop interface makes customization easy, even for beginners.
• Craft a captivating homepage that introduces your website, your passion for movies, and the kind of reviews you'll be providing (e.g., spoiler-free, genre-specific, etc.).

3. Structuring Your Movie Review Content

• Create a dedicated "Movie Reviews" page. This will be your central hub for all movie reviews.
• Utilize Strikingly's Blog Functionality. Strikingly allows you to create blog posts. Each blog post can be a dedicated movie review, including:
• Eye-catching movie poster or high-quality image
• Movie title, release date, director, and main cast
• Your review content. Write a well-structured review that analyzes the plot, acting, directing, and other relevant aspects of the movie. You can incorporate your personal opinions while maintaining a clear and objective tone.
• Rating System (Optional). Implement a star rating system or another visual rating method to provide a quick and clear evaluation of the movie.
• Call to Action. Encourage readers to leave comments, share your review, or explore other reviews on your website.

4. Optimizing User Experience and Engagement

• Categorize Reviews. If you opt for a paid plan, Strikingly allows you to categorize your reviews by genre, release year, or other relevant criteria. This helps users find specific reviews more easily.

Social Feeds Section

• Integrate Social Media. Embed buttons to allow users to share your reviews on their platforms. This increases website traffic and expands your reach.
• Comment Sections. Enable comment sections on your reviews to foster audience interaction and movie discussions.

5. Content is King

• Regularly Publish Reviews. Maintain a consistent review schedule to keep your audience engaged. Aim for a balance between quantity and quality.
• Variety is Key. Review a mix of genres, mainstream blockbusters, and independent films to cater to a wider audience.
• Consider Multimedia. Explore options to embed trailers or movie clips (with copyright considerations) to enhance your reviews and provide a more engaging experience.

By following these steps and focusing on creating high-quality, informative, and engaging movie reviews, you can build a successful movie review website with Strikingly and establish yourself as a trusted voice in the film enthusiast community.

Select a User-Friendly Website Builder

Now that you've got your web hosting sorted, it's time to pick a website builder that's easy to use and fits your requirements. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace are great options because they come with customizable templates and drag-and-drop features that make designing your movie review website super simple. With these tools, you can create a professional-looking site without needing any coding skills.

Incorporate Interactive Features for User Engagement

To keep your audience engaged and coming back to your movie review website, think about adding interactive elements like comment sections, rating systems, or forums where movie fans can connect with each other and discuss the newest releases. By allowing users to share their thoughts and opinions, you can create a sense of community and keep visitors interested in what your website has to offer. These interactive features also provide valuable feedback for other movie-goers who are looking for recommendations or want to join in on the conversation.

Strikingly Features for Movie Review Websites

Strikingly Make Your Own Section

Strikingly offers a user-friendly interface that makes creating a movie review website a breeze. With its drag-and-drop editor, even beginners can quickly design and launch their site. The platform's intuitive tools and customizable options allow you to showcase your movie reviews visually appealingly.

User-Friendly Interface for Easy Website Creation

Strikingly, the platform's user-friendly interface simplifies the process of creating a movie review website. You can easily add new sections, upload images, and customize the layout to suit your preferences. The platform's straightforward design makes it easy to build a professional-looking site without technical expertise.

Customizable Templates for Unique Design

Strikingly provides a wide range of customizable templates tailored to movie review websites. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or something more vibrant, you can find a template that suits your style. Customizing fonts, colors, and layouts allows you to create a unique design that sets your movie review website apart.

Social Media Integration for Increased Visibility

Integrating social media into your movie review website can expand your reach and increase visibility. Strikingly allows seamless integration with popular social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This enables you to share your reviews with a broader audience and engage with readers on various social channels.

Utilize Strikingly to Build Your Own Movie Review Website

When looking for the best movie review website for your needs, consider user interface, credibility, and community engagement. Look for websites like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic that offer comprehensive reviews and ratings. To create a successful movie review website, focus on reliable web hosting, user-friendly design, and interactive features to engage users. Utilize platforms like Strikingly to easily build your movie review website with customizable templates and social media integration for increased visibility.

Finding the Best Movie Review Website for Your Needs

Consider what you value most in a movie review website - whether it's detailed information about movies, user ratings, or a strong community of film enthusiasts. Websites like IMDb provide a vast database of movies, user reviews, and ratings, while Rotten Tomatoes offers a unique rating system that aggregates reviews from critics. Choose the one that aligns with your preferences.

Tips for Creating a Successful Movie Review Website

To create a successful movie review website, focus on choosing a reliable web hosting service to ensure your site is always accessible to users. Select a user-friendly website builder that allows you to customize the design and layout without needing coding knowledge. Incorporate interactive features such as comment sections or forums to build engagement among users.

Strikingly offers an easy-to-use platform for building your movie review website with customizable templates that allow you to create a unique design. With social media integration features, you can easily share your content across various platforms to increase visibility and attract more users to your site.

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17+ Best Movie Review and Ratings Sites (List)

In this article, we’re going to provide a list of the top, most reliable  movie review sites  on the internet.

Whether you’re a fan of a certain genre like horror or more into TV reviews than movies, we’re going to bring you a full list of the very best movie review and ratings sites out there in 2024.

First let’s cover some common questions about these movie review sites, film critique, how to make your own reviews, and more.

Let’s dive in!

Everyone’s a critic on everything these days… what’s the best movie review and ratings site out there?

Our list below is meant to be ranked based on credibility, overall popularity, and thoroughness.

Do they have a good ranking system in place to accurately rate movies?

Are they have thorough movie reviews?

Do they cover a wide range of titles?

What do people say about them?

All these questions factor into a site’s credibility.

If the reviews aren’t thorough, then what’s the point in going to that review site? You might as well just go see a movie you’re interested in and get other people’s opinions from your friends, family, and social media instead.

Also, apparently, there are some film critics out there who believe it is their job to tell everyone “how to think” about movies they’ve seen. That’s not always what people want or need from movie reviews sometimes. Each of us has our own individual tastes. We’d like to know which titles we should check out for ourselves! Assuming of course, if we haven’t already seen them.

And while this list isn’t a ranking of which site is the best, it should be pretty clear that our all-around favorite movie review and ratings site would have to be IMDb.

IMDb has it all! They have more titles than anyone else on this list, their rankings are accurate, they have more professional film critics with great credentials who write very thorough movie reviews…

Everybody knows IMDb. Critic or not, if you’re looking for a ton of movie data, IMDb’s got your back!

Who is the best film critic of all time?

Roger Ebert (1942-2013) is probably the most famous film critic of all time.

Most people reading this article have probably heard of his name. On top of that, how many other film critics have you heard of? Probably not a ton.

IMDb has a huge list of professional movie critics who write for them on their site. So, while there are many more great film critics out there… it’s safe to say that Roger Ebert is probably the best ever to do it.

His reviews went beyond just what he thought of a movie but tied it to the bigger picture of where we are in society and other broader perspective matters.

Is there such a thing as a movie reviews app?

There sure is!

Some of the sites below (mainly the big popular ones) have iPhone and Android apps that you can install on your phone and tablet devices for even better movie review access.

Is there anything other than just movie reviews that I can find on these sites?

Many movie review sites contain more than just movies. They cover television , video games , and other related entertainment topics as well.

They also contain movie data like ratings, movie trailers, news articles…

What makes a good movie review?

A good film critique should include all the following:

• start with an opening line that draws the reader in and then introduce your thesis statement (or what you’re trying to express)
• provide background information relevant to the topic at hand
• give examples using quotations from the primary source material (a movie or TV show)
• give a conclusion summarizing everything you’ve covered so far

If your goal is to write great movie reviews for any of these sites below, those are some of the elements you’ll want to keep in mind!

I saw a great movie the other day… can I review it?

Lots of movie review sites allow users to chime in and provide their own reviews.

Movies are a subjective thing, so keep your reviews as accurate and unbiased as possible.

Don’t just give it five stars because you loved it! Think about why you would recommend that people see this movie, what the best parts were, and then write up your review based on those points.

Write an honest review to help others decide whether they should see this film or not.

What do an IMDb score and IMDb ranking mean?

IMDb has two different scores for the movies it reviews.

There is the user score, which is the average of every user review.

The official IMDb score is a composite of all professional reviews of a given movie.

Rankings are then generated from the highest to lowest scores of a movie (often within a specific genre), based on the major professional reviews that have been made.

Best Movie Review and Ratings Sites in 2024

Let’s take a look at the best movie review and ratings sites in 2024.

IMDb is the world’s most popular movie review site and one of the best film sites on the web. It was founded on October 17, 1990 and has been going strong ever since.

IMDb is widely considered the foremost expert in the movie review industry online. With more than 1,200 movie critic reviews per day and about 600 million monthly unique visitors, it’s hard to beat IMDb.

What makes them the best movie review site?

Pros : They have a huge selection of films rated by critics with excellent credentials. With a massive database of more than 250 million titles, this website attracts a wide range of viewers looking to learn about movies they haven’t seen before or rediscover old favorites at home. IMDb also provides links to trailers for most movies, which is great if you want to know what all the hype is about!

Cons : IMDb is larger than any other movie review site on this list and can be difficult to navigate sometimes if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

#2 Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes is one of the most well-known movie review and ratings sites on the web and provides thousands of user reviews posted by everyday viewers just like you.

Rotten Tomatoes is possibly second only to IMDb in terms of how many people visit their site each month (around 60-80 million).

The company contains professional film reviews from hundreds of big publications like Rolling Stone, Variety, and The New Yorker.

They also show what’s hot not only in the film world, but when it comes to TV as well.

What makes them one of the best movie review sites?

Pros : They offer both professional and user reviews – a rare find on large movie review sites.

Rotten Tomatoes is incredibly easy to navigate with dozens of filter options to help visitors pinpoint their favorite genres/artists/theatres, etc. You can also check out your local theaters’ upcoming showtimes directly from the site.

Cons : Some of their scores are slightly inflated compared to IMDB because there is no score ceiling (they go up to 100%). Also, it’s not always easy to tell which critics wrote which reviews.

#3 Fandango

Fandano is one of the leading movie ticket retailers. They also have an official movie review website too, which is updated with fresh reviews daily.

Pros : Fandango offers both their own user reviews as well as professional reviews from recognized critics across America.

Cons : Popular, but not as active as IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.

#4 The Movie Database

The Movie Database is another notable movie review site for movies released in theaters, despite being based in the UK.

Pros : The TMDb site is filled with user reviews and information on films alike, making it easy to find any film you want by just searching for its title.

Cons : Many users opt for larger sites since any site in the movie and TV review niche is going up against IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.

#5 Letterboxd

Letterboxd is a lesser-known movie review site, but one that gets rave reviews from its users.

Letterboxd is one of the best movie review sites because they’re all about social media   – which means that visitors have more opportunities to interact with others here than on most other movie review hubs.

Their slogan is “filmstagram” because the site is centered around generating an Instagram -like filter for your movie watching experience—but this means that only people with accounts on the site can leave reviews.

Pros : The interface is sleek and easy to use. The site also lets you keep track of what movies you’ve watched, in case you wanted to go back through your viewing history later on.

Cons : To write a review on Letterboxd, you have to sign up with an email address or Facebook account first. No anonymous reviews are allowed so some users feel limited by this feature.

#6 Metacritic

Metacritic is a website that aggregates reviews for media products (like video games, but also movies and TV shows).

Pros : If you’re interested in finding out what critics across America think about a movie (or game) before you buy it, Metacritic is your best chance at doing so.

Cons : Some users complain that this site puts too much stock into professional reviews compared to user reviews. Also, some movies do not contain enough reviews to generate a quality average score.

#7 IndieWire

IndieWire is more than just a movie review site – it’s also an industry news site.

Pros : The information on IndieWire is continually updated, making it one of the most reliable sources for current movie news. You can access their content free of charge too.

Cons : Most people visit IndieWire looking for the latest industry updates (not reviews), which means that you’re not going to find many (if any) user-generated reviews here like on some other websites. Also, their content is targeted towards professionals or those interested in breaking into showbiz or related fields rather than casual viewers and fans of film/TV alike.

#8 Yahoo! Movies

Yahoo! Movies is one of the most recognizable movie review sites in America.

They provide both their own user reviews as well as professional reviews from credible critics in the industry.

Pros : Yahoo! Movies is easy to navigate and lets you filter search results by type of release (DVD, Blu-ray, etc.). The site also has plenty of trailers for popular upcoming movies that are perfect if you’re trying to get an idea for what’s worth checking out on the big screen soon.

Cons : Like Yahoo in many verticals, it’s not as popular as it once was and is no longer the go-to when it comes to movie reviews.

#9 RogerEbert

RogerEbert is named after possibly the most famous film critic of all time, who wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in April 2013. In 1975, Ebert became the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism.

Ebert’s brand continues through a dedicated movie reviews and ratings site.

Pros : The site’s design appears very clean, modern, and easy to navigate. Especially for casual users who just want quick notes on new films before heading off to the theatre.

Cons : This site only provides a few user reviews a day, some days none at all. RogerEbert also received criticism from its own readers when it stopped updating their database with films that had less than three stars (for some people, this meant many films Ebert himself reviewed were no longer considered worth seeing).

#10 SlashFilm

SlashFilm is a movie review site that includes photos, trailers, interviews, and other news about upcoming films.

Pros : SlashFilm has thousands of high-quality images to provide an interactive experience for users when searching for movies they might like. They also write several excellent articles each month detailing compelling topics in film/TV (for example, “The Most Underrated Meryl Streep Roles”).

Cons : There aren’t many user reviews available on this website, which could be disappointing for some visitors looking for that feature. SlashFilm is also not updated nearly as often as it should be. Also, their content isn’t focused on up-to-date info like industry news or blog posts, which makes it a less popular choice for film enthusiasts and critics alike.

#11 Moviefone

Moviefone is owned by AOL and is one of the most recognized movie review sites on the web. Like Yahoo!, the site provides both reviews from critics as well as amateur users.

Pros : The design is simple to use and easy on the eyes, which means you can spend more time reading reviews than trying to figure out how a layout works. Moviefone also has a stellar library of high-quality photos for popular movies that will leave you in the mood to watch some good TV.

Cons : The user reviews are too short sometimes – some only have three sentences before being cut off mid-sentence, leaving readers wondering what they missed out on! Additionally, Moviefone only provides the bare minimum of professional reviews from industry professionals. And, like many other movie review sites, their content is sometimes outdated and they don’t offer enough current-event news about what’s happening in Hollywood right now (e.g., “Why Ben Affleck is a Genius”).

#12 Blue-ray

Blue-ray is one of the most accurate movie review sites on the web thanks to its large database of hundreds of industry professionals and critics from around the world.

Pros : Blue-ray has a very sleek layout that’s easy to navigate, which will make casual users feel at home right away. Visitors can also search for reviews by their favorite stars or directors, which is great if you’re looking for insight from a certain critic who watches all Steven Spielberg films.

Cons : This site does not allow users to write reviews, which means it doesn’t have much content in general compared to Hollywood entertainment news websites like IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes. Blue-ray is simply an aggregator that pulls reviews from other movie review sites without actually providing any new content.

#13 What’s on Netflix

What’s on Netflix is a movie review site that offers both professional and amateur reviews of various films.

Pros : This website is great for finding movies you might like to watch online, whether it’s streaming on Netflix or another platform. It also breaks down categories based on film genre (e.g., comedy, drama) to make browsing more efficient.

Cons : What’s on Netflix has a somewhat unappealing layout, making it difficult to navigate when trying to find specific types of movies to watch. Additionally, their content is quite dated compared to other websites with industry news and new blog posts about what’s happening in Hollywood right now.

#14 MyDramaList

MyDramaList is a movie review site that offers both professional and amateur reviews of various films.

Pros : Visitors can write their own reviews on this website, which is great for users who want to share their own personal experiences with certain movies. It’s also very helpful for finding recommendations for family-friendly films or even animated features that are worth checking out.

Cons : This site has an outdated layout, so it might be difficult for some visitors to find what they’re looking for (e.g., specific genres or categories). Moreover, there aren’t many industry news updates here – most content seems to consist of blog posts about upcoming television series instead. If you want detailed industry news like what’s happening in Hollywood, try a website like Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb instead.

#15 Syfy Wire

Syfy Wire, from the SyFy channel, is a movie review site that offers both professional and amateur reviews of various films.

Pros : The layout on this website is very clean and easy to navigate, which will be comforting for site visitors who are looking for family-friendly films they can enjoy with friends and/or their kids.

Cons : This website is mainly comprised of short blurbs about new television shows or actors instead of detailed industry news like what’s happening in Hollywood right now (e.g., box office sales, film festivals). If you’re looking for more than just promotional content, try a different movie review site with more content. Additionally, most user reviews skew towards positive ratings, which isn’t very helpful if you’re looking for impartial insight.

#16 MovieWeb

MovieWeb is another large movie review site, ranked among the top 5,000 most popular websites in America (around 6 million monthly visitors). They provide movie news, TV show updates, and reviews for all genres and types of films.

Pros : MovieWeb is structured cleanly like a blog and dozens of new articles are pumped out each day.

Cons : There aren’t many movie news updates here, which means you might have to search elsewhere if you’re looking for unbiased film industry insight. For example, there are no articles about what’s happening in Hollywood right now (e.g., box office sales) or even new blog posts about upcoming films in 2024.

#17 Taste of Cinema

Taste of Cinema is a movie review site from Russia that contains both user ratings and critic reviews.

Pros : The film list and actor list pages have a lot going on to help you find films and people quickly and easily.

Cons : Its reviews aren’t updated very frequently.

#18 Crave Online

Crave Online is an entertainment news site that has a movie review section.

Pros : This site is updated regularly with fresh content. The reviews here are also written by professional critics, unlike other user-based online platforms.

Cons : Crave Online looks a little outdated and hasn’t been updated in a while.

#19 MoviGuide

MoviGuide is another large movie review platform with its own official app for Android and iOS devices to make finding local theaters easier.

They also have a community forum where people can discuss movies released in theaters recently—and even vote up/down on different titles to influence future reviews.

Pros : It’s easy to find local theaters here. The app also has a cool flashlight-like locator feature where you can turn your phone’s flash on to light up theaters near your location if they’re not visible in the dark.

Cons : Most movie reviews are based off users’ opinions only here, with no official critics’ ratings included. There aren’t any new user reviews either, so it can be hard finding recent films that people have seen.

Pajiba is another large entertainment news hub with a movie section—but their articles mainly focus on newer films that have been released recently in theaters (or even to rent and buy online).

Pros : Pajiba has a lot of user reviews on their site, which is refreshing. Their film news is also updated daily with fresh content to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Cons : Bad movies get more attention here than good ones do – so it’s hard to find positive opinions about titles that should be considered great. Additionally, their movie section isn’t very detailed compared to other sites like IMDb or Letterboxd. Not all critics’ scores are included either; only users’ ratings are displayed so you’d have to read through many different reviews before finding one from a professional critic.

#21 Top Documentary Films

Top Documentary Films is a movie review hub that contains user and expert reviews for all kinds of documentaries—not just those released in theaters or on TV.

Pros : Their site is fairly simple to navigate with good options for sorting through content (by year, most popular, etc).

Cons : The design isn’t very original and can be slightly hard on the eyes sometimes. The documentary page itself also looks like it hasn’t been updated in a while (with some titles missing and outdated information).

#22 Rateranker

Raterranker is another lesser-known movie review site whose slogan is “your opinion can make a difference.”

Pros : This site gives you access to both professional and user reviews for all movies.

Cons : User ratings are not displayed on this website, which makes it hard for some users to know what they’re getting into before clicking on a movie. It’s also not always easy to tell which critics wrote the reviews listed here.

#23 The Indie Handbook

The Indie Handbook is a movie review site that offers both professional and amateur reviews of various films.

Pros : The site’s design is very minimalist, making it quick and easy to find most movie categories without scrolling too much. Visitors can write their own reviews on this website, which helps if you’re looking for comments from other regular users who have watched certain movies before. It provides great movie recommendations based on user-generated ratings and reviews, making it helpful when browsing the site for film suggestions to watch.

Cons : Movie ratings are not displayed on this website so you’d have to read through actual reviews before figuring out if a certain film is worth watching or not. This can be hard for some users who want to base their decisions off user ratings instead of just personal opinions.

#24 Box Office Mojo

Box Office Mojo is a movie review site that offers both professional and amateur reviews of various films.

Pros : This website can help you find new titles for streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime if you’re looking for something to watch. It’s also great for learning more about specific actors, directors, producers, etc., which can be helpful if you want to learn more about certain celebrities who have made their mark in the industry.

This is one of the most comprehensive sites for finding information about movies in general, which is great for making decisions when browsing online or visiting a local theater. It’s also helpful for learning more about specific actors, directors, producers, etc., which can be helpful if you want to learn more about certain celebrities who have made their mark in the industry.

What’s also interesting about this site is they disclose how much a movie has made at the box office worldwide so you can be better informed about what films to check out.

Cons : Visitors can write their own reviews on this website, but not many people take advantage of this feature so you might find yourself digging through old content online. Moreover, Box Office Mojo doesn’t provide many industry news updates. If you want detailed industry news like what’s happening in Hollywood, Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb might be a better fit.

#25 Flickchart

Flickchart is a movie review site that offers both professional and amateur reviews of various films.

Pros : This website has an excellent layout with easy-to-read text, so it’s great for casual users who just want to browse content quickly. Flickchart also takes pride in its user-friendly features, such as the ability to save movies and track their progress while creating lists throughout the year. The challenges page allows visitors to view what other people are watching and create their own film lists based on similar titles or genres.

Cons : There aren’t many reviews on this website, which makes it harder for some users to know whether or not a certain movie is worth watching.

#26 Film Junk Fan Reviews

Film Junk Fan Reviews is a movie review site that offers both professional and amateur reviews of various films. What makes them one of the best movie review sites?

Pros : Visitors can post their own reviews on this website, which helps if you want feedback from other regular users who have watched certain movies before. The layout is designed with casual use in mind, making it easy for anyone to find whatever they’re looking for within minutes.

What’s also great about this website is its detailed rankings and film charts so you can easily see what’s trending worldwide and among specific groups like critics and the public.

Cons : This website doesn’t offer very many reviews or overall content compared to other movie review sites on this list, which can make it hard for some users to browse through the material.

#27 Collider Movie Talk

Collider is a movie review and news website that can be found online at collider.com.  It provides in-depth movie coverage from industry experts and critics, with articles about what’s happening in Hollywood right now (e.g., box office sales).

Pros : This website offers detailed analysis of the latest films to hit theaters, which will be helpful for site visitors who want to get up-to-date industry insight before deciding if a film is worth watching or not.

Cons : The layout on this website isn’t very clean, so it might be difficult for some users to find what they’re looking for (e.g., specific genres or categories). Additionally, there aren’t many movie news updates here – most articles consist of blog posts about new TV shows instead. If you want more than just promotional content and industry news updates, try a different movie review site with more content.

#28 Inside The Magic

Inside the Magic is a Disney-focused movie review website that provides detailed analysis from experts and fans alike.  This means they provide unbiased insight for superhero movies, family-friendly films, animated features, sci-fi/fantasy flicks, etc.

Pros : This site has detailed information about upcoming Disney film releases, which will be very helpful for site visitors who are planning to see the newest releases to hit theaters. Inside the Magic also has exclusive interviews with members of the cast and crew, so it’s a great resource for people who have an affinity for Disney stars.

Cons : The layout on this website isn’t very clean or easy-to-browse, so casual users might find themselves searching through content without being able to find what they’re looking for. Viewers should look at other movie review websites instead if they want something that looks more modern and accessible.

#29 Field Guide To Evil

Field Guide to Evil is a horror film review site that provides movie news updates as well as industry insight from critics and fans alike. What makes them one of the best movie review sites?

Pros : This website has a unique layout and design so it’s easy for casual users to find what they’re looking for within minutes. There are also lots of content options for visitors, including archives of recent articles and blog posts.

Cons : Since this site is part of a larger horror film blog, you’ll have to go through several pages if you want more than just movie reviews. Viewers should look at other movie review websites instead if they’re only searching for analysis on new films.

#30 Movies In Movies

Movies in Movies is a movie review website that offers both industry insight from critics and fans as well as information about upcoming releases.  This means visitors can find news updates about Disney films, superhero movies, crime flicks, family-friendly movies, etc.

Pros : This website has a clean and modern layout so it’s easy for casual users to browse through content and find what they’re looking for. There are also lots of content options that aren’t limited to movie reviews (e.g., TV show recaps/news), which will be helpful if viewers want more than just information on new films.

Cons : Since this site only focuses on Disney releases, it might not have as much industry insight as other websites on this list. Viewers should look at other movie review websites instead if they want something with more variety in its content offerings.

Conclusion: Best Movie Review and Ratings Sites

There are tons of movie review websites out there, but only a handful of them can actually provide unbiased insight to casual users.

The best movie review sites in 2024 will be those with clean and easy-to-use layouts so that site visitors aren’t overwhelmed by advertisements.

Viewers who want more than just information on upcoming releases should also consider other website options because not all movie review websites offer the same industry insights (and vice versa).

If you’re looking for one of the best movie review sites, check out any one of these top 5 choices: Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Fandango, The Movie Database, and Letterboxd.

In our opinion, IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes represent the top two in the movie review industry.

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10 Nearly Perfect Movies With a 99% Score on Rotten Tomatoes

Stunningly great movies on the edge of perfection.

Some might say that there are no perfect movies, but there are some outstanding few that come exceptionally close. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, there are some movies that have been positively reviewed by nearly all approved critics, obtaining the rare yet coveted achievement of holding a 99% approval rating on the site.

Some of these are considered among the very best films of all time, like Casablanca , while others are modern classics loved by virtually anyone who sees them, like Paddington 2 . What they all have in common is that almost all critics thought they were worthy of the utmost praise . Few movies are able to confidently say that they're close to perfection, but these have earned that honor and then some.

10 'Finding Nemo' (2003)

Directed by andrew stanton.

The third-ever winner of the Best Animated Feature Academy Award, Finding Nemo is the charming story of a timid clownfish who embarks on a journey to rescue his son, who was taken by a diver. He'll get the help of Dory, a blue tang with a bad case of short-term memory loss. Their journey will prove to be full of dangers, laughs, and — of course — plenty of emotional payoffs.

A beloved Pixar classic, the movie tugs at the heartstrings as often as it thrills and gets laughs. Although it may seem like a rather simple film on the surface, its impressive animation, vivid cast of characters, and complex narrative about fatherhood and courage all make it an amazing experience. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes evidently agreed, calling the film touching , humorous, and surprisingly full of artistic merit.

Finding Nemo

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9 'Lady Bird' (2017)

Directed by greta gerwig.

Lady Bird is Greta Gerwig 's outstanding sophomore directing effort and the highest-rated A24 comedy on Rotten Tomatoes. It's a tender and often hilarious coming-of-age comedy about a seventeen-year-old who calls herself Lady Bird. The story follows her as she grapples with the tribulations of her senior year in high school in Sacramento, California. Heavily inspired by Gerwig's own experiences coming of age in Sacramento, the film is one of the most intimate and profoundly affecting in the genre.

The movie gracefully maneuvers across themes like growing up and feminine adolescence. In the process, it delivers all kinds of emotions, from sincere laughs to bittersweet tears. It's one of the most enjoyable and relatable coming-of-age films of recent years , and more than worthy of the approval of 99% of Rotten Tomatoes critics.

8 'Goldfinger' (1964)

Directed by guy hamilton.

Even after a whopping sixty years since the beginning of the 007 franchise, Goldfinger (the third movie in the series), where Sean Connery 's James Bond uncovers a conspiracy to raid Fort Knox and obliterate the world economy, is still considered by many to be the best of the whole franchise. Thrilling, delightfully self-aware, and the origin of many of the series's most iconic trademarks, it's a spy classic for all those who love the genre.

The movie is fully conscious of what makes spy movies so fun and uses those elements to their fullest potential . It has one of the best Bond girls, one of the best Bond villains, one of the best Bond songs, and Connery at his best in the role. Critics very much appreciated the movie's perfect balance between seriousness and camp, which they thought resulted in an unforgettable evolution of the character.

7 'How to Train Your Dragon' (2010)

Directed by dean deblois and chris sanders.

The How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is one of the highest-rated movie franchises on Rotten Tomatoes, but the best entry is undoubtedly the first movie. Here, the teenage son of a Viking leader from the dragon-hunting village of Berk secretly befriends one of the beasts, discovering that there's a lot more to them than he used to think.

The world-building, characterization, and nuanced story are all top-notch, resulting in one of the most fun and acclaimed fantasy films of the 21st century so far , animated or otherwise. High fantasy at its very best , How to Train Your Dragon obtained the approval of critics who thought that the animation was impressive, the characters were really endearing, and the script had a surprising amount of depth and nuance.

How to Train Your Dragon

6 'the third man' (1949), directed by carol reed.

The classic film noir The Third Man is a thoroughly engrossing movie about a novelist traveling to post-war Vienna as a guest of his old friend Harry Lime, only to discover that his pal has mysteriously died. One of the best noirs of all time , The Third Man soars thanks to Carol Reed 's atmospheric direction, Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles 's intrepid performances, and the script's perfect understanding of noir elements and what makes them work.

With surprising twists and turns, a captivating story, compelling characters, and the inexplicably magical charm of Welles and Cotten, The Third Man is unsurprisingly considered one of the best movies not only of its genre, but of all time . Critics on Rotten Tomatoes loved the film's Viennese setting and the way Reed turns it into a whole other character, allowing it to function as the playground of these fascinating characters and their gripping story.

The Third Man

5 'all about eve' (1950), directed by joseph l. mankiewicz.

Though he's best known as one of the most prolific and outstanding screenwriters of Hollywood's Golden Age, Joseph L. Mankiewicz also directed quite a few incredible movies. His best is usually agreed to be All About Eve , the Best Picture Oscar-winning drama about a secretly ruthless ingénue who insinuates herself into the lives of an aging Broadway star and her circle of friends.

The critics' consensus on Rotten Tomatoes is that All About Eve is intelligent, elegant, and "devastatingly funny." Offering some outstanding writing and directing from Mankiewicz, as well as the legendary Bette Davis 's best work , the movie left an indelible mark on Classical Hollywood and film history at large . The tone is incessantly witty, the dialogue flows like honey, and the characters are nothing if not riveting.

All About Eve

Rent on Amazon

4 'On the Waterfront' (1954)

Directed by elia kazan.

Winner of 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, On the Waterfront is an Elia Kazan classic about a man who dreams of being a prizefighter while running errands at the New Jersey docks. Elvis Presley himself was obsessed with the film , and it isn't hard to see why. It's a brilliantly written and directed film, resulting in an electrifying study of the corruptive potential of power.

Unsparingly realistic with a fascinating narrative and really effective elements of character study, the movie makes itself entirely deserving of all the praise at every turn . It also features one of the most jaw-dropping acting performances ever put on screen, by the landmark in film history that was Marlon Brando . With this revolutionary performance, the thespian broke new ground in showing the things that film acting could do.

On The Waterfront (1954)

Watch on Amazon Prime

3 'Paddington 2' (2017)

Directed by paul king.

For those who have been having a tough day and need a hug, Paddington 2 is a movie that feels just like that much-needed warmth. In it, Paddington the bear picks up a series of odd jobs to get his aunt a present, but it gets stolen by a master of disguise named Phoenix Buchanan, played by an intoxicating Hugh Grant in what might be one of his best performances ever.

Simple in its scope and gentle in its approach, this is one of those movies that are practically impossible to hate (save for a couple of killjoy critics, that is) . It's funny, it's sweet, it's wonderfully paced, and it improves on everything that made the first film so adorable. Family comedies don't often join the ranks of the best movies ever made, but for Rotten Tomatoes critics, Paddington 2 earns the title magnificently.

Paddington 2

2 'casablanca' (1942), directed by michael curtiz.

In this beautiful romantic drama, a cynical American ex-patriate running a nightclub in Casablanca during early WWII faces unforeseen challenges when a former lover shows up at his doorstep. Casablanca is universally agreed to be one of the best Oscar-winning World War movies , thanks to magnetic performances by Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart and one of the best screenplays ever written.

Casablanca is by far one of the best movies of Hollywood's Golden Age, full of quotable dialogue, intriguing plot points, and richly layered characters. It's not only the writing that shines, though. It's masterfully crafted all around, a visually and aurally arresting experience bolstered by a wonderful narrative that's just the cherry on top.

1 'Citizen Kane' (1941)

Directed by orson welles.

It has been over 80 years, and yet this spellbinding mystery drama chronicling the rise and fall of a journalist magnate is still considered by many critics and audience members to be the absolute best movie ever made. Citizen Kane needs no introduction, since it's virtually always found in discussions of the most revolutionary and influential films of all time.

Packed with complex depth and a narrative style way ahead of its time, Citizen Kane grabs audiences' attention from the moment it starts and doesn't let go until the credits roll . It's intriguing, thematically rich, amazingly directed, and it has stunning visuals and a talented cast. If there's any film deserving of being considered nearly perfect , critics think that it's this one.

Citizen Kane

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Browse Reviews

The incoherent drama Browse tries to look like a suspenseful horror movie, but there's nothing scary or thrilling about this rambling dud of a film.

Full Review | Jul 30, 2020

A great deal of the movie consists of unfinished ideas, plot points, story threads, and character arcs.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 22, 2020

It's a thoughtful, curious piece of work which may not quite be successful in finding its destination but which manages to intrigue along the way.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jul 21, 2020

Skip the film if you need an ending that answers the questions raised throughout. But check it out if you enjoy seeing a psychological thriller that makes you come to your own conclusions.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 20, 2020

With such a tangled mess of a film it is hard to put your finger on what went wrong in the bringing it to the screen.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 13, 2020

In a perfect world, this thriller, with its onslaught of stomach-churning "oh no!" moments, would've had a point, something that connected it all together (or at least a conclusion), but it doesn't.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 12, 2020

An identity theft "nightmare" that fails every attempted thrill and chill. Quite possibly one of the most unimaginative and unmemorable films I've ever seen.

Full Review | Original Score: .5/5 | Jul 10, 2020

An everyman's identify theft -- or is he just a deluded creeper? -- is fitfully explored in this underwhelming psychological thriller.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 7, 2020

Browse feels like glimpsing through a problematic story with little context as to why you should care let alone watch it.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/10 | Jul 7, 2020

This thriller doesn't thrill. It occasionally amuses, and it rarely makes any real sense.

Full Review | Original Score: 4 | Jul 6, 2020

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6 New Movies Our Critics Are Talking About This Week

Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or an avid buff, our reviewers think these films are worth knowing about.

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By The New York Times

CRITIC’S PICK

Going ape for another ‘Apes’ movie.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

The latest in this sci-fi series follows a group of rebels as they face off against an authoritarian ruler who has twisted the peaceful teachings of a previous leader.

From our review:

There’s a knowing sense that all this has happened before, and all this will happen again. That’s what makes “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” powerful, in the end. It probes how the act of co-opting idealisms and converting them to dogmas has occurred many times over. What’s more, it points directly at the immense danger of romanticizing the past, imagining that if we could only reclaim and reframe and resurrect history, our present problems would be solved.

In theaters. Read the full review .

A thermal thriller that’s hot and cold.

‘aggro dr1ft’.

This hallucinatory romp directed by Harmony Korine conveys the journey of an assassin entirely through thermal imaging with added digital effects.

Whether it’s the thermal imaging or the augmentation, the visual style renders eyes practically invisible, leaving the actors without an important means of communication. … That absence might account for why “Aggro Dr1ft” is so unengaging on a narrative level, but the monotony might also have to have something to do with the protagonist, a hit man extraordinaire who is also (gasp) a family man. The world’s greatest assassin has been saddled with the world’s most sophomoric internal monologue. “I am a solitary hero. I am alone. I am a solitary hero. Alone,” he mumbles.

Think ‘On the Road,’ but for Gen-Z.

‘gasoline rainbow’.

Five teenagers embark on a road trip to a “party at the end of the world” and encounter many fellow misfits along the way in the latest from filmmakers Bill and Turner Ross.

There’s an uncommon sweetness to this film, which is less about running away from something and more about discovering the road of life is littered with goodness, if you know where to look. There’s a loose, languorous quality to “Gasoline Rainbow,” which the Rosses shot using a mostly improvised format, a collaboration between actors and filmmakers. It feels like a home movie, or a documentary — a capture of a slice of life in which there’s no plot other than whatever happens on the road ahead.

A destination wedding that goes nowhere.

‘mother of the bride’.

At a surprise last-minute wedding, the mother of the bride (Lana, played by Brooke Shields) gets another surprise when she discovers that her daughter is engaged to the son of her ex-beau, Will (Benjamin Bratt).

“Mother of the Bride” is directed by Mark Waters (“Mean Girls”) with an apparent allergy to verisimilitude. Early on, we are told that the opulent Thai ceremony will be bankrolled by Emma’s company (she’s an intern) and livestreamed to “millions of eyes.” These fantasies of pomp and circumstance often serve to make Lana and Will’s budding romance feel like a B-story to the action — although that may be a blessing when the best screwball gag this movie can muster is a pickleball shot to the groin.

Watch on Netflix . Read the full review .

Chris Pine goes off the deep end.

In Chris Pine’s directorial debut, he plays a pool cleaner who is enlisted to help uncover a mysterious water heist.

The sure-why-not plot, modeled on the California water grab in “Chinatown,” is less interesting than the charismatic cast that rambles along with Pine on his excellent adventure. Pine’s yarn was savaged when it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, but the sour response is a bit like getting mad at a golden retriever for rolling around in the grass.

Small drama, big stars.

Seeking asylum, a young Nigerian woman (Letitia Wright of “Black Panther”) navigates the complications of applying for permanent residency in Ireland in this drama from writer-director Frank Berry. Josh O’Connor of “Challengers” also stars.

At the beauty salon where she works, Aisha’s rightly cagey as she listens to her customers. But at the shelter, she turns warm, when she gives makeovers to fellow immigrants. As he did for his award-winning prison film, “Michael Inside,” Berry used nonprofessional actors with intimate experience of the system — here, Ireland’s International Protection Office, which processes asylum applications — he wanted to depict. It’s a gesture that keeps the film from lapsing into melodrama.

Bonus review: A rural throuple

It’s not immediately apparent how courtly intrigue figures in “A Prince” (in theaters) , Pierre Creton’s spellbinding French pastoral drama, though sex, death and domination hang palpably in the film’s crisp, Normandy air.

Creton looks to the divine powers and chivalric codes that fuel swords-and-shields epics like “Game of Thrones,” but whittles these elements down to a mysterious essence. Eventually, the film shifts into explicitly sexual and mythological terrain with a B.D.S.M. edge.

The story is slippery by design, loosely tracking the gay coming-of-age of an apprentice gardener, Pierre-Joseph. Throughout the film, a series of wordless and seductively austere tableaux, he forms bonds with various individuals in his rural community. Multiple narrators speak in retrospect, as if looking back from the afterlife at the characters onscreen.

Pierre-Joseph eventually comes to form a throuple with Alberto and Adrien, his mentors. The naked bodies of these much older gentleman appear suggestively weathered next to their younger lover’s sprightly form. Yet there is no mention of taboo. That passion could bloom in such spontaneous and unexpected forms is part of this enigmatic film’s potency.

Explore More in TV and Movies

Not sure what to watch next we can help..

Andy Serkis, the star of the earlier “Planet of the Apes” movies, and Owen Teague, the new lead, discuss the latest film in the franchise , “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”

The HBO series “The Sympathizer” is not just a good story, it’s a sharp piece of criticism on Vietnam war movies, our critic writes .

In “Dark Matter,” the new Apple TV+ techno-thriller, a portal to parallel realities allows people to visit new worlds and revisit their own past decisions .

The tennis movie “Challengers” comes to an abrupt stop midmatch, so we don’t know who won. Does that matter? Our critics have thoughts .

If you are overwhelmed by the endless options, don’t despair — we put together the best offerings   on Netflix , Max , Disney+ , Amazon Prime  and Hulu  to make choosing your next binge a little easier.

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The Most Reliable Movie Rating Site, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the movie rating site you think is the most reliable!

What Is the Most Reliable Movie Rating Site?

Imdb (internet movie database).

• Launch Year: 1990
• Types of Media: Movies, TV shows, celebrities
• User-contributed Content: Yes
• Ratings: Yes
• User Reviews: Yes
• Rotten Tomatoes
• Launch Date: August 18, 1998
• Type: Movie rating and review website
• Parent Company: Fandango Media
• Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States
• Tomatometer Score: Percentage of positive reviews for a movie
• Aggregation Method: Collects and averages reviews from professional critics
• Critics Included: Includes reviews from a wide variety of trusted sources
• Weighted Averages: Assigns weights to reviews based on the credibility and reputation of the critic/source
• Score Range: Uses a scale of 0-100 for rating movies
• Selection Criteria: Includes movies with a certain minimum number of reviews
• User-generated ratings and reviews: Users can rate and review movies based on their personal opinions.
• Film diary: Users can log and track the films they have watched, including the date and any personal notes.
• List creation: Users can create and curate lists of movies based on various themes, genres, or personal preferences.
• Comprehensive film database: Letterboxd has an extensive database of movies, including details like cast, crew, release date, and genres.
• Follow and interact with other users: Users can follow other film lovers, like and comment on their reviews, and engage in discussions.
• User Rating System: Allows users to rate movies on a scale of 1 to 10.
• Critics Reviews: Includes professional critics' reviews and analysis for movies.
• Genre Classification: Movies are categorized into various genres for easy navigation and exploration.
• Advanced Search: Provides advanced search options to find movies based on specific criteria such as actors, directors, release year, etc.
• Top Rated Lists: Curates lists of top-rated movies based on user ratings and critics' reviews.
• Languages: Polish
• Availability: Accessible in Poland
• Movie Database: Extensive collection of films
• User Ratings: Allows users to rate and review movies
• Recommendations: Provides personalized film recommendations

The A.V. Club

• Launch Year: 1993
• Website: https://www.avclub.com/
• Content Categories: Movies, TV, Music, Books, Games, News, Interviews, Features
• Review Method: Editorial Reviews
• User Interaction: Allows user ratings and comments
• Origin: New York, United States
• Parentage: McIntosh × Red Delicious
• Size: Medium to large
• Flavor: Sweet and tart
• Texture: Firm and crisp
• Screen Rant
• Website: www.screenrant.com
• Founded: 2003
• Content: Movie reviews, news, trailers, analysis
• Audience: Film enthusiasts, casual viewers, industry professionals
• Accessibility: Available worldwide

Missing your favorite movie rating site?

Ranking factors for reliable movie rating site.

• Credibility The site should be known for its accuracy and reliability in providing movie ratings.
• User reviews The site should allow users to leave reviews and ratings of movies. The more user reviews there are, the more reliable the ratings will be.
• Diversity The site should offer a wide range of movie genres and titles, so that users can find ratings for all types of movies.
• Methodology The site should have transparent and clear methodology in rating movies. This includes how they collect ratings and what criteria they use.
• Industry recognition The site should be recognized and respected by the movie industry, critics, and audiences.
• Integration with other platforms The site should have integration with other platforms such as social media, streaming services, and mobile apps, making it easier for users to access movie ratings and reviews.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable movie rating site. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or website is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

• 10 ranked items

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