Rotten Tomatoes, the popular review aggregator, has announced a major update to its rating system that aims to give users a clearer understanding of film reception. In the past, the platform focused primarily on critic reviews and categorized films as “fresh” or “bad” based on the proportion of positive feedback. However, the introduction of a new status – “verified hot,” “hot” or “stale” – marks a shift toward taking the audience’s perspective more into account.
The Verified Hot designation is only given to films that have received 90% positive reviews from audiences who attended the screening, using verification methods tied to ticket purchases through Fandango and other partner ticketing services. This move addresses previous weaknesses in the ratings system that were vulnerable to “review bombing,” which is the practice of deliberately giving films negative reviews.
Several summer releases, including “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “It Ends With Us,” have already earned the coveted “Verified Hot” badge, alongside older titles like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Oppenheimer.” The new rating is intended not only to highlight audience appreciation, but also to balance out the traditionally critic-led ratings system.
Article continues after this ad
Advertising
While some fans have expressed concern that this new focus could undermine Rotten Tomatoes’ original purpose, others welcome the change, believing it will better represent films that resonate with audiences. Amanda Norvell, Fandango’s senior vice president of direct-to-consumer services, stated, “With the addition of Verified Hot, we celebrate theatrical films that are embraced and shared by fans.”
