Rotten Tomatoes, the well-known review aggregator, has announced a significant update to its rating system, aimed at providing users with a clearer understanding of film reception. Historically, the platform has focused primarily on critics’ reviews, categorising films as “Fresh” or “Rotten” based on the ratio of positive feedback. However, the introduction of a new status — “Verified Hot”, “Hot”, or “Stale” — marks a shift towards incorporating audience perspectives more prominently.
The “Verified Hot” designation will only be awarded to films that achieve a 90% positive score from audience members who have attended screenings, utilising verification methods tied to ticket purchases through Fandango and other collaborating ticketing services. This move addresses past vulnerabilities in the rating system, which were susceptible to “review bombing,” where films are deliberately targeted with negative reviews.
Several summer releases, including “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “It Ends With Us”, have already received the coveted “Verified Hot” badge, alongside older titles like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Oppenheimer”. The new rating aims not only to highlight audience appreciation but also to balance the historically critic-led scoring system.
While some fans have expressed concern that this new focus may undermine the original purpose of Rotten Tomatoes, others welcome the change, believing it will better represent films that resonate with audiences. Amanda Norvell, Senior Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer Services at Fandango, stated, “With the addition of Verified Hot, we celebrate theatrical films that fans embrace and share.”
