Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes is a widely recognized review aggregator for film and television content. The site compiles published reviews from accredited critics to produce an overall approval rating, known as the "Tomatometer," and a separate average audience score. Owned by Fandango Media, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal, it has become a significant influence on consumer entertainment choices and industry marketing.

History

The website was launched in August 1998 by Senh Duong, a fan of Jackie Chan, as a side project to aggregate reviews for Chan's then-upcoming film *Rush Hour*. The site's name was inspired by the practice of audiences throwing rotten tomatoes at poor stage performances. Initially a hobby, it gained rapid popularity and was incorporated in 2000. In 2004, the site was acquired by Flixster, a social networking service for movie fans. Following Warner Bros.'s purchase of Flixster in 2011, the site came under the control of the WarnerMedia conglomerate. In 2016, Fandango Media, the operator of the Fandango ticketing service, purchased the site from Warner Bros., integrating it into its portfolio of entertainment brands.

Aggregation methodology

The site's primary metric is the "Tomatometer," a percentage score representing the proportion of positive professional reviews. To be included, a critic must be approved as a "Tomatometer-approved critic," a status governed by published criteria that consider the critic's publication history and reach. Reviews are classified as "Fresh" or "Rotten," with a "Certified Fresh" designation reserved for films meeting higher thresholds of critical acclaim after a minimum number of reviews. A separate "Audience Score" is calculated from ratings submitted by verified users, typically those who have purchased tickets through Fandango. The site also provides written excerpts from reviews by publications like The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and *Variety*.

Reception and impact

The site has become a ubiquitous part of film marketing, with its scores prominently featured in movie trailers, television advertisements, and DVD packaging. A high score is often leveraged in Oscar campaigns and other award season promotions. Industry analysts note that its ratings can significantly influence box office performance, particularly for independent films and major releases during their opening weekends. The site's data has also been used in academic studies analyzing critical consensus and audience trends. Its parent company, Fandango Media, uses the integration between the review site and its ticketing platform to drive consumer decisions directly from review pages to ticket purchases.

Criticism and controversies

Critics, including renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, have argued that the site's reduction of complex criticism to a binary score oversimplifies film criticism and harms cinematic art. The site has faced accusations of score manipulation, particularly regarding the "Want to See" percentage for films prior to release, which was discontinued after controversy surrounding films like *Captain Marvel*. Discrepancies between the Tomatometer and the Audience Score have sparked online debates and allegations of review bombing, notably for films such as *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* and the 2016 *Ghostbusters* reboot. Some studios, including Walt Disney Studios, have temporarily withheld press screenings for certain films, a tactic seen as an attempt to avoid early negative scores.

Business operations

As a subsidiary of Fandango Media, the site operates within a larger ecosystem of entertainment commerce and information. Its operations are supported by advertising revenue, affiliate marketing links, and the data-sharing synergies with its parent company's ticketing services. The site licenses its data and scores to numerous external partners, including Google, Apple TV+, and Microsoft. It also produces original video content and podcasts through platforms like YouTube. The company expanded its brand with the launch of the Rotten Tomatoes Channel on Peacock, featuring curated programming based on its ratings. Its editorial staff, separate from its aggregation team, produces news and feature content covering the film industry and awards season.

Category:Review websites Category:American websites Category:Internet properties established in 1998