In a split where movies are judged as either “Fresh” or “Rotten,” Rotten Tomatoes provides us with a unique, if not somewhat trivial, system for appraising films: the elusive “perfect” score. The annals of horror have inscribed that only two films wear this crown, and now we have it on good authority that the realm of science fiction shares a similar fate. The distinguished titles holding the perfect score in science fiction are “The Terminator” helmed by James Cameron and “Stalker,” the cerebral work of Andrei Tarkovsky.
So, what exactly constitutes a “perfect” Rotten Tomatoes score? It all boils down to an aggregation system that compiles reviews from accredited critics to formulate the well-known Tomatometer score. The rules are simple:
“If the positive reviews for a film or television show comprise at least 60% of its total, the production earns a Fresh status with a red tomato icon. Conversely, if the positive reviews fall below 60%, the production is deemed Rotten, represented by a green splat icon.”
Those productions that sustain a “Tomatometer score of 75% or higher,” have a minimum of five reviews from Top Critics, among other stipulations, may also receive the “Certified Fresh” recognition. However, this achievement is not as prestigious as the perfect RT score, which implies a 100% consensus on the Tomatometer. “The Terminator” and “Stalker” are the sole sci-fi productions to have acquired this distinguished honor, which is noteworthy, if not a bit surprising. It raises the question of the degree to which Rotten Tomatoes scores should really sway public opinion and industry perspective.
FAQ Section
- What does a “perfect” Rotten Tomatoes score mean?
- A perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes indicates that the film has achieved a 100% positive aggregate review score on the Tomatometer.
- How is the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score determined?
- The score is determined by aggregating all of the approved critics’ reviews and calculating the percentage of positive reviews.
- Which two sci-fi movies have the perfect Rotten Tomatoes score?
- As of now, the only two science fiction movies with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score are “The Terminator” and “Stalker.”
- What is the “Certified Fresh” designation on Rotten Tomatoes?
- “Certified Fresh” is a status given to films that have a consistent Tomatometer score of 75% or higher, have a minimum of five reviews from Top Critics, and fulfill other criteria.
Conclusion
In the expansive universe of film criticism, Rotten Tomatoes has carved out a prominent niche with its Fresh and Rotten ratings. The existence of only two science fiction movies with perfect scores—James Cameron’s “The Terminator” and Andrei Tarkovsky’s “Stalker”—highlights the rarity of unanimous critical praise. It underscores the importance of recognizing that while Rotten Tomatoes’ rankings can provide a snapshot of critical consensus, they are just one of many tools audiences can use to discern the quality and impact of a film.