What is the Difference Between Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb?

The main differences between Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb are the sources of their ratings and the way they calculate scores. Here are the key distinctions:

1. Source of Ratings: IMDb's scores are based on users' ratings, while Rotten Tomatoes' main scores are based on reviewers' ratings from approved critics and approved publications.
2. Calculation of Scores: Rotten Tomatoes uses a different rating system that is based on the percentage of positive reviews from professional critics. If a film gets a rating of 60 or more, it gets a 'fresh' red tomato on the site, whereas a rating of less than 60 results in a rotten tomato. IMDb, on the other hand, calculates a weighted average score based on user ratings.
3. Credibility: Some users consider Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic to be more credible than IMDb due to the influence of fanboy culture and the ability for users to rate movies before their release, which can skew the scores.

In summary, IMDb is generally considered to be more focused on user ratings, while Rotten Tomatoes is based on reviews from professional critics. The choice of which site to rely on may depend on personal preferences and the type of movie you are interested in.

Comparative Table: Rotten Tomatoes vs IMDb

Here is a table comparing the differences between Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb:

In summary, Rotten Tomatoes aggregates reviews from professional critics and provides a Tomatometer score, while IMDb is based on user reviews and ratings and uses a 10-point scale. Both platforms provide audience scores, but they are calculated differently. Additionally, IMDb uses Metascore to represent critics' opinions.