Rotten Tomatoes has become the go-to platform for movie enthusiasts to gauge the critical consensus of a film. With its iconic Tomatometer, which measures the percentage of positive reviews from professional critics, Rotten Tomatoes provides a quick and easy way to determine whether a movie is worth watching or not. But have you ever wondered what the lowest Rotten Tomato score is? In this article, we’ll delve into the depths of cinematic despair to uncover the movies that have earned the dubious distinction of being the worst of the worst.
What Constitutes a Low Rotten Tomato Score?
Before we dive into the lowest scores, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a low Rotten Tomato score. The Tomatometer is calculated based on the number of positive reviews from professional critics, with a minimum of 20 reviews required for a movie to earn a score. A movie with a high Tomatometer score (e.g., 90% or above) generally indicates widespread critical acclaim, while a low score (e.g., below 20%) suggests widespread panning.
However, it’s worth noting that a low Rotten Tomato score doesn’t necessarily mean a movie is bad. There are instances where critics may have been overly harsh or didn’t understand the film’s artistic vision. Conversely, a high score doesn’t guarantee a movie is good, as some critics may have been unduly influenced by hype or fan bias.
The Lowest Rotten Tomato Scores of All Time
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest Tomatometer score of all time belongs to “Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever” (2002), a sci-fi action film starring Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu. This movie has the distinction of having a Tomatometer score of 0%, based on 117 reviews, with not a single critic giving it a positive review.
| Movie Title | Release Year | Tomatometer Score |
|---|---|---|
| Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever | 2002 | 0% |
However, it’s worth noting that there are other movies that have achieved a 0% Tomatometer score, albeit with fewer reviews. One such example is “The Hottie & the Nottie” (2008), a romantic comedy starring Paris Hilton and Christine Lakin, which has a Tomatometer score of 0% based on 52 reviews.
The Making of a Box Office Bomb
So, what makes a movie like “Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever” earn a 0% Tomatometer score? In the case of this particular film, it was a perfect storm of bad writing, poor direction, and a convoluted plot.
The script was heavily criticized for being riddled with clichés and plot holes. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, and the characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth. The film’s direction was also panned, with critics calling out the poor pacing, lack of tension, and misguided use of special effects.
Furthermore, the movie’s marketing campaign was confusing and failed to resonate with audiences. The trailer made the film look like a generic action flick, which may have turned off viewers looking for something more original.
The Impact of a Low Rotten Tomato Score
A low Rotten Tomato score can have significant consequences for a movie’s box office performance and overall reputation. Here are a few ways a low score can impact a film:
Box Office Performance
A low Rotten Tomato score can be a major turnoff for audiences. When a movie is universally panned by critics, it can instill a sense of doubt and uncertainty in potential viewers. This can lead to poor box office performance, as audiences opt for other, more critically acclaimed films.
In the case of “Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever,” the movie bombed at the box office, grossing only $19.9 million worldwide against a budget of $70 million.
Reputation and Legacy
A low Rotten Tomato score can also damage a movie’s reputation and legacy. When a film is widely criticized, it can be difficult for it to shake off the negative perception, even if it develops a cult following or is reevaluated over time.
In some cases, a low Rotten Tomato score can even impact the careers of those involved in the film. Directors, writers, and actors may find it challenging to secure future projects or collaborations if they’re associated with a critically panned movie.
The Redemption of Low-Rated Movies
While a low Rotten Tomato score can be a significant setback, it’s not always a death sentence for a movie. Over time, some low-rated films have been reevaluated and have developed cult followings or even gained critical acclaim.
The Cult of “Battlefield Earth”
One example is “Battlefield Earth” (2000), a science fiction film based on a novel by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. The movie, starring John Travolta, was widely panned by critics, earning a Tomatometer score of 8%.
Despite its initial poor reception, “Battlefield Earth” has developed a cult following over the years, with some viewers praising its camp value and kitsch appeal. The movie has also been reevaluated by some critics, who have acknowledged its ambition and visual effects, even if its execution was flawed.
The Reevaluation of “The Room”
Another example is “The Room” (2003), a independent film written, directed, produced by, and starring Tommy Wiseau. The movie was initially released to a limited audience and received widespread criticism, earning a Tomatometer score of 22%.
However, over time, “The Room” has gained a cult following and has been reevaluated by critics, who have praised its inadvertent humor, bizarre characters, and amateurish production values. The movie has even been hailed as one of the “best worst movies” ever made, with some critics acknowledging its entertainment value and kitsch appeal.
Conclusion
The lowest Rotten Tomato score is a badge of dishonor that few movies can claim. While “Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever” holds the dubious distinction of being the worst-reviewed movie on Rotten Tomatoes, there are other films that have achieved a 0% Tomatometer score, albeit with fewer reviews.
A low Rotten Tomato score can have significant consequences for a movie’s box office performance and reputation, but it’s not always a guarantee of failure. Over time, some low-rated films have been reevaluated and have developed cult followings or even gained critical acclaim.
Ultimately, the Rotten Tomatoes score is only one measure of a movie’s worth. While it can provide a snapshot of critical opinion, it’s essential to remember that filmmaking is an art form, and opinions can vary widely. Even the lowest-rated movies can have their defenders and fans, and that’s what makes cinema so fascinating.
What is the Rotten Tomato score and how is it calculated?
The Rotten Tomato score is a metric used to measure the overall critical reception of a movie or television show. It is calculated by aggregating the reviews from various critics and publications, and then assigning a score based on the number of positive reviews versus negative reviews. The score is expressed as a percentage, with 0% indicating a complete lack of positive reviews and 100% indicating a unanimous critical acclaim.
The calculation is done by sorting the reviews into “fresh” (positive) and “rotten” (negative) categories. The fresh reviews are given a certain weight, usually based on the critic’s reputation and publication, and then the total number of fresh reviews is divided by the total number of reviews to get the final score. This score is then displayed on the Rotten Tomatoes website, along with a brief summary of the critical consensus.
What is the lowest Rotten Tomato score ever recorded?
The lowest Rotten Tomato score ever recorded is 0%, which has been achieved by several movies over the years. However, one notable example is the 2012 movie “Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever”, which holds the dubious distinction of being the worst-reviewed movie of all time. This action thriller, starring Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu, was universally panned by critics, with not a single positive review among the 117 counted by Rotten Tomatoes.
The reasons for the movie’s poor reception are varied, but many critics pointed to its convoluted plot, poor acting, and lackluster action sequences. Even the usually reliable Banderas and Liu couldn’t elevate the movie’s quality, and it ended up being a box office bomb. The 0% Rotten Tomato score is a testament to the movie’s complete lack of redeeming qualities, making it a fascinating example of cinematic failure.
Are Rotten Tomato scores always accurate reflections of a movie’s quality?
While Rotten Tomato scores can provide a general snapshot of a movie’s critical reception, they are not always accurate reflections of a movie’s quality. There are several reasons why this might be the case. For example, some movies may be unfairly maligned or hyped due to external factors, such as marketing campaigns or celebrity involvement. Additionally, individual critics may bring their own biases or agendas to their reviews, which can affect the overall score.
Furthermore, Rotten Tomato scores can be subject to the whims of cultural and historical context. A movie that was released 20 years ago may be reevaluated in the present day and receive a higher or lower score based on changing attitudes and tastes. Ultimately, while Rotten Tomato scores can be useful in gauging a movie’s general reception, they should not be taken as the sole arbiter of a movie’s quality.
Can a low Rotten Tomato score affect a movie’s box office performance?
Yes, a low Rotten Tomato score can definitely affect a movie’s box office performance. When a movie receives overwhelmingly negative reviews, it can be a major turn-off for potential viewers. Many people rely on Rotten Tomatoes as a trusted source for movie recommendations, and a low score can be a strong deterrent. Additionally, a low score can lead to negative word-of-mouth, which can further harm a movie’s box office prospects.
However, it’s worth noting that there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, some movies may attract a dedicated fan base despite poor reviews, or they may appeal to a specific demographic that is not well-represented among critics. In these cases, a low Rotten Tomato score may not necessarily translate to poor box office performance.
What can a low Rotten Tomato score say about the movie’s creators?
A low Rotten Tomato score can say several things about the movie’s creators. Firstly, it may suggest that the filmmakers failed to connect with their intended audience, or that they made fundamental mistakes in storytelling, character development, or pacing. Alternatively, it may indicate that the creators had a bad day (or several bad days) on set, leading to a subpar final product.
However, it’s also important to consider the complex factors that can contribute to a low Rotten Tomato score. For example, the creators may have been working under tight budget constraints, or they may have been hampered by studio interference or external pressures. In these cases, a low score may not necessarily reflect the creators’ abilities, but rather the circumstances under which they worked.
Can a movie’s Rotten Tomato score change over time?
Yes, a movie’s Rotten Tomato score can change over time. This can occur for several reasons. Firstly, new reviews may be added to the site, which can affect the overall score. Additionally, Rotten Tomatoes may reevaluate its scoring system or adjust the weights given to different critics, which can also lead to changes in the score.
Furthermore, cultural and historical context can also play a role in changing a movie’s Rotten Tomato score. As attitudes and tastes shift, critics may reevaluate their initial reviews and reassess a movie’s quality. This can lead to a reevaluation of the movie’s overall score, potentially resulting in a higher or lower score over time.
What can we learn from the lowest Rotten Tomato scores?
We can learn several things from the lowest Rotten Tomato scores. Firstly, they can provide a fascinating case study in cinematic failure, highlighting the common pitfalls and mistakes that filmmakers should avoid. Additionally, they can serve as a warning to studios and filmmakers about the importance of quality control and careful planning.
More broadly, the lowest Rotten Tomato scores can also serve as a reminder of the subjective nature of criticism and the importance of considering multiple perspectives. By examining the reviews and ratings, we can gain insights into the complex factors that contribute to a movie’s success or failure, and develop a deeper understanding of the art and craft of filmmaking.