Are you tired of scrolling through endless movie options on streaming platforms, unsure of what to watch? Look no further than Rotten Tomatoes, the go-to destination for movie reviews and ratings. With a vast database of movies and TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes uses a unique rating system to determine the top-rated films. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 10 highest-rated movies on Rotten Tomatoes, giving you a must-watch guide for your next movie night.
Overview of Rotten Tomatoes and its Rating System
Rotten Tomatoes is a popular website that aggregates movie and TV show reviews from various sources, including professional critics and user reviews. It was launched in 1998 and has since become one of the most trusted sources for movie ratings. The site uses a “Tomatometer” score, which is based on the percentage of positive reviews from critics. A movie with a high score means that it has received positive reviews from the majority of critics.
To be considered for the Top 10 list, a movie must have a Tomatometer score of at least 97%, with a minimum of 40 reviews from approved critics. This ensures that only critically acclaimed films make the cut and provides a diverse selection of genres to choose from.
Criteria for Selecting the Top-Rated Movies
The following criteria were used to select the top 10 highest-rated movies on Rotten Tomatoes:
- Tomatometer score of at least 97%
- Minimum of 40 approved critic reviews
- Variety of genres represented
- Release date within the past 20 years
- Availability on popular streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime)
Now let’s dive into the top 10 list and discover why these movies are must-watches according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Movie #1: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Directed by George Miller, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a post-apocalyptic action film set in a dystopian future. It follows the journey of Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) as she attempts to free a group of women from a tyrant ruler. Along the way, she teams up with Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), a drifter seeking revenge against the same tyrant.
This movie received widespread critical acclaim, with a Tomatometer score of 97%. Critics praised its high-octane action sequences, stunning visuals, and strong performances from Theron and Hardy. The film also has a strong feminist message, making it a refreshing addition to the action genre.
If you’re in the mood for non-stop action and an empowering story, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a must-watch.
Why You Should Watch It
- Incredible visual effects create a fully immersive post-apocalyptic world.
- Strong performances from Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy drive the intense action.
- A compelling feminist message adds depth to the film.
Where to Watch
“Mad Max: Fury Road” is available to stream on HBO Max and can be rented or purchased on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and iTunes.
Movie #2: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Animated superhero films are often dismissed as being solely for children, but “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” defies that stereotype. This movie follows Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore), a teenager who becomes the newest Spider-Man in his universe. When multiple parallel universes start colliding, Miles must team up with other Spider-People to save all of reality.
With a Tomatometer score of 97%, this film was praised for its inventive animation style, heartfelt story, and diverse representation of Spider-People. It also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2019, solidifying its place as one of the best superhero movies of all time.
Why You Should Watch It
- Groundbreaking animation style makes the film visually stunning.
- A diverse group of Spider-People offers representation for different communities.
- A heartwarming story about finding your own path and embracing your uniqueness.
Where to Watch
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is available to stream on Netflix and can be rented or purchased on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and Google Play.
Movie #3: Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, “Get Out,” took the horror genre by storm with its thought-provoking social commentary and spine-chilling terror. The film follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black man who goes to meet his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. However, he soon discovers that there is something very sinister going on in their seemingly idyllic suburb.
With a Tomatometer score of 98%, “Get Out” was praised for its clever writing, gripping plot, and powerful performances. It also sparked important discussions about race relations and cultural appropriation, making it more than just a horror movie.
Why You Should Watch It
- Unpredictable twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Powerful social commentary adds depth to the horror genre.
- Strong performances from Daniel Kaluuya and the supporting cast.
Where to Watch
“Get Out” is available to stream on HBO Max and can be rented or purchased on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and iTunes.
Movie #4: Up (2009)
Pixar has produced many beloved animated films, but “Up” stands out as one of their best. This heartwarming adventure follows Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner), an elderly man who sets out to fulfill his late wife’s dream of traveling to South America. Along the way, he befriends Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), a young boy scout, and they have a series of hilarious and heartwarming misadventures.
With a Tomatometer score of 98%, “Up” was praised for its emotional depth, stunning animation, and lovable characters. It also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2010, solidifying its place as one of Pixar’s greatest achievements.
Why You Should Watch It
- Emotional story that explores themes of love, loss, and friendship.
- Beautiful animation creates a vibrant and immersive world.
- Memorable characters, including the lovable talking dog, Dug.
Where to Watch
“Up” is available to stream on Disney+ and can be rented or purchased on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and Google Play.
Movie #5: Inside Out (2015)
Another Pixar masterpiece, “Inside Out” takes us inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl, Riley (voiced by Kaitlyn Dias), as she moves to a new city and experiences a whirlwind of emotions. Five personified emotions – Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith), Anger (voiced by Lewis Black), Fear (voiced by Bill Hader), and Disgust (voiced by Mindy Kaling) – navigate Riley’s life and try to maintain balance in her mind.
With a Tomatometer score of 98%, “Inside Out” was praised for its imaginative concept, clever humor, and poignant exploration of mental health. It also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2016, solidifying its place as one of the best-animated films of all time.
Why You Should Watch It
- Imaginative concept that explores emotions and mental health in a relatable way.
- Clever humor, including witty jokes for both kids and adults.
- Heartwarming story about growing up and embracing all of our emotions.
Where to Watch
“Inside Out” is available to stream on Disney+ and can be rented or purchased on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and iTunes.
Conclusion and Recommendations for Viewers
In this blog post, we explored the top 10 highest-rated movies on Rotten Tomatoes, spanning diverse genres and topics. From intense action to heartwarming animations, these movies have all received widespread critical acclaim and are must-watches for any movie lover.
If you’re in the mood for fast-paced action and feminist messages, “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” are perfect choices. For thought-provoking social commentary, “Get Out” is a must-watch, while “Up” and “Inside Out” offer heartwarming stories with stunning animation.
So next time you’re struggling to find a movie to watch, turn to Rotten Tomatoes and choose one of these top-rated films for a guaranteed enjoyable viewing experience.