The 'Scream' Paradox: Why the Best Movie Isn’t Always the Highest-Rated
Here’s a head-scratcher for horror fans: if you asked someone to guess which Scream movie has the highest Rotten Tomatoes score, most would bet on the original. After all, it’s the one everyone seems to love, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: the first Scream sits at a modest 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Scream 2 edges it out with 83%. Even more baffling? The fifth and sixth installments, Scream (2022) and Scream VI, score 76% and 77%, respectively—barely trailing the original. So, how does a franchise’s most beloved entry not top the charts? And this is the part most people miss: it’s not about the quality of the film, but the quirks of the Rotten Tomatoes system.
The Rotten Tomatoes Riddle
Let’s clear up a common misconception: a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes isn’t the same as a 7.8/10 on IMDb. Rotten Tomatoes operates on a binary system—reviews are either 'fresh' (positive) or 'rotten' (negative). This means a movie could receive universally 'meh' 7/10 reviews and still score a perfect 100%, outranking a film that received more enthusiastic praise but had a few negative reviews. Take Wes Craven’s Scream and the 2022 reboot, for example. Critics praised the original for revolutionizing the slasher genre, while the reboot was lauded for recapturing the original’s vibe. Both are positive, but one is clearly more groundbreaking.
The Sequel Advantage: Less Risk, More Reward
Original films often face sky-high expectations. Think about it: every classic you love was once a risky experiment that didn’t please everyone right away. Scream was no exception. Its meta approach to horror—characters aware they’re in a movie—was polarizing. Some loved its cleverness, while others found it jarring. Plus, horror fans are a divided bunch: some want fun scares, others crave trauma. Scream leaned into the former, disappointing those seeking the latter. But here’s the twist: sequels have a built-in advantage. Most people who disliked the first film don’t bother with the sequel, so the audience for later installments is packed with die-hard fans. By Scream VI, the crowd was less general public and more Scream loyalists—a recipe for higher scores.
Rotten Tomatoes: A Softer Critic Over Time?
But there’s another layer to this mystery: Rotten Tomatoes itself has changed. In 2023, Vulture exposed how PR firms manipulate RT scores by selectively screening films to critics likely to give positive reviews—or even asking critics to flip negative reviews to positive. Beyond outright manipulation, RT has expanded its pool of verified critics, including more writers who approach films as fans rather than impartial reviewers. Switch the Tomatometer from 'all critics' to 'top critics,' and scores often drop. Scream VI? Down 12 points to 65%. Scream 2? Up 2 points. It’s a system that increasingly rewards fan-friendly sequels over groundbreaking originals.
The Bigger Question: Are Critics Going Easy on Hollywood?
Here’s a thought-provoking question: in an era where box office numbers are slumping and the future of film feels uncertain, are critics subconsciously lowering their standards? It’s rare nowadays to see a scathing review go viral. In a time when even a mediocre movie feels like a win for the industry, is it kinder to praise than to pan? This shift could explain why newer Scream films, while fun, score nearly as high as the original that redefined horror.
What Do You Think?
Is Rotten Tomatoes still a reliable gauge of a film’s quality? Or has it become a tool for fandom and PR? And does the Scream franchise prove that sequels are unfairly advantaged in the ratings game? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this cinematic conundrum!
