How We Rate Movies

Every full review on our site includes an overall score out of 10 and a breakdown across five areas.

Our criteria

• Story — structure, pacing, originality and how well the screenplay delivers on its ideas.

• Acting — the strength and credibility of the central and supporting performances.

• Direction — the overall vision, tone and control of the filmmaking.

• Visuals — cinematography, production design, effects and animation.

• Soundtrack — score, song choices and sound design.

What the scores mean

• 9–10: Exceptional. A must-see.

• 7–8.9: Very good, with minor flaws.

• 5–6.9: Mixed. Worth it for fans of the genre.

• Below 5: Not recommended.

Reviews vs. previews

A Review is written after watching the full film and carries a score. A Preview is written before release from trailers and official announcements; it never includes a score, and it is clearly labeled at the top of the page.