The world of cinema is a diverse and ever-evolving landscape, with films that cater to various tastes and preferences. While some movies receive widespread critical acclaim, others fail to impress, and a select few manage to achieve the dubious distinction of scoring 0 on Rotten Tomatoes. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating realm of cinematic flops and explore the movies that got 0 on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Rotten Tomatoes, and How Does it Work?
Before we dive into the list of movies that scored 0 on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s essential to understand the platform and its scoring system. Rotten Tomatoes is a popular review aggregation website that collects and averages critic reviews from top publications and websites. The site assigns a Tomatometer score, which represents the percentage of positive reviews from professional critics.
The Tomatometer score is calculated based on the number of positive reviews, with a minimum of 40 reviews required for a wide release film. The score is then categorized into three groups:
- Fresh: 60% or higher
- Rotten: 59% or lower
- Certified Fresh: 75% or higher, with a minimum of 80 reviews
How Rare is a 0 Tomatometer Score?
Achieving a 0 Tomatometer score is extremely rare, as it requires a unanimous consensus among critics that a movie is completely devoid of redeeming qualities. According to Rotten Tomatoes, only a handful of films have managed to score 0 since the site’s inception.
Movies That Got 0 on Rotten Tomatoes
While there are several movies that have scored 0 on Rotten Tomatoes, we’ll focus on a few notable examples:
Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)
Directed by Wych Kaosayananda and starring Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever is an action thriller that failed to impress critics. The movie’s convoluted plot, poor acting, and lackluster action sequences earned it a 0 Tomatometer score.
Dracula 3000 (2004)
This science fiction horror film, directed by Darrell Roodt and starring Casper Van Dien, is a modern retelling of the classic Dracula tale. Critics panned the movie’s poor production values, weak acting, and nonsensical plot, resulting in a 0 Tomatometer score.
Look Who’s Talking Now (1993)
The third installment in the Look Who’s Talking franchise, directed by Tom Ropelewski and starring John Travolta and Kirstie Alley, failed to charm critics. The movie’s tired jokes, lackluster plot, and poor acting earned it a 0 Tomatometer score.
Why Do Movies Score 0 on Rotten Tomatoes?
There are several reasons why a movie might score 0 on Rotten Tomatoes. Some common factors include:
Poor Writing and Direction
A weak script, coupled with poor direction, can result in a movie that fails to engage audiences and critics alike. This can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of experience, poor casting choices, or a misunderstanding of the source material.
Low Production Values
Movies with low production values, such as poor special effects, weak cinematography, and subpar sound design, can detract from the overall viewing experience. This can be due to budget constraints, a lack of resources, or a focus on other aspects of the film.
Miscasting and Poor Acting
Casting is a crucial aspect of filmmaking, and miscasting can result in a movie that fails to resonate with audiences. Poor acting, whether due to a lack of experience or a failure to connect with the material, can also contribute to a movie’s poor reception.
Can a 0 Tomatometer Score Affect a Movie’s Box Office Performance?
While a 0 Tomatometer score can be a significant blow to a movie’s reputation, it’s not always a guarantee of box office failure. Some movies, such as cult classics or films with a dedicated fan base, can still perform well despite poor critical reception.
However, a 0 Tomatometer score can have a significant impact on a movie’s marketing and distribution strategy. Studios may be less likely to invest in a wide release or extensive marketing campaign for a movie that has received universally negative reviews.
Conclusion
Achieving a 0 Tomatometer score is a rare and dubious distinction, reserved for movies that have failed to impress critics in every aspect. While it’s not a guarantee of box office failure, a 0 Tomatometer score can have a significant impact on a movie’s reputation and marketing strategy.
By examining the movies that have scored 0 on Rotten Tomatoes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to a movie’s poor reception. Whether it’s poor writing and direction, low production values, or miscasting and poor acting, there are valuable lessons to be learned from these cinematic flops.
As the world of cinema continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which movies will join the ranks of the 0 Tomatometer score club. Will they be cult classics, or forgotten relics of a bygone era? Only time will tell.
What is Rotten Tomatoes and how does it rate movies?
Rotten Tomatoes is a popular review aggregation website that collects and averages critic and audience ratings for movies and television shows. The site assigns a Tomatometer score, which represents the percentage of positive reviews from professional critics. A score of 0% indicates that not a single critic gave the movie a positive review.
The Tomatometer score is calculated based on the number of positive reviews divided by the total number of reviews. For a movie to receive a 0% score, it must have received no positive reviews from the critics surveyed by Rotten Tomatoes. This does not necessarily mean that the movie is the worst ever made, but rather that it failed to impress any of the critics who reviewed it.
What kind of movies typically receive a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes?
Movies that receive a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes are often those that are poorly made, have weak storytelling, and lack engaging characters. They may also be films that are heavily reliant on special effects or gimmicks, but lack substance and depth. Additionally, movies that are part of a tired franchise or are based on a poorly received book or video game may also be more likely to receive a 0% score.
It’s worth noting that a 0% score does not necessarily mean that a movie is without any redeeming qualities. Some movies may have a loyal fan base or be enjoyed by audiences who are not professional critics. However, a 0% score does indicate that a movie has failed to impress the critical community, and may be worth approaching with caution.
Can a movie with a 0% score still be enjoyable to watch?
While a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes may indicate that a movie is not well-regarded by critics, it does not necessarily mean that it is not enjoyable to watch. Some movies may be so bad that they are good, or may have a certain charm or appeal that makes them entertaining despite their flaws. Additionally, some movies may be enjoyed by audiences who are not looking for high-brow cinema, but rather a mindless or guilty pleasure.
Ultimately, whether or not a movie with a 0% score is enjoyable to watch will depend on individual tastes and preferences. If you’re a fan of B-movies or are looking for a movie to mock or ironicly enjoy, a 0% score may not be a deterrent. However, if you’re looking for a movie with strong storytelling, engaging characters, and high production values, you may want to look elsewhere.
Are there any movies with a 0% score that are worth watching?
While opinions may vary, there are a few movies with a 0% score that are worth watching for their camp value, nostalgic appeal, or sheer audacity. For example, the 2008 film “The Happening” starring Mark Wahlberg is often cited as one of the worst movies ever made, but has developed a cult following for its bizarre plot and over-the-top performances.
Another example is the 2012 film “The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure”, a children’s movie that was widely panned by critics but has since become a cult classic for its bizarre characters and catchy musical numbers. While these movies may not be good in the classical sense, they are certainly memorable and may be worth watching for their entertainment value alone.
Can a movie with a 0% score still be successful at the box office?
While a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes may indicate that a movie is not well-regarded by critics, it does not necessarily mean that it will not be successful at the box office. Some movies may be able to overcome poor reviews through strong marketing, brand recognition, or a loyal fan base. Additionally, some movies may be able to appeal to audiences who are not influenced by critical reviews.
For example, the 2017 film “The Emoji Movie” received a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but was still able to gross over $217 million worldwide. Similarly, the 2019 film “Cats” received a 0% score, but was still able to gross over $75 million worldwide. While critical reviews can certainly impact a movie’s box office performance, they are not the only factor at play.
How many movies have received a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes?
According to Rotten Tomatoes, there are currently over 40 movies that have received a 0% score. This number is likely to change over time as new movies are released and more critics weigh in. It’s worth noting that a 0% score is relatively rare, and most movies will receive at least some positive reviews from critics.
The movies that have received a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes are a diverse group, and include films from a variety of genres and release years. Some of the most notable examples include “Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever”, “Look Who’s Talking Now”, and “Staying Alive”.
What can a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes mean for a filmmaker’s career?
A 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes can be a significant setback for a filmmaker’s career, as it can indicate that their movie has failed to impress critics and may not be well-received by audiences. However, it’s worth noting that a single bad review or a low Tomatometer score does not necessarily define a filmmaker’s career.
Many filmmakers have gone on to have successful careers despite receiving a 0% score on one of their movies. For example, the director of “The Happening”, M. Night Shyamalan, has gone on to direct a number of successful films, including “Split” and “Glass”. Similarly, the director of “The Emoji Movie”, Tony Leondis, has gone on to direct a number of successful animated films and TV shows.