If you’ve ever seen a big number next to a game or movie and wondered what it really tells you, you’re not alone. Metacritic gathers reviews from critics, turns them into a single score, and shows you a quick snapshot of how well something was received. It’s like a cheat sheet for deciding what to watch or play next.
First, Metacritic takes each critic’s review and gives it a number from 0 to 100. Some reviewers use stars or grades, so the site converts those into the same scale. Then it averages all the numbers, but it doesn’t treat every review the same – big‑name outlets get a little more weight than smaller blogs. The final result is the Metascore you see on the page.
A Metascore of 75 or higher usually means the title got mostly good reviews, while anything under 50 signals mixed or poor reactions. The site also shows a user score, which is an average of everyday fans’ ratings. Comparing the Metascore to the user score can give you a sense of whether critics and fans agree.
Don’t let the number be your only guide. Look at the spread of scores – a high Metascore with a lot of reviews is more reliable than one based on only a few opinions. If the user score is far lower than the Metascore, read a few user comments to see why they’re unhappy.
Use the score as a filter, not a rule. If you love a particular genre, a 70‑score horror game might still be perfect for you, even if mainstream critics scored it lower. On the other hand, a 90‑score drama might be worth a try even if it’s not your usual pick.
When you’re short on time, set a simple cutoff: 80+ for a guaranteed good time, 60‑79 for “maybe worth checking”, and below 60 if you’re feeling adventurous or don’t mind a rough spot.
Remember that Metacritic updates scores as new reviews come in, so a title that started low can climb if later critics change their minds. Refresh the page before you decide if you’ve been waiting a while.
Finally, combine the Metascore with your own preferences. If a game’s art style or a movie’s cast catches your eye, give it a chance even if the score isn’t stellar. The goal is to enjoy what you watch or play, not to chase perfect numbers.
By understanding how Metacritic works and using these quick tips, you’ll spend less time scrolling through endless reviews and more time enjoying the content you love. Happy watching and gaming!
