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IMDb Ratings Mislead: Flawed System Overpowers Better Reviews

10/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) uses a 10-star system, which the author finds flawed versus a five-star scale.
The author argues IMDb reviews reflect uninformed opinions, likening them to poor Trip Advisor reviews.
They note acclaimed films like Jonathan Glazer's Birth sit around 6.3 to 7.6 on IMDb despite merit.
They contend IMDb ratings dominate search results, overshadowing Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd.

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Story summary

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) uses a 10-star system, which the author finds flawed versus a five-star scale.
The author argues IMDb reviews reflect uninformed opinions, likening them to poor Trip Advisor reviews.
They note acclaimed films like Jonathan Glazer's Birth sit around 6.3 to 7.6 on IMDb despite merit.
They contend IMDb ratings dominate search results, overshadowing Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd.