Metacritic
FreeReview aggregation site combining critic and user scores for games, movies, TV, and music — the go-to source for game review scores.
What does this tool do?
Metacritic is a review aggregation platform that collects professional critic reviews and user ratings for games, movies, TV shows, and music, then compresses them into a single standardized Metascore (0-100). The platform weights reviews based on perceived quality of the source critic, creating a more nuanced average than simple arithmetic means. Beyond scoring, Metacritic provides browsing tools for upcoming releases, streaming availability guides, curated editorial lists ("15 Best HBO Dramas," etc.), and release calendars updated multiple times weekly. It functions primarily as a discovery and validation tool—users check a game's Metascore before purchase, browse upcoming releases filtered by platform, or consult curated guides to find what's worth consuming across Netflix, Xbox Game Pass, and other services.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- Metascore calculation: weighted average of professional critic reviews scored 0-100 with quality-based weighting
- Release calendars with filters by platform (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch, theaters, streaming services) updated daily to several times weekly
- Streaming availability guides showing which movies/shows are available on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, Paramount+, Apple TV, Disney+, and Peacock
- User scoring system (separate from critic Metascore) allowing community ratings and reviews
- Editorial curation: ranked lists, "Best Of" yearly compilations, festival recaps, and platform-specific "What to Watch" guides
Use Cases
- 1Deciding whether to purchase a game by comparing critic consensus before spending $60-70
- 2Discovering underrated movies and TV shows through curated "best of" editorial lists ranked by Metascore
- 3Finding new content to watch on specific streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video) with guides updated frequently
- 4Tracking release schedules and critic reception for upcoming major game and film releases across all platforms
- 5Comparing reception between similar titles (e.g., two competing game releases) to determine which has stronger critical consensus
- 6Finding free games available on Epic Games, Steam, and subscription services like Game Pass through regularly updated aggregate lists
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Weighted scoring system accounts for critic credibility rather than treating all reviews equally, producing more meaningful consensus than raw averages
- Unified platform covers four distinct entertainment mediums (games, movies, TV, music) with consistent scoring methodology, eliminating need for multiple specialty review sites
- Frequent content updates—release calendars and free game lists refresh multiple times per week, keeping information current
- Strong editorial content with curated ranked lists (e.g., "Every Sam Raimi Movie Ranked") that provide context beyond raw scores
Limitations
- Critic-centric weighting system inherently reflects institutional biases and established outlets' preferences, potentially undervaluing niche critical voices or emerging viewpoints
- Limited transparency on review weighting methodology—users cannot see exactly how much one critic's score influences the final Metascore
- User scores (Metascore User) exist but receive minimal prominence compared to critic scores, despite user reviews being equally or more relevant for purchase decisions
- No personalization or recommendation algorithm—the platform aggregates opinion rather than learning user preferences to suggest relevant content
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available. The website does not display subscription costs or premium tier information. Access to Metacritic's core features (browsing scores, reviews, and curated lists) appears to be free, though account registration is offered.
Who is this for?
Entertainment consumers aged 13-65 who make purchase or viewing decisions based on critical reception, including casual gamers deciding on $40-70 purchases, movie/TV enthusiasts discovering content on streaming platforms, and anyone seeking validation before investing 40+ hours in a game or TV series. Also relevant for casual content curators who rely on aggregated critical opinion rather than personal discovery.