All of our reviews are rated 1-10. Understanding our unique 1-10 Wicked Horror Score will prove beneficial when reading reviews and retrospectives on the site. Below, you will find our rating system explained from bottom to top.
A Wicked Horror Score of X means:
1.) A score of 1 means stay away. There are absolutely no redeeming qualities to be found in this film. It is just bad. With a wide selection of horror movies to choose from, you don’t need to waste your time on titles that score a rating of 1.
2.) A score of 2 means that there may be a couple of scenes within the film that aren’t terrible. But we certainly do not suggest watching a title that scores a 2. Often you can find these movies for free on YouTube or various other streaming platforms. If you feel the urge, you can scan through to the good stuff. But really, why bother? A film that scores a 2 should ultimately be skipped.
3.) A score of 3 is a below-average horror picture. It may have a reasonable budget and or some legitimate scares. But films of this caliber are a dime a dozen. They typically prove to be a waste of your time and money and we would like to help you avoid wasting either. You can certainly do better.
4.) A score of 4 is considered an average horror film. Most horror fans will find some merit in titles that score a 4. The budget, scares, acting, story, and writing are nothing exceptional but you could do much worse.
5.) A score of 5 represents an above average horror movie. We recommend that you see the film when you have a chance. A film that scores a 5 may not appeal to non-hororr fans but horror enthusiasts will likely find merit in a film that scores a 5.
6.) A score of 6 is a very good horror movie. A film that scores a 6 may have moments of greatness but will not necessarily be groundbreaking. Films that rank at a 6 are well worth seeing and we highly recommend you check them out when you have time.
7.) A score of 7 represents an excellent horror picture. Catch these as soon as you possibly can, as only maybe only 15-20 come out a year. A 7 will often be in many people’s top 10 horror films of the year.
8.) A score of 8 is an outstanding, ‘must see’ horror film for horror fans and often, non-horror fans alike. Only a handful of horror films come out like this a year. They will rank in many critics top ten films of the year when encompassing all films, horror and non-horror alike. These groundbreaking films should not be missed.
9.) A score of 9 is the best horror film of the year. Some years we may have two or three nine’s come out, some years none. If you haven’t seen these, do so tonight, you won’t regret it.
10.) A Score of 10 is an absolutely exceptional, and rare, film. A score of 10 is reserved for the kind of horror movie that only comes along once every 3-5 years or more. These are pictures that stand the test of time. They are titles that push the boundaries of horror filmmaking – taking us in new and exciting directions.
*NOTE* – A score of .5 would be in between the two scores.
*NOTE* – Some of our readers have suggested that our scoring of certain classics are higher than they might expect. But we are looking at the film in the context of the time period in which it was released. Films like Psycho, Night of the Living Dead, The Exorcist, Halloween, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street would easily have scored a 9 at the time they were originally released. Changes in technology and filmmaking standards have been implemented since then but our ratings are based on the standards of the industry when these titles initially debuted. So, please bear that in mind when browsing through our back catalogue of retrospectives and the like.