Founded in 1978,CinemaScore is a research groupthatpolls and aggregates audience responsesto the latest feature film releases. On the opening night of films in wide release, CinemaScore provides ballots to the audience that prompts them to grade the new movie they’ve watched on an A to F scale. After the grades and the voters' demographic information are collected,CinemaScore provides an overall grade for the film, which will be made public on their website and can be cited for journalistic purposes elsewhere. CinemaScore defines this process as “bringing the opinions of theater audiences into the public arena.”
While not every new movie receives a grade (such as limited releases), CinemaScore has been around for over 40 years and has graded thousands of movies. The grade a film receives is usually a strong indicator of general audience opinion and can be a determining factor for a film’s box office success; the higher the grade, the more likely a movie is going to be recommended through word of mouth. Among the thousands of movies CinemaScore has graded,only 110 have received the coveted A+ grade. More often than not, these movies are regarded as classics and remain universally beloved to this day.
10’Argo' (2012)
Directed by Ben Affleck
Based on an almost unbelievable true story,Argo(2012)followsBen Affleckas CIA agentTony Mendezspearheading an operation to rescue six Americans trapped in an embassy amid the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979. Mendez hatches the idea of infiltrating Iran’s capital city of Tehran under the guise of a team of movie location scouts and producers. This required Hollywood executives to fabricate an entire science-fiction movie by the name of Argo to support Mendez’s rescue exercise; imagine all the work required to produce a movie, but without actually making it.
Argo’s A+ grade can most likely be attributed to the nature of it’s narrative; it’s an incredibly engaging story made all the morecaptivating due to its relation to actual events. Affleck lends a steady directorial hand to an all-star cast includingBryan Cranston,Alan Arkin,Clea DuVallandJohn Goodman, just to name a few. Despite some of the harrowing circumstances of its adapted story,Argois a crowd-pleaser that is endlessly entertaining and thrilling.
9’The Princess Bride' (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
Framed as the bedside reading of a story from grandfather to grandson,The Princess Bride(1987)is afairy tale romance through and through. After his supposed death, Wesley (Cary Elwes), a lowly farmhand, will stop at nothing to reunite with his true love, Buttercup (Robin Wright). Between them stand a rag-tag band of criminals, a smarmy king with questionable motives and even massive man-eating rats in this simple but endearing genre classic.
The Princess Bridemay appear as a standard fantasy romance, and while it’s true that it doesn’t do too much to reinvent the genre, director Rob Reiner crafted an accessible and endlessly rewatchable adventure.The Princess Bridehas a little bit of something for everyone:sharp humor, a clever script, charming performances and a compelling romance at the core.Considering all these elements, it’s no wonder audiences were so warm toThe Princess Bride, and many continue to sing praises for it today.
The Princess Bride
8’Forrest Gump' (1994)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a man with an impossibly interesting life story. From his time on the All-American Collegiate football team, his service in the Vietnam War, his entrepreneurial efforts aboard a shrimping boat and even meeting with three different U.S. presidents,Forrest always seemed to be at the center of American cultural events. Despite this, he stayed true to who he is and what he believed in, inspiring kindness and understanding.
Forrest Gump(1994)is a landmark work of American filmmaking. DirectorRobert Zemeckis, an already well-established name thanks to hisBack to the Futuretrilogy, created a heartwarming character study and epic that is almost impossible to not get swept up in. After receiving an A+ grade from CinemaScore,Forrest Gumpwould go on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.Forrest Gumpis a winning combination of optimistic sentimentality and heartfelt execution.
Forrest Gump
7’Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (2018)
Directed by Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti & Rodney Rothman
After being bitten by an interdimensional radioactive spider, teenager Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) develops fantastic powers. Seeking mentorship, Miles finds himself as a student of Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), a not exactly stoic iteration of Spider-Man from another universe. Miles must learn to accept the responsibility and be wary of the dangers that sprout as a result of his newfound powers, all the while juggling his responsibilities as a student and son.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse(2018)is the final product of years of passionate work and dedication.Animated unlike anything audiences have ever seen before, this telling of the traditional Spider-Man narrative reaped the benefits that animation allows; unrestrained imagination and endless creative possibilities. Not only isSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Versea technical marvel in every respect, it is also a ridiculously entertaining romp that won audiences over with its witty humor and surprisingly thoughtful emotional core.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseis available to stream on Apple TV in the U.S.
Watch on Apple TV
6’Top Gun: Maverick' (2022)
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
In this follow-up toTop Gun(1986), Capt. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise), an ace pilot and hotshot personality, is tasked with training a young class of elite fighter pilots for a top-secret operation. Maverick proves to be a far more capable pilot than a teacher; his situation made all the more complicated when the son of his deceased best friend (Miles Teller) is eager to fly in the squadron. Maverick must learn to leave his rule-breaking past behind him and prepare his class for what is deemed to be a suicide mission.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)is the very definition of a crowd pleaser. While the originalTop Gun(1986) is a suitably stylish and fun slice of 80s cheese, this sequel far exceeded expectations and delivered one of themost entertaining and commercially successful blockbusters ever made. Cruise continued to prove that he is Hollywood’s leading man - his strict insistence on practical effects for the flight sequences made the sense of danger palpable and further elevated the fantastic action. Not only wasTop Gun: Mavericka wholly satisfying thrill ride, it alsoreinvigorated the theatergoing experienceand proved that people are still willing to show up to the movies when they’re this good.
Top Gun: Maverick
5’The Incredibles' (2004)
Pixar Studios' sixth film and arguably their best,The Incredibles(2004)follows a standard suburban family harboring a big secret: they all have superpowers. After a series of accidents, superheroes have been outlawed, forcing Bob and Helen Parr (Craig T. NelsonandHolly Hunter) to hang up their suits and leave their crime-fighting days behind them. After settling down and raising a family, Bob’s desire to become Mr. Incredible once again leads to him unraveling a sinister plot; one that requires the entire family to embrace what makes them special.
It’s not hard to imagine whyThe Incredibleswas so well received upon release. It has thecompelling family dynamic of a drama and the thrilling action of a superhero movie, held together by a strong cast of incredibly likable characters. WhileThe Incrediblesis actually one of the seven Pixar Studios films to have received a grade of A+, the more grounded nature of its story and family-oriented messaging are likely key factors contributing to it’s reception. The long awaited sequelIncredibles 2(2018)also received an A+ grade from CinemaScore, but the freshness of the original gives it the edge here.
The Incredibles
4’Die Hard' (1988)
Directed by John McTiernan
When a group of terrorists lays siege to Nakatomi headquarters and take several hostages, NYPD cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) is their only chance of survival. With no backup and extremely limited firepower, McClane must put his wits and resources to the test and save the building’s hostages - his wife being one of them. In this situation, McClane is afforded no luxuries, not even shoes, but one thing is absolutely certain: he will die hard.
Not only a definitive action movie of the 80s, butone of the definitive action movies of all time.Die Hard(1988)is a no-frills, no-holds-barred genre classic that thrilled audiences andkick-started what would become a legendary career for Willis. He effortlessly sells the grittiness of the action while simultaneously dropping incredible one-liners like they were Hans Gruber off a building. DirectorJohn McTiernanwisely keeps it simple, granting the set pieces and Willis' performance center stage. Audiences ate it up, CinemaScore graded it A+, and the rest is history.
3’Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991)
Directed by James Cameron
Terminator 2: Judgment Day(1991)is commonly recognized as one of the greatest sequels of all time. After the events ofThe Terminator(1984), Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) is forced into an uneasy alliance with an advanced cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent from a future dominated by machines. They share a common goal: protect John Connor (Edward Furlong) at all costs.
Terminator 2: Judgment Daydoubles down on everything that made its predecessor great and even improves upon the formula. DirectorJames Cameronopts for a lighter tone than the original — something a general audience of the time most likely appreciated.The relationship that forms between Schwarzenegger’s T-800 and a young John Connor is incredibly charming and often hilarious.The action is plentiful and always effective, and the introduction of an exceedingly threatening villain keeps the stakes high.Terminator 2: Judgment Dayis a perfect action/adventure movie, and it’s A+ grade is well deserved.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
2’Schindler’s List' (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Schindler’s List(1993)follows Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a Czech industrialist managing a primarily Jewish workforce. As the Nazi threat looms, Schindler finds himself compelled to do whatever he can to provide refuge for as many Jews as possible, saving lives and risking his own in the process. Drawing from real historical events and figures,Schindler’s Listis aharrowing and heartbreaking story that demands to be seen at least once.
After establishing himself as the master of the blockbuster,Steven Spielbergreleased what some consider to be his greatest achievement.Schindler’s Listis a quiet triumph; the kind of movie that lingers long after watching. Spielberg demonstrated a never-before-seen level of grace and emotional intelligence, showcasing the horrors of that dark period in history while highlighting moments of heroism and humanity. It’s a bonafide masterpiece and a testament to the power of film as a method of storytelling.
Schindler’s List (1993)
1’The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' (2003)
Directed by Peter Jackson
The epic conclusion to Peter Jackson’s trilogy,The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King(2003)continues the journey of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) on his quest to destroy the endlessly powerful but dangerous One Ring. Allies from far and wide aid Frodo in his journey and prepare for one final battle against forces that wish to wield the power of the ring in the name of evil.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingis an example of filmmaking at it’s most monumental. It is the result of countless dedicated hands working tirelessly to craft a fitting end to a massive story. The efforts paid off in spades;The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingis one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful and universally celebrated movies ever.Audiences worldwide eagerly awaited the finale ofPeter Jackson’s trilogy, and they were not disappointed. Along with receiving its A+ CinemaScore,The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingalsowon 11 Academy Awardsand remains culturally relevant more than 20 years later.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
NEXT:The 30 Best Action Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb
