I am considering going through all of my movies on Letterboxd and ensure they all have a rating. I know there are a good number of movies I have seen that do not. But Letterboxd uses a 5 star rating system, and it allows half-stars, which means it's actually a 10-star rating system.
I worked with ChatGPT this morning to come-up with the below criteria for each rating. I am still debating it and if I want to do this daunting task at all.
A complete failure in every aspect: poor acting, bad script, weak direction, or unintentional humor. You find it painful to watch or frustratingly bad. You wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, and it’s a waste of time.
The movie had a few elements that were okay or salvageable, but overall, it was not a good experience. Maybe a specific performance or scene was decent, but it’s overshadowed by bad execution. You might not regret watching it, but you wouldn't recommend it either.
A step up from very bad, this movie has some redeeming qualities, but not enough to make it enjoyable. Perhaps it had potential or a decent concept, but the execution was too flawed. You’d remember it as something that didn’t work, but with a couple of decent elements.
A movie that was competently made but left you feeling indifferent. The acting, plot, or pacing might have been fine, but it didn’t engage or entertain you. There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with it, but there’s nothing memorable or engaging either. You’re not upset you watched it, but you wouldn’t want to revisit it.
It’s right in the middle: a movie that does what it needs to, but nothing more. It’s not bad, but it’s not particularly good either. It might have a few moments that stand out, but ultimately, it’s forgettable. It’s the kind of film that passes the time, but it’s not something you’d recommend or return to.
A solid, enjoyable film. It may not be groundbreaking, but it was fun to watch and kept you engaged. You’d say, “I liked that!” without necessarily feeling the need to watch it again soon. It did what it set out to do well, and you left feeling satisfied.
A movie you really enjoyed, with solid performances, direction, or writing. It might not be a personal favorite, but it was a high-quality film, and you’d be open to watching it again. This rating reflects movies that stand out above average but don’t quite hit the “great” mark.
A well-made, highly enjoyable film that resonated with you. It’s something you’d recommend and likely rewatch. It may not be flawless, but its strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. This is the kind of movie that left a lasting impression on you and was worth the time invested.
Nearly a masterpiece, this movie hit almost every note right. Whether it’s the acting, direction, or emotional impact, it’s something you think about long after watching. It’s a film you’d go out of your way to recommend and possibly rewatch multiple times, with only minor imperfections keeping it from being a personal classic.
5 Stars: Personal Classic/Masterpiece
The best of the best. This is a film that is not just technically excellent, but it also resonates deeply with you on a personal level. It might be a "bad" movie by conventional standards, but for some reason, you absolutely love it. It has rewatch value, emotional impact, and maybe even shaped how you think about films. This is your top tier.
