The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
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  1. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    30
    The wit is too weak to sustain a film, and the songs all sound the same.
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    63
    Dr. Furter is played by a British actor named Tim Curry, who bears a certain resemblance to Loretta Young in drag. He's the best thing in the movie, maybe because he seems to be having the most fun.
  3. Empire
    Reviewed by: Adam Smith
    80
    The powerhouse of the film is Tim Curry's cross-dressing alien, Frank N. Furter, who would never reach these kinds of gloriously demented heights again.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    83
    For a movie that's mostly a plotless mix of old sci-fi flicks and Bowie-esque gender-bending, Rocky Horror continues to charm. That's due in part to the honest delight we take in the freedoms this movie so cheerfully flaunts.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Keith Phipps
    67
    The plot is only semi-comprehensible, but the nearly non-stop musical numbers-brilliant conflations of glam-rock and showtunes-and transgressive sexual energy keep things moving.
  6. Variety
    Reviewed by:  Variety Staff
    40
    Most of the jokes that might have seemed jolly fun on stage now appear obvious and even flat. The sparkle's gone.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. grandpajoe6191
    6
    "The Rocky Horror PIcture Show" is a terrible example of what happens when you forcefully fuse different genres into one big pot. Nevertheless, the music is great and at least the film earns recognition as the 'godfather' of all cult films mostly due to a true crazy performance by Tim Curry. A fan boy must-watch.… Full Review »
  2. NicoDaFlagburna
    7
    Totally on the money as a representation of dark humour but time has aged this film and there is no denying that it is not scary. Tim Curry is made of the stuff of legends and he is the only bright spark in an otherwise slightly dull experience. Wholly relevant but underwhelming and slightly too niche for my tastes. I am sure this works better as literature or musical. 72/100… Full Review »
  3. bigj1415
    10
    An amazing movie with many themes and messages. From the concept of pleasure to human worth this movie is truly a thought provoking interesting viewing experience. The music and wildness is also a plus!… Full Review »
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