People who always check a movie’s rating before watching it usually display these 7 personality traits, according to psychology

Olivia Reid by Olivia Reid | May 14, 2025, 8:40 pm

Do you ever find yourself hovering over the play button on your favorite streaming app, but you just can’t hit “watch” until you see the movie’s rating?

I used to think I was the only one who did that.

Then I started noticing friends and family doing the same thing, almost like a ritual.

I’ve had evenings where I was all set to watch a new release—snacks in hand—yet still felt an urge to check how critics and other viewers scored it.

I know I’m not alone in this habit.

According to a study from the American Psychological Association, people often seek external cues (like online ratings) to help them decide which movies are “worth it,” especially when their free time is limited.

This simple behavior—always checking a film’s rating before diving in—can say a lot about someone’s personality.

Here are seven traits I’ve noticed, backed by psychology and some of my own observations.

1. They have a meticulous streak

People who never miss a movie’s rating tend to be meticulous by nature.

They pay attention to little details most folks might overlook.

In my experience, meticulous individuals strive for efficiency and dislike the idea of wasting time on a subpar flick.

They want accurate information, which makes sense.

Data from the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that individuals who frequently research details—like movie ratings—often exhibit higher levels of planning and preparation in other areas of life too.

They’re the type who double-checks an address before leaving home or compares reviews before making a purchase online.

They prefer to feel well-informed rather than risk disappointment or regret.

2. They’re drawn to social proof

Let’s be honest.

Online ratings are essentially group opinions.

They represent the thoughts of thousands (sometimes millions) of people who’ve already watched the film.

People who rely on these ratings value social proof.

They consider it a helpful tool in shaping decisions, especially when the stakes (like personal time) matter.

Social proof can be a powerful motivator.

I remember reading Adam Grant’s perspective on the subject—he often highlights how group consensus can nudge our choices at work, at home, and even in casual situations like entertainment.

When you check that Rotten Tomatoes score before deciding what to watch, you’re essentially saying, “Let me see if the crowd thinks this is good enough.”

This tendency can extend to other parts of life too, from picking a restaurant to selecting a gym.

3. They dislike uncertainty

If you’ve ever canceled plans at the last minute because you felt unsure, you might relate to this trait.

People who rely on movie ratings want clarity.

That star rating or percentage gives them a sense of certainty (or at least a good guess) about whether the movie is a worthy investment of their time.

Why?

Because many of us, myself included, crave predictability in a world that can feel random and overwhelming.

According to a research, having a sense of control over small decisions—like which movie to watch—can boost our overall feelings of self-efficacy.

We feel more in control of our environment.

For someone who checks ratings religiously, it’s not just about the movie; it’s about establishing a little pocket of predictability.

4. They have an analytical mindset

There’s a reason they call it “crunching the numbers.”

People who see a rating—say 4.5 out of 5—and immediately run through a mini mental calculation of “That’s 90% positive” are exercising their analytical side.

They treat entertainment decisions like a mini research project, comparing reviews, reading summaries, and scanning star ratings.

They’re also more likely to read the user comments to confirm that the rating aligns with the reasons they’d enjoy the film.

As Dr. Shefali Tsabary once stated, the stories we attach to our daily decisions can reveal deeper aspects of our mindset.

Here, the “story” is that an analytical approach reduces the chance of wasting a good Saturday night.

They might approach big life decisions with the same scrutiny, whether it’s buying a house or planning a vacation.

5. They might fear missing out on “the good stuff”

Let’s not overlook this next angle.

People who meticulously check ratings often worry they’ll miss out on something truly worthwhile if they don’t do their homework.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing.

We live in an age of endless content, and nobody wants to be left behind while everyone else is raving about the movie of the year.

That fear of missing out (FOMO) drives some folks to rely heavily on ratings to ensure they watch the must-see hits.

But ironically, it can also cause them to avoid under-the-radar gems because they’re too focused on hype and mainstream reviews.

Here’s a quick set of questions I sometimes ask myself to gauge if I’m veering into FOMO territory:

  • Am I checking ratings because I genuinely want a great movie, or am I just afraid of “wasting” time?

  • If the rating was hidden, would I still be intrigued by the trailer or storyline?

  • Does the rating align with my personal taste, or am I letting the crowd decide for me?

Sometimes, being mindful of our real motivations can help us stay balanced.

6. They appreciate structure and routines

People who always scan for ratings tend to build small routines around their decisions.

In my case, I usually turn on the TV after tucking my son into bed, and I’ll give myself a short window—maybe five minutes—to skim ratings before I commit.

The process itself is almost ritualistic.

We do these little habit loops because they help us feel more organized.

From a psychological standpoint, having set routines lowers decision fatigue.

According to a study from the American Psychological Association, routines can minimize stress by reducing the number of choices we have to make from scratch.

When you have a method—like always checking a reliable rating platform—you’re streamlining your decision-making process.

You’re also creating a predictable flow in your day.

7. They’re guided by conscientiousness

I don’t want to skip something crucial here.

Conscientiousness is a personality trait associated with diligence, thoroughness, and a desire to do things “right.”

People high in conscientiousness tend to plan ahead, keep track of details, and make sure they’re living up to certain standards.

If you frequently check a movie’s rating, it might be because you’re conscientious in all sorts of ways—like meeting deadlines at work or never being late for a meet-up with friends.

You see, when you’re used to operating with a certain level of discipline, it spills over into small tasks.

That’s not to say if you don’t check ratings, you lack conscientiousness.

But there’s often a link between this kind of attention to detail and overall conscientious behavior, whether that’s returning your library books on time or consistently showing up for your loved ones.

Here’s something else I’ve noticed.

I’m trying to raise my son to be open-minded and considerate, but also to form his own opinions.

Ratings are just numbers, after all.

Conscientious people understand that these numbers are one piece of data among many.

They use them wisely without letting them dictate every single choice.

It’s a fine balance, and some do it better than others.

Conclusion

I’m still figuring this out too, so take what works and adapt it to your life.

If you’ve recognized your own tendencies in some of these traits, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck that way forever.

It’s good to know where we lean, so we can make more intentional decisions—whether that’s trusting our gut, reading reviews, or simply hitting “play” and watching what happens.

After all, a movie might surprise you, even if its rating doesn’t shout “masterpiece.”

And sometimes, letting yourself be surprised can be half the fun.