You’ve seen movie & TV ratings before — stars, thumbs, percentages, emojis… you name it. But here at Sci-Fi Bloggers, we decided to do things differently.
After years of watching sci-fi rise, fall, reboot, and reformat itself into oblivion, it was time for a new kind of rating system — one made for people who want ratings they can use to choose what, when, how & where to watch.
The SFB Scale cuts through the noise and answers the only question that really matters:
Should you pay to see it, stream it, binge it, or skip it?
And maybe — just maybe — should you tell the world about it.
So here it is. The official SFB Scale, debuting in our latest review of Tron: Ares (which scored an impressive “Pay to See It on the Big Screen ×3 + Evangelize + Keep Forever”).
⚙️ The SFB Scale
🎬 For Movies
1. Pay to See It on the Big Screen (×2, ×3, etc.)
Worth every cent. Pure cinematic magic — the kind of film you need to feel in a theater.
If it’s so good you’d pay to see it again (or again), the multiplier says it all.
2. Pre-Order / Buy It on Digital
Fantastic. Maybe not theater-trip-worthy twice, but you’ll want it in your collection and to rewatch the minute it hits home release.
3. Subscribe on Streaming
Strong recommend. Not worth extra tickets, but worth subscribing early or renewing a service just to catch it.
4. Wait for Existing Streaming
Solid and satisfying. If it lands where you already subscribe, hit play — but don’t chase it down.
5. Wait for Tubi / Free Streaming
Mild curiosity level. Let the commercials pay for it so you don’t have to.
6. Skip It
Your time is valuable. This isn’t. You’ll gain nothing by watching.
7. Avoid at All Costs & Tell Your Friends
Existentially bad. Watching it steals joy from the universe. Warn others.
📺 For Series
1. Pay to Watch / Subscribe Now (×2, ×3, etc.)
Top-tier storytelling and production. Worth signing up or renewing your subscription immediately. Experience it as it airs.
2. Binge-Worthy
Clear your weekend. This show hooks hard and keeps you watching episode after episode.
3. Re-Watch
Holds up on repeat viewings — either comfort food or layered storytelling that rewards coming back for more.
Note: For truly exceptional series, these top three often overlap. Some shows you’ll pay to watch early, binge straight through, buy digitally, and still re-watch while working. That’s how you know it’s great.
4. Wait for Existing Streaming
Solid but not urgent. If it lands on a service you already pay for, press play — but don’t rush to subscribe just for it.
5. Mid-Season Drift
Starts strong but loses focus halfway through. Worth sampling for standout moments or characters, but don’t expect consistency.
6. Background Buffer
Comparable to Wait for Tubi / Free Streaming. Decent enough to have on while cooking or answering emails.
7. Skip It / Avoid at All Costs & Tell Your Friends
Your time (and data) are precious. Don’t waste either.
🔁 Modifiers
Evangelize ( ± )
If it’s transcendent, shout it from the rooftops.
If it’s atrocious, warn every life-form in earshot.
×2, ×3, etc. (Rewatch Multiplier)
For theatrical releases or series worth experiencing multiple times — whether for the spectacle, the story, or just pure joy.
DVD / Blu-Ray Modifier
- Keep Forever: Must-own physical media — deserves a permanent spot in your collection.
- Recycle / Donate: If you see it in someone’s library, encourage them to recycle or donate it to one.
💡 Why It Exists
Because sci-fi deserves more than half-hearted star ratings. It deserves context.
This scale isn’t about snobbery — it’s about honesty. It’s built for real fans who know that sometimes “worth seeing once” and “watch it every year forever” are galaxies apart.
And since we cover both movies and shows here at Sci-Fi Bloggers, the SFB Scale keeps everything consistent — whether it’s a two-hour epic, a ten-episode binge, or a cult classic rediscovered.
The SFB Scale is here to make that difference clear.
Use it. Share it. Argue about it. That’s half the fun of being a fan anyway.
Note: We may update this scale from time to time, so feel free to bookmark it for future reference.
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