Anime Scores Explained: Understanding Ratings on MAL, Review Sites & Finding Critics You Trust

You just finished an anime series you loved, rushed over to MyAnimeList (MAL) or a similar site, and saw... a 6.5? Or maybe you're scrolling through ranking lists, see a show with a staggering 9.2 rating, and wonder if it's truly a masterpiece or just hype. Welcome to the often confusing world of scoring anime!

Navigating the various rating system options and understanding what that average score really means can be tricky. How much weight should you give that number? Is an anime with a low score automatically not worth watching? This rating guide is here to help. We'll break down how anime scores explained typically work on websites like MAL, what factors influence them, and how to look beyond the number to find shows you'll personally enjoy.

Why Do Anime Ratings Matter (Or Do They)?

In a world with endless anime choices, scores offer a quick reference point. They're a shorthand way many fans try to know how good a series might be at a glance, especially without ratings or recommendations from friends. A high score can indicate widespread acclaim, while a low score might signal potential issues.

However, it's crucial to remember that a score, especially an average score compiled from thousands of users on sites like MyAnimeList, is inherently subjective and represents a collective average, not a definitive truth.

Understanding Common Anime Scoring Systems

While different sites and reviewers might use variations, a few scoring system types are common:

• The MAL 1-10 System: This is arguably the most prevalent system like MAL's. Here's a general interpretation (though individual users vary wildly!):
• • 10: Masterpiece - Often reserved for personal all-time favorites. Getting consistent 10s from users is rare.
  • 9: Great - An exceptional show with very few flaws.
  • 8: Very Good - Solid show, highly enjoyable.
  • 7: Good - Generally enjoyable, might have a noticeable flaw or two. Often considered the zone for a slightly above-average anime.
  • 6: Fine - Okay, watchable, but didn't leave a strong impression.
  • 5: Average / Meh - Middle-of-the-road. Some argue 5 points should represent a truly average anime, while others use it for shows they found mediocre.
  • 4 & Below: Bad - Significant issues that detract heavily from the viewing experience.
• 5-Star Systems: Similar to movie ratings, often seen on streaming platforms or simpler review sites. A 5 star rating usually equates to "excellent."
• Percentage Scores: Less common for community sites, sometimes used by individual critics.

The key takeaway? There's no universal standard for what each point value precisely means.

What Factors Influence Anime Scores?

Why does one person give them ratings of 9 while another gives a 5? Scores are influenced by many factors beyond a simple "good" or "bad":

• Storytelling: Plot coherence, pacing, originality, satisfying conclusion.
• Character Development: Are the characters believable, relatable, and do they grow meaningfully?
• Animation Quality & Production Values: Visual aesthetics, fluidity of motion, sound design, music. High production values can sometimes boost scores, even if the story is weaker.
• Personal Enjoyment: Did it evoke strong emotions (positive or negative)? Did it resonate personally? This is highly subjective.
• Genre Expectations: Fans of certain genres might rate shows within that genre differently than outsiders.
• Comparison: How does it stack up against other anime you've watched, especially classics or favorites within the same genre? (Sometimes unfairly compared to the source manga, too).

A single major flaw can significantly detract from an otherwise solid show's score in a reviewer's eyes.

The MAL Effect: Community Scores and Their Quirks

Websites like MAL calculate an average score based on ratings from thousands of users.

• Pros: Large sample size can sometimes indicate general consensus.
• Cons: Susceptible to hype trains, review bombing (intentionally giving low scores), nostalgia bias, and varying user standards (some rate everything high, some low). Discussions on Reddit forums often dissect these scoring trends.

Don't treat the MAL score as gospel; treat it as one data point among many.

Beyond the Numbers: Finding Critics and Reviews You Trust

A number tells you little about why an anime was rated a certain way. To truly know if something is worth watching for you:

• Read Full Reviews: Look for detailed anime review write-ups (on sites like MAL, dedicated blogs, YouTube). Does the reviewer's reasoning make sense, even if you disagree with the score?
• Identify Your Critics: Find reviewers whose tastes seem to align with yours over time, or who consistently provide insightful analysis regardless of the score.
• Seek Balance: Read both positive and negative takes on a reviewed anime to get a rounded perspective. What one person sees as a flaw, another might see as a unique strength.
• Context Matters: Consider who is reviewing. A review focused purely on animation quality might miss crucial storytelling points, and vice-versa for character development.

Trust Your Own Viewing Experience

Ultimately, the best rating system is your own. Keep track of the anime you've watched and develop your own sense of what makes a show a masterpiece, what makes it meh, and what's simply not for you. Don't let a score dictate your enjoyment – some beloved cult classics have surprisingly average scores!

Anime scores explained are just one tool in your discovery kit. Use this rating guide to better interpret the numbers you see on sites like MAL, but always prioritize reading deeper reviews and trusting your own taste to guide your viewing experience.