Tron: Ares Divides Critics and Fans with Stunning Visuals and Divisive Narrative

On October 10th, 2025, the highly anticipated Tron: Ares finally hit theaters, and it's already causing a stir in the sci-fi community. The latest entry in Disney's long-dormant Tron franchise has received a mixed response, with critics and audiences seemingly at odds.

While the film has earned a 54% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, who describe it as a "sensory feast of vivid neon hues and a hypnotic soundtrack" that is "gorgeous to behold but too narratively programmatic to achieve an authentically human dimension," the audience has embraced it far more enthusiastically. Tron: Ares currently boasts an impressive 87% audience score, making it the highest-rated Tron feature by fans, surpassing both the original 1982 film (69%) and 2010's Tron: Legacy (64%).

Audience reviews rave about the film's stunning visuals, incredible music from Nine Inch Nails, and the way it expands the Tron universe. One verified reviewer gushed, "Great story. The music is incredible and the visuals are stunning. Saw it in IMAX. Can't wait for a sequel!!" Another said, "A fun watch with fantastic visuals and a slick soundtrack. The story fleshes out more of the Tron universe and helps create a foundation to build on - yet again."

Despite the mixed response, the film's performance may still be considered a win for Disney. Tron: Ares has brought the franchise into the modern sci-fi era with style and confidence, even if it hasn't completely convinced critics of its worthiness.