What is IMDb and how does it work?

What is IMDb and how does it work?

A deep dive into the world’s largest online movie database and how it connects film lovers worldwide.

(By Tonya Tannenbaum)

In the world of entertainment, few platforms are as universally recognized and widely used as IMDb — the Internet Movie Database. Founded in 1990 and now owned by Amazon, IMDb has become the go-to digital resource for fans, filmmakers, and industry professionals alike. But what exactly is IMDb, and how does it function behind the scenes?

This article explores IMDb’s origins, its key features, the way it collects and presents information, and how users can interact with the platform. Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a film buff, understanding how IMDb works will help you make the most of this invaluable tool.

IMDb began as a simple online list of film credits compiled by British software engineer Col Needham. What started as a personal hobby in the late 1980s quickly gained traction among other film enthusiasts on the internet.

In 1990, Needham and a small group of volunteers launched the IMDb website, allowing people to access filmographies and cast lists through a searchable interface. As its popularity grew, so did its database. By the late 1990s, IMDb had incorporated user ratings, reviews, and editorial content.

Amazon acquired IMDb in 1998, allowing the platform to expand its features and integrate with Amazon’s growing digital content services. Today, IMDb is one of the most visited movie websites in the world, hosting over 10 million titles and more than 12 million personalities.

At its core, IMDb functions as a massive database of information related to films, television shows, video games, and streaming content. Here are the key components that make up how IMDb works:

1. Data Collection:
IMDb gathers data from multiple sources — studio press kits, official production announcements, licensing deals, and its community of contributors. These contributors can submit information about actors, directors, producers, crew members, and even plot summaries. Each submission goes through a vetting process to ensure accuracy.

2. User Contributions:
IMDb encourages registered users to contribute to the database. This crowdsourced model allows for updates on upcoming projects, corrected credits, and additional trivia. Contributions are moderated by IMDb’s staff to maintain quality control.

3. Rating System:
IMDb’s signature feature is its user rating system. Viewers can rate titles on a scale of 1 to 10. The platform then calculates a weighted average to determine a film’s IMDb score. For instance, “The Shawshank Redemption” holds an IMDb rating of 9.3/10, one of the highest on the site.

4. Reviews and Comments:
Users can also write reviews and leave comments about titles. These reviews help others decide whether to watch a film or series and provide insight into how the audience receives content.

5. Editorial Content and News:
IMDb includes editorial pieces such as news articles, interviews, trailers, and original videos. The IMDb Originals section showcases interviews with actors and behind-the-scenes footage.

One of the most discussed aspects of IMDb is its rating system. As mentioned, users submit scores from 1 to 10. But IMDb doesn’t just calculate a simple average — it uses a weighted average algorithm.

This means that not all votes are counted equally. IMDb places more value on reliable users who have a consistent voting history and filters out suspicious or spam votes. The goal is to present a more accurate reflection of a film’s reception.

Example:
Let’s say 100,000 users rate a film. If most of the votes are genuine and come from verified users, the average will reflect that. But if a sudden influx of votes — say, a group of fans rating it 10/10 — occurs in a short time, IMDb’s system may discount some of those scores to prevent skewing.

This helps maintain integrity in the platform’s ratings and prevents manipulation.

IMDb also offers a subscription-based service called IMDbPro, which is geared toward industry professionals.

What IMDbPro Offers:

Contact information for agents and managers

Detailed box office data

Casting notices and production schedules

Tools for talent representation

Actors, filmmakers, and agents use IMDbPro to manage their profiles, upload headshots, and track industry trends. It’s a vital tool for those who work in the entertainment field.

Example:
An aspiring actor might use IMDbPro to look up casting calls, reach out to talent agents, or update their résumé and images. It provides a professional presence that can be seen by studios and casting directors.

One of IMDb’s most popular features is its Top 250 Movies list, which ranks the highest-rated films of all time based on user ratings.

As of April 2025, the top five films on this list are:

The Shawshank Redemption (9.3/10)

The Godfather (9.2/10)

The Dark Knight (9.0/10)

The Godfather Part II (9.0/10)

12 Angry Men (9.0/10)

These rankings are constantly updated as new votes are cast. The list serves as a reference for movie fans looking for critically acclaimed films across genres and decades.

Fun Fact:
Only titles with at least 25,000 votes are eligible for the Top 250, and weighted ratings apply to ensure fair representation.

While IMDb is known for movies, it’s also an excellent resource for TV and streaming content. Series like Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, and The Last of Us have high visibility on the platform, with detailed episode guides, cast lists, and user reviews.

Special Features Include:

Episode-specific ratings

Air dates and streaming platforms

Season overviews

Series-related news and trivia

Example:
If you’re catching up on Succession, IMDb will show you each episode’s rating so you can see which ones were fan favorites. You can also check out user reviews that dive deep into character arcs and plot twists.

IMDb encourages users to create accounts, which unlocks several handy features. With a free account, users can:

Rate and review titles

Create and manage watchlists

Receive personalized recommendations

Follow actors and directors

Watchlist Example:
Say you’re interested in watching classic comedies. You can search for them on IMDb, add them to your watchlist, and refer back to it when you’re ready for movie night. IMDb will even notify you if a movie on your list becomes available on a streaming platform.

IMDb has transcended being just a database—it’s now a major player in pop culture. Film fans debate IMDb ratings like sports scores, and actors proudly reference their high-ranked work.

Additionally, IMDb awards (like the IMDb “Fan Favorite” awards) give insight into what audiences truly love—sometimes in contrast with critics’ reviews or box office numbers.

Example:
A movie that bombed at the box office might still have an 8.0+ IMDb score thanks to strong fan support. This duality can offer a more democratic take on what’s “good.”

IMDb’s mobile app makes it easy to access entertainment info wherever you are. It includes all the same features as the website, including:

Searching for cast and crew

Watching trailers

Checking showtimes

Reading reviews

The app is especially handy when you’re in a movie theater lobby, trying to decide which film to see next.

IMDb has cemented itself as a cornerstone of entertainment culture. Whether you’re a casual viewer trying to figure out what to watch or a professional looking to break into Hollywood, IMDb has something for everyone.

Its comprehensive nature, user interactivity, and constant updates make it a unique tool for navigating the ever-changing landscape of film and television.

As movies and series continue to evolve, one thing is certain — IMDb will be there cataloging it all, one frame at a time.

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