Title: What’s the best api for imdb to fetch movie data?
Hey folks!
I’m working on a side project and need to pull movie details like ratings, cast, and maybe even posters. I’ve been googling for an *api for imdb*, but it’s kinda confusing.
Does IMDb even have an official one? Or are there better alternatives? Some seem paid, others free but sketchy.
I’ve heard of OMDB, TMDB, and RapidAPI options—anyone got experience with these? Need something reliable but won’t break the bank lol.
Also, if you’ve used an *api for imdb* before, how’s the rate limiting? Don’t wanna hit a wall after 100 calls.
Thanks in advance! 🙌
(PS: If there’s a hidden gem, pls share!)
IMDb doesn’t have an official api for imdb anymore—they shut it down years ago. But TMDB is a solid free alternative.
I’ve used it for a project, and it’s pretty reliable for movie data like cast, ratings, and posters. Rate limits are decent too—you get 40 requests every 10 seconds, which should be enough for a side project.
Only downside? You gotta sign up for an API key, but it’s free.
OMDB is another good option if you need basic stuff like titles, ratings, and posters.
It’s not as detailed as TMDB, but it’s super easy to use. The free tier has a 1,000 daily limit, which is plenty unless you’re building something massive.
Just google "OMDB api for imdb" and you’ll find it. The docs are straightforward.
RapidAPI has a bunch of imdb-like apis, but some are paid.
I’d recommend checking out TMDB or OMDB first since they’re free. But if you need super specific data, RapidAPI might have something. Just watch out for pricing—some endpoints get expensive fast.
Yo, TMDB is the GOAT for movie data.
Their api for imdb-style stuff is free, and the community keeps it updated. You can even contribute if you spot missing info.
Rate limits are fair, and they have a ton of endpoints. Plus, their docs are actually readable lol.
If you’re okay with a bit of setup, you could scrape IMDb directly. Not exactly an api for imdb, but tools like BeautifulSoup (Python) make it doable.
Just be careful—IMDb might block you if you hit them too hard. Rate limiting is a must.
TMDB is my go-to for movie data. Their api for imdb-style info is free, and the limits are fair.
You can even get trailers, release dates, and crew details. Only thing missing is IMDb’s exact ratings, but TMDB’s are pretty close.
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Wow, thanks for all the replies! TMDB seems like the clear winner here.
I just signed up for an API key and played around with it—works like a charm so far. The rate limits are way better than I expected.
Quick follow-up: Does anyone know if TMDB has box office numbers too? Or is that something I’d need another api for imdb-style data?
Appreciate the help! 🙏
IMDb used to have an official api for imdb, but it’s gone now. TMDB is the next best thing.
Their API is free, and you can get posters, cast, ratings—pretty much everything. Rate limits are reasonable, and the data quality is good.
Only thing missing is IMDb’s user ratings, but TMDB has its own.
OMDB is great for simple stuff, but if you need more details, go with TMDB.
I’ve used both, and TMDB’s api for imdb-style data is way more robust. The free tier is generous, and the docs are clear.
Only downside? No official IMDb data, but it’s close enough.
RapidAPI has a few imdb-like apis, but they’re hit or miss. Some are outdated, others are overpriced.
I’d stick with TMDB or OMDB unless you’re willing to pay for niche data.
