Ranked Lists

Ranked Lists on SIMKL: What They Are & How to Use Them!

SIMKL provides a wide range of tools to help users discover, manage, and organize movies, TV shows, and anime. One such feature is “Ranked Lists,” which allows both system-generated rankings and user-curated custom rankings.

You can sort lists by:

Simkl's Rank

Rank refers to a numerical indicator assigned to each title on SIMKL based on its popularity, community engagement, and platform-wide viewing data. (which is updated on regular bases)

This is an automated system-generated value managed internally by SIMKL and is not influenced manually by users.

You’ll find system-generated rank values throughout SIMKL in areas like:

  • Movie, TV, and Anime discovery pages

  • Auto-generated lists or smart Custom lists

  • Filters and sorting dropdowns

Example: You can sort all Movies / TV Shows / Anime by "Rank" or filter results by a specific range (e.g., top 1–10,000 ranked titles).

Using System Generated Ranking in Filters and Sorting

Users can filter or sort content by Rank in several areas:

  • Sort by Rank to view top-performing titles in descending order

  • Filter by Rank Range (e.g., Rank 1–1000) to discover high-ranking content

  • Available for Movies, TV Shows, and Anime discovery tabs

Discovering & Exploring With Filters

This makes it easy to explore critically or popularly acclaimed titles curated by SIMKL’s automated system.


Custom Ranked Lists

In addition to SIMKL’s powerful system-based ranking algorithm, users have the unique ability to create their own manually ranked lists using the Custom Lists feature.

This functionality transforms your regular list into a structured, personalized leaderboard, giving you full control over the order, importance, and presentation of your favorite content.

This feature is ideal for movie enthusiasts, anime fans, TV show curators, and casual viewers alike who want to organize and present content exactly how they see it.

What Are Custom Ranked Lists?

A Custom Ranked List on SIMKL is a user-defined list where you decide the rank of each title in an ordered format, ascending from #1 onward. Unlike traditional lists that simply collect items, a ranked list introduces a numeric position for every entry, allowing explicit comparison between titles.

Think of it as your own personal "Top 10", "Top 50", or even "Worst to Best" chart.

Example Use Cases:

  • “Top 20 Psychological Thrillers Ranked by Story Twists”

  • “All Marvel Movies Ranked from Best to Worst”

  • “My Favorite K-Dramas Ranked by Emotional Impact”

  • “Essential Anime Series to Watch – Ranked”

Key Features of Ranked Lists

Feature
Description

Manual Ranking

Assign numeric positions (1, 2, 3...) to every item in your list

Drag-and-Drop Reordering

Easily rearrange items in your preferred order using an intuitive UI

Flexible Content Types

Supports movies, TV shows, and anime lists

List Description & Notes

Add a title, description, and optional public or private notes per item

Shareable & Public Lists

Share your ranked list with friends or the community

Private or Collaborative

Keep it private, or invite others to contribute (with or without editing)

Searchable via Filters

Discoverable through the “Ranked Lists” filter on the Lists Discover page


How to Create a Custom Ranked List

SIMKL allows you to turn any custom regular list into a Ranked List, giving you full control over the position of each item.

Ranked Lists display items in order of importance or preference, making them ideal for creating personal top charts, tiered recommendations, or rewatch priorities.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to build your own Ranked List on SIMKL:

Step 1: Create a New Custom List

  1. Go to the Lists section of SIMKL

    • From the main navigation bar, click on “Lists”. This section houses all your personal lists, as well as lists from other users.

  2. Click on the “+ Start your own List” button

    • Located in the middle of the page or in your “My Lists” tab, this opens the list creation interface.

  3. Choose the List Type: Movies, TV Shows, or Anime

    • This defines what type of content can be added to the list.

    • You cannot mix types (e.g., TV shows and movies) in a single list.

  4. Enter a List Name

    • This is the title of your list (e.g., “Top 50 Sci-Fi Movies”, “Best K-Dramas I’ve Watched”).

    • This title will appear publicly if your list is shared.

  5. Add an optional short or full description

    • The short description (140 characters max) appears in list previews.

    • The full description can include markdown formatting and is useful for explaining your ranking criteria or sharing context.

    • Dont forget to add tags.

A clean, descriptive title and clear explanation help others understand and appreciate your rankings if you share them.

Creating and Managing Custom Lists

Step 2: Add Titles to Your List

Once the list is created, it’s time to add content.

  1. Click on “+ Add a Movie to this List”

    • This opens a search bar where you can manually search for movies, shows, or anime to add.

    • Start typing a title and select from the auto-suggestions.

  2. Use the “Import” option (optional)

    • If you already have a Watchlist, Favorites, or other lists on SIMKL, click “Import” to bring items into this list in bulk.

    • You can also paste from a supported CSV source or a text list for quicker population.

  3. Optionally use “Suggest a Movie”

    • If you're collaborating with others or building a list for group viewing, suggestions can be submitted to your list without being added directly.

You can continue adding or removing titles at any time—even after enabling ranked mode.

Importing to Simkl

Step 3: Enable Ranked Mode

To transform your list into a Ranked List:

  1. Locate the “Ranked List” toggle icon

    • This icon appears near the top-right of the list editor, labeled with a stacked "1, 2".

  2. Click to Enable Ranked List Mode

    • When toggled on, the list switches from unordered mode to ranked mode.

    • A number column will now appear on the left side of each entry.

  3. The default sort will change to “My Position”

    • This ensures that your list displays items in the order you specify (from rank 1 onwards).

You must enable ranked mode manually, regular custom lists are unordered by default.

Step 4: Rank Your Items

Now that your list is in ranked mode, you can define the order:

  1. Use the drag handle (≡ icon) on the right of each item

    • Click and drag titles up or down to adjust their position in the list.

    • The rank numbers will automatically update to reflect the new order.

  2. Observe automatic renumbering

    • Every time you move an item, SIMKL dynamically updates the position numbers.

    • The top item is always Rank 1, followed by Rank 2, and so on.

  3. Manually assign a rank by editing the number

    • If you prefer precision, click directly on the number and type the desired rank.

    • SIMKL will auto-sort the list based on the new value and adjust surrounding ranks accordingly.

Each item has a unique rank. You cannot assign the same number to two titles.

Step 5: Save and Share

Once your list is ranked to your satisfaction:

  1. Click the “Save” button

    • This finalizes your changes.

  2. Choose the list’s visibility

    • By default, lists are public. You can choose to make them private or unlisted via the List privacy settings.

    • Public ranked lists will be visible to others and appear in the Lists Discovery area.

  3. Copy and share the list link

    • You’ll receive a direct URL that can be shared with friends, posted on social media, or linked in your profile.

  4. View your ranked list live

    • Click “View List” to see the public-facing version, where ranks are clearly displayed next to each title.

Public ranked lists are searchable and filterable via SIMKL's Ranked Lists discovery filters.


Discovering Ranked Lists of Other SIMKL Members

SIMKL makes it easy to explore and get inspired by lists created by the community. With the Ranked Lists filter, you can specifically browse lists where users have manually ordered content based on their preferences—be it favorites, rewatch value, genre breakdowns, or personal taste.

These lists are great for:

  • Getting curated recommendations

  • Seeing how other fans rank content you’ve also watched

  • Discovering hidden gems through someone’s “Top X” lists

  • Comparing personal rankings with the community

How to Find Ranked Lists on SIMKL

To discover user-created Ranked Lists:

Step 1: Open the Lists Section

  • Navigate to the Lists tab in the SIMKL main menu.

  • This section displays a combination of your own lists, official SIMKL lists, and community-created public lists.

Step 2: Access the Discovery Filter

  • Click on the “Discover” tab inside the Lists section.

  • This shows a searchable and filterable feed of all public custom lists available on the platform.

Step 3: Use the “Ranked Lists” Filter

  • On the left sidebar, under the "Filter by" section, check the box for “Ranked Lists”.

  • This limits the results to only those lists where the user has manually ranked entries using SIMKL’s Ranked List feature.

Step 4: Refine Your Search (Optional)

You can combine the “Ranked Lists” filter with additional options such as:

  • List type (Movies, TV Shows, Anime)

  • Tags (Favorites, Recommendations, Franchises, etc.)

  • Sorting by popularity (Most Liked, Most Followed)

  • Time-based updates (Recently created or updated)

This allows you to discover not just any ranked list, but the most relevant ones based on your interests or current watch trends.

Step 5: Interact with the Lists

Once you find a list that interests you, you can:

  • Open it to view the full ranking and any public notes

  • Like the list to save it under your profile

  • Follow the list creator for future updates

  • Copy the link to share with others

  • Use it as inspiration to build your own ranked version (via Cloning it)


Tips & Tricks: Getting the Most Out of Ranked Lists

Ranked Lists on SIMKL are not only about manually ordering your favorite titles, they’re a flexible and powerful feature for organizing, customizing, and sharing your viewing preferences.

Whether you're a casual list-maker or a dedicated curator, here are some expert-level tips and tricks to enhance your experience:

1. Clone Lists from Other SIMKL Members

Love how someone else has ranked their favorites? You can easily clone any public custom list and make it your own.

Cloning Feature

How It Works:

  1. Visit a public custom list (e.g., "Top Cartoon Network Series").

  2. Click the “Clone this list” button located near the list title and sharing options.

  3. This creates a duplicate of the list under your account, with all entries preloaded.

  4. You can then:

    • Edit the title or description

    • Enable ranked mode (if not already enabled)

    • Reorder titles or add/remove items

    • Save it as your own Ranked List

This is especially useful for using someone’s curated list as a template, then refining it to fit your personal ranking or criteria.


2. Import Lists from External Platforms

Already have your favorite movies, shows, or anime ranked on another platform? You can bring them into SIMKL effortlessly using the Import feature.

Supported Sources Include:

  • IMDb Watchlists or Top 250-style rankings

  • Letterboxd personal lists

  • Trakt lists or collections

  • MyAnimeList anime rankings

  • CSV/Text file exports from other services

  • And many more...

Importing to Simkl

How to Import:

  1. When editing a list, click the “Import” button

  2. Paste the public URL of the list from supported platforms, or upload a file if needed

  3. SIMKL will automatically match titles and populate your list

  4. Once imported, you can:

    • Enable ranked mode

    • Refine order using drag-and-drop

    • Remove duplicates or reorder for accuracy

TIP: This is one of the fastest ways to convert your old watchlists into fresh SIMKL Ranked Lists, complete with enhanced metadata, artwork, and shareability.


3. Use SIMKL’s Built-In System Rank to Auto-Sort Lists (Not a Manual Ranked List)

Not ready to manually curate every title? You can take advantage of SIMKL’s internal ranking engine to auto-sort your lists by platform-wide popularity.

How to Use:

  1. While viewing or editing any list (custom or smart), use the Sort By dropdown.

  2. Select "Rank" to sort items based on SIMKL’s system-generated rank.

    • You can also sort by: IMDB rating, drop rate, date added, budget, and more.

  3. The list will automatically rearrange based on SIMKL’s internal metrics.

Note: Auto-sorted lists do not count as “Ranked Lists” in SIMKL’s filter system. Manual ranking must be enabled to appear under the “Ranked Lists” filter.


4. Pin Your Lists to Your SIMKL Profile

Want to feature your best lists on your public profile? SIMKL allows you to pin to the top of your My Lists tab for easy access and visibility only to YOU.

How to Pin a List:

  1. Go to Profile > My Lists

  2. Hover over the list card and click the three-dot menu (⋯)

  3. Choose “Pin to top”

  4. The list will appear at the top of your list library with a visual highlight.

🔄 You can unpin at any time. And Visible only to you!


Ranked Lists – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Ranked List on SIMKL?

A Ranked List is a user-created custom list where each title is assigned a specific position in ascending order (1, 2, 3...etc). Unlike standard lists, which are unordered collections, Ranked Lists allow you to curate and share content based on your personal preferences or importance.


How do I create a Ranked List?

  1. Go to the Lists section and click “Create New List.”

  2. Add movies, TV shows, or anime to the list.

  3. Click the “Ranked List” toggle (numbered icon "1 2") in the editor.

  4. Use drag-and-drop or manual input to assign ranks to each item.

  5. Click “Save” when you’re done.

Only regular custom lists can be converted into Ranked Lists. Smart or Auto Lists are not supported.

Creating and Managing Custom Lists

Can I rank items automatically?

No, manual ranking is required for a list to be classified as a Ranked List. However, you can sort by system rank (SIMKL's auto-ranking algorithm) within regular or smart lists, but those will not be recognized as Ranked Lists.


What’s the difference between SIMKL’s system “Rank” and my custom Ranked List?

Feature
SIMKL System Rank
User-Created Ranked List

Who controls it?

SIMKL algorithm

You (the list creator)

Editable by users?

❌ No

✅ Yes

Personalized?

❌ No

✅ Fully customizable

Can be shared?

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Appears under "Ranked Lists"?

❌ No

✅ Yes


Can I clone someone else’s Ranked List?

Yes. On any public custom list, click “Clone this list”. This creates a copy in your account that you can modify, rank, and save as your own.

Great for using community lists as a starting point for your personal rankings.

Cloning Feature

Can I share my Ranked List with friends?

Yes. Once saved, any public Ranked List has a unique shareable URL you can copy and share. Others can view your rankings, read your notes, and even clone the list if it’s public.


Can I collaborate with someone on a Ranked List?

Yes. While creating or editing your list, you can invite collaborators who can suggest titles, edit rankings, and leave notes (based on permissions you set).

Collaborative Features

Can I undo ranking or turn off Ranked Mode?

Yes. You can toggle off the Ranked List mode at any time. This will return your list to standard format. However, your previously set ranks will be preserved in case you turn it back on later.

All Ranked Lists in Regular Custom Lists Are Manually Sorted by Members

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