# TMDB - For Movies **The Movie Database (TMDB)** is a **community-driven movie and TV database** that has been growing since 2008. It is one of the **largest open-source platforms** for movie and television metadata, **powering entertainment services worldwide**. SIMKL integrates **TMDB** as a **primary source for movie metadata, posters, trailers, and cast information**, ensuring users have access to accurate and up-to-date details. However, **not all movie and TV show pages on TMDB are complete**, leading to missing details on SIMKL as well. This guide explains **why TMDB is essential, common issues, and how you can contribute to improving it.** * More Details: * Create your account here: {% content-ref url="/pages/dAswoXQu9q6x3rbQ58Sl" %} [Add New Movie](/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tmdb-for-movies/add-new-movie.md) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/vqUElvMvkwjkxIXTBnXj" %} [Add English Translation](/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tmdb-for-movies/add-english-translation.md) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/2FaiybB7oz7rTI4VhpBz" %} [Add External IDs](/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tmdb-for-movies/add-external-ids.md) {% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/YGuayWNSgqBWwfWYX60K" %} [How to add new shows, missing episodes and movies to Simkl?](/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl.md) {% endcontent-ref %} *** ## **What is TMDB?** **TMDB (The Movie Database)** is an **open-source, user-editable database** that contains information on: * **Movies, TV shows, and streaming content** * **Posters, trailers, and promotional images** * **Genres, cast, crew, and release dates** * **Viewer ratings and user-submitted reviews** * **Box office and production budget data** Since TMDB is **crowdsourced**, the accuracy and completeness of its data depend on **user contributions**. While it is one of the most reliable entertainment databases, **gaps and missing information** remain a challenge. *** ## **Why Does SIMKL Use TMDB for Movies?** SIMKL integrates TMDB (The Movie Database) to provide **detailed, community-driven metadata** for its users. TMDB is an **industry-leading, open-source Movie and TV database**, widely used by developers, entertainment platforms, and movie enthusiasts. SIMKL uses **TMDB as a primary source for movie metadata** because: {% content-ref url="/pages/0QIfvIygayPidKlTgK0b" %} [Movies Tracking](/how-to-use-simkl/getting-started-with-simkl/basic-navigation/movies-tracking.md) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/0pVumC2HIw3BiChXs2ck" %} [Movies Filters](/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/search-and-discovery/discovering-and-exploring-with-filters/movies-filters.md) {% endcontent-ref %} #### **1. Comprehensive Metadata** TMDB offers **a vast database of movies and TV shows** that is constantly updated by its global community. This ensures that **SIMKL users have access to an extensive catalog of films and series**. #### **2. High-Quality Images and Posters** A movie or TV show page is incomplete without its **iconic poster** or backdrop. TMDB is one of the best sources for **high-resolution posters, backdrops, and promotional images**, ensuring that SIMKL displays visually appealing movie and show pages. #### **3. Multi-Language Support & International Titles** TMDB is a globally recognized database with a **strong international focus**, supporting **multiple languages, regional titles, and alternative names**. This is crucial for **non-English movies and TV series**, allowing SIMKL users to access information in their preferred language. #### **4. Seamless API Integration** TMDB provides a **robust API** that allows platforms like SIMKL to pull **real-time movie and TV show data**, ensuring users receive **accurate and updated details** on cast, crew, release dates, and more. #### **5. Constant Community Contributions** Since **TMDB is community-driven**, thousands of contributors **add, edit, and update data** daily. This ensures that even **newly released films and TV shows** are available quickly. *However, **not all movies and TV shows have complete information**, and **some essential metadata may be missing**, affecting the experience on SIMKL.* *** ## Contributing & Adding Data on TMDB The **Movie Database (TMDB)** is a comprehensive, user-driven database that serves as a crucial resource for tracking and discovering movies worldwide. Like any community-powered platform, TMDB is constantly evolving with user contributions. However, **data inaccuracies, missing details, and incorrect information** can sometimes hinder the accuracy of the database. This guide explains how to **contribute**, **fix errors**, and **ensure data accuracy** on TMDB to maintain high-quality, up-to-date movie information. {% hint style="success" %} #### **Why Contributing to TMDB Matters?** TMDB is widely used by **streaming platforms, apps, websites, and third-party services** to provide movie metadata. Accurate and complete information ensures: * [x] **Better Movie Discovery** – Users can find films with correct details. * [x] **Reliable Search Results** – Proper categorization improves TMDB’s search functionality. * [x] **Enhanced User Experience** – High-quality images, posters, and descriptions make TMDB more visually appealing. * [x] **Useful Metadata for Third-Party Services** – Apps like **SIMKL, Plex, and JustWatch** rely on TMDB for accurate movie metadata. {% endhint %} ### **How to Contribute and Fix Missing Data on TMDB** Since TMDB is **crowdsourced**, anyone can **edit and improve missing information**. Here’s how: #### **A. Adding a New Movie** Before adding a new movie, make sure it **does not already exist** on TMDB. You can do this by searching for the title using the **TMDB Search** function.
#### **Steps to Add a Movie:** 1. **Go to TMDB’s "Add New Movie" Page:**\ 🔗 Add a New Movie: 2. **Enter Essential Details:** * **Movie Title** (Official title from trusted sources) * **Release Date** (Theatrical, digital, or festival release) * **Original Language** (Language in which the movie was first released) * **Country of Origin** 3. **Upload a High-Quality Movie Poster** * Ensure the image **meets TMDB’s quality guidelines**. * Avoid watermarked or low-resolution images. 4. **Fill in Additional Details:** * **Genres** (Action, Comedy, Horror, etc.) * **Movie Runtime** (Total duration in minutes) * **Production Companies** * **Official Website & Social Media Links** (if available) 5. **Click "Save Changes"** to submit the movie entry. **Example:**\ A newly released independent film without an entry in TMDB can be added with all necessary details to help movie enthusiasts discover it. *** #### **B. Editing an Existing Movie** Information Sometimes, existing movie entries have **incorrect or missing information**. Users can **edit** these entries to correct errors and add valuable details.
#### **Steps to Edit a Movie on TMDB:** 1. **Navigate to the Movie’s Page** on TMDB. 2. **Click "Edit"** under the **Overview** tab. 3. **Choose the Section to Edit:** * **Alternative Titles** – Add translated or alternate names. * **Cast & Crew** – Add missing actors, directors, or writers. * **Genres** – Ensure the correct genres are selected. * **Release Dates** – Update missing or incorrect premiere dates. * **External IDs** – Add IMDb, JustWatch, and Wikidata links. * **Production Information** – Include budget, revenue, or filming locations. 4. **Save Changes & Wait for Approval** – Some edits may require manual review by TMDB moderators. **Example:**\ A movie might be missing its **IMDb link or official trailer**. Adding these details makes the entry more informative and useful for users. *** #### **Reporting Issues on TMDB** #### **When Should You Report an Issue?** If a field is locked and **needs correction** or **missing data needs to be added**, a contributor can report the issue.
**Common Issues That Require Reporting:** * Incorrect **titles, languages, release dates, genres, or metadata**. * Missing **IMDb, Wikipedia, or JustWatch links**. * Locked fields preventing necessary corrections. * Movies that need to be merged due to duplicate entries. * Incorrectly assigned **budget or revenue figures**. *** #### **How to Report an Issue on TMDB?** **Method 1: Using the "Report" Option** 1. **Go to the Movie’s Page** on TMDB. 2. Click on the **Overview** tab. 3. Find the **"Report"** button under the dropdown. 4. Select the type of issue: * **Duplicate** * **Incorrect Content** * **Bad Image** * **Spam or Offensive Content** * **Design or Functionality Issue** 5. **Provide Detailed Information** about the issue in the text box. 6. **Choose “Public Report” or Keep it Private.** 7. Click **Submit** to send the report. **Why This is Useful?**\ Reports help moderators and experienced contributors review and **fix locked fields** where standard editing is not allowed. *** **Method 2: Opening a Thread in TMDB’s Support Forum** For **complex issues**, contributors may need to post on TMDB’s **support forum**: 🔗 **Forum Link:** [TMDB Support Forum](https://www.themoviedb.org/talk/): 1. **Visit the TMDB Forum.** 2. **Go to the "Content Issues" Section.** 3. **Create a New Discussion Thread.** * Provide the **movie name, TMDB link, and details of the correction needed**. * Include **proof or sources** for missing or incorrect information. 4. **Submit & Wait for Moderator Approval.** **When is this Necessary?**\ If a field is locked and reporting via the standard “Report” button does not get a response, a forum post **may escalate the request** faster. *** #### **Why Some Fields Are Locked?** Certain fields are **locked** to: * Prevent **spam or unnecessary edits**. * Ensure **accuracy and consistency** across all entries. * Avoid frequent **vandalism** from unverified users. 🔒 **Common Locked Fields:** * **Original Movie Language** * **Original Title** * **Box Office Revenue** * **Budget** * **Certain External IDs (IMDb, Wikidata, etc.)** 🛠 **If a Locked Field Needs Editing:** * **Use the "Report" feature** on the movie page. * **Post on the TMDB forum** for manual review by moderators. *** ### **Common Issues with TMDB Data on SIMKL** TMDB (The Movie Database) is one of the most **widely used sources for movie metadata**. It provides **posters, trailers, cast details, and more**, making it an essential tool for movie enthusiasts, streaming platforms, and services like **SIMKL**. However, **user-generated content** on TMDB often results in **missing data, errors, and inconsistencies** that can negatively impact the browsing experience. Below, we analyze **key issues** affecting TMDB’s movie database and how users can **help improve** it. ### **1.** Missing or Incorrect Connection IDs & Links
#### **What is the Issue?** TMDB has a **connection feature** that allows users to **link movies across other sites** (such as TVDB ID, Wikidata ID, Social links, etc). However, many movies **lack these links or are incorrectly connected**, leading to confusion with sync. **Why It Matters?** * Improves **movie discovery** and franchise continuity. * Helps users follow **correct watch orders** for film series. * Eliminates confusion caused by **incorrectly linked movies & proper sync**. 📝 **Example:** [Check out missing connection links on SIMKL](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/32547/) *** ### **2.** Missing Posters & Cover Images
#### **What is the Issue?** A **movie page without a poster** looks incomplete and unprofessional. **Posters help users recognize and engage with movies**. Unfortunately, **many films on TMDB lack official posters** or have **low-quality images**. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **classic film** might not have an official high-resolution poster. * An **indie film** may have a placeholder image instead of an actual cover. * Some posters may be **low quality or incorrectly cropped**. **Why It Matters?** * **Improves movie discoverability** by making each listing visually distinct. * **Boosts user engagement**, as people are more likely to click on well-presented movies. * **Creates a professional, polished database** for all users. 📝 **Example:** [Check out missing posters on SIMKL](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/32549/) *** ### **3.** No IMDb Links
#### **What is the Issue?** IMDb (Internet Movie Database) is one of the most comprehensive sources for **movie information, cast details, reviews, and trivia**. However, **many movies on TMDB lack IMDb links**, making it difficult for users to access **additional information**. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **blockbuster film** might be missing its IMDb link, preventing users from checking **ratings, reviews, and trivia**. * A **foreign-language movie** might not be linked to its IMDb page, making it harder for non-native speakers to find more details. **Why It Matters?** * Helps users **cross-check detailed information** about a movie. * **Improves searchability** across platforms. * Provides **additional ratings and reviews** from IMDb. 📝 **Example:** [Check out missing IMDb links on SIMKL](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/32557/) *** ### **4. Missing Summary & Plot Details**
#### **What is the Issue?** A **well-written plot description** helps users quickly understand **what a movie is about**. Unfortunately, many TMDB movies **lack summaries, have incomplete descriptions, or feature generic text**. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **thriller film** might only have a **one-line description**, providing no real context. * A **foreign film** could be missing an **English-translated summary**, making it inaccessible to global audiences. * Some movies have **placeholders instead of real summaries**. **Why It Matters?** * Helps users **make informed choices** about what to watch. * Improves **search rankings** for movies with complete descriptions. * Enhances the overall **user experience** on SIMKL & TMDB. 📝 **Example:** [Check out missing plot summaries on SIMKL](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/32555/) *** ### **4. No Teaser Trailers or Trailer Links**
#### **What is the Issue?** Many movies on TMDB **lack teaser trailers or official trailer links**, making it difficult for users to preview films before watching them. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **newly released film** may not have its **official YouTube trailer linked**. * A **classic movie** may be missing any preview material, even though trailers exist online. **Why It Matters?** * Allows users to **preview movies before watching**. * Increases **user engagement and watchlist additions**. * **Improves movie discoverability** for upcoming releases. 📝 **Example:** [Check out missing trailers on SIMKL](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/32553/) *** ### **5. Missing Parental Guidelines or Rating Info**
#### **What is the Issue?** Many movies on TMDB **lack official parental ratings** (G, PG, PG-13, R, etc.), making it difficult for families to determine whether a film is appropriate for kids. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **horror film** might not have an official rating, leading to confusion for parents. * A **family-friendly animated movie** could be missing a **PG rating**, preventing it from appearing in kid-friendly filters. #### **Why It Matters?** * Helps users **filter movies based on family-friendliness**. * Ensures **age-appropriate recommendations** on streaming platforms. 📝 **Example:** [Check out missing parental rating info on SIMKL](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/32591/) *** ### **6. Incorrect or Missing Genres**
#### **What is the Issue?** Genres play a crucial role in helping users discover and categorize movies. However, many movies on TMDB are **either missing genres or have incorrect classifications**. This results in **poor search results and incorrect recommendations** on platforms that rely on TMDB data. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **sci-fi horror** movie may only be categorized under **"Horror"**, excluding it from **sci-fi searches**. * An **animated fantasy** film might be tagged only as **"Animation"**, without recognizing its fantasy elements. * A **historical drama** could be misclassified as a **documentary**, affecting its discoverability. **Why It Matters?** * **Improves search accuracy**, allowing users to find movies in the correct category. * Enhances **recommendation algorithms**, ensuring **relevant movie suggestions**. * Helps **streaming services** organize their libraries correctly. 📝 **Example:** [Check Out titles with Missing or Incorrect Genre](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/83911/tmdb-movies-moderation-list-no-genre-tags) *** ### **7. Missing Box Office & Budget Details**
#### **What is the Issue?** Box office earnings and production budgets are essential for understanding a movie’s **financial success** and impact. However, many films on TMDB lack these details, making it difficult for users to compare **performance, profitability, and industry trends**. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **blockbuster movie** might not have its **budget or earnings** listed, making it unclear whether it was a hit or a flop. * An **indie film** may have a **low budget** but significant earnings, yet without data, users can't see its financial success. * Some films **list incomplete earnings**, only showing **domestic box office** and ignoring **international totals**. #### **Why It Matters?** * Allows users to see how movies **performed financially**. * Helps **film analysts, critics, and fans** compare industry trends. * Supports **historical tracking** of box office performance over time. **📝 Example:** [**Check out** Missing or Incorrect Box Office & Budget Details](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/70477/tmdb-movies-moderation-list-no-box-office-details) *** ### **8. Missing Director & Release Date Information**
#### **What is the Issue?** A movie’s **director** is one of its most important credits, influencing **storytelling, style, and audience expectations**. Additionally, release dates are **critical for historical records and search results**. However, many TMDB listings lack this data. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **film might be missing its director**, making it harder for fans to track their favorite filmmaker’s work. * Some movies list **only the theatrical release date**, ignoring **DVD, streaming, or festival release dates**. * Older movies sometimes have **incorrect release years**, leading to confusion. #### **Why It Matters?** * Improves **filmography tracking for directors and creators**. * Helps users find movies based on **release years and availability**. * Ensures **streaming and TV platforms display the correct movie timelines**. *** ### **9. No Alternative Titles in Some Languages**
#### **What is the Issue?** Movies often have **different titles in different countries** to match local languages and marketing preferences. TMDB, however, often lacks these alternative titles, making **foreign films harder to find for international users**. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A movie like **"Spirited Away"** is only listed under its **Japanese title "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi"**, making it difficult for English-speaking audiences to find. * The movie **"Parasite"** (2019) might not have its **Korean title "기생충"** listed, limiting accessibility for native speakers. * Some action films have **localized marketing names** (e.g., "Die Hard 4.0" in Europe vs. "Live Free or Die Hard" in the U.S.), but only one name is listed. #### **Why It Matters?** * **Improves international accessibility** for foreign-language speakers. * Helps users **find the correct movie under its known title in their country**. * Allows for **better localization in streaming services**. *** ### **10. Incorrect Language Tags for Movies**
#### **What is the Issue?** Many movies are **mislabeled with the wrong language tags**, making it difficult for users to filter films based on their **original language or available subtitles**. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **French film** might be mistakenly labeled as **"English"**, causing search errors. * Some **multi-language films** (e.g., "Babel") are only listed in **one language**, despite featuring multiple spoken languages. * A movie might **list a dub language instead of its original** (e.g., an anime marked as "English" instead of "Japanese"). #### **Why It Matters?** * **Improves search filtering for users looking for movies in a specific language**. * Ensures that **original-language versions are correctly prioritized**. * Helps streaming services **offer the right language options**. 📝 **Example:** [Check out titles with Incorrect or No Language details](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/83945/tmdb-movies-moderation-list-no-language-info) *** ### **11. No Running Time Listed for Some Entries**
#### **What is the Issue?** The **runtime (duration) of a movie** is a crucial piece of information, helping users decide whether they have time to watch a film. However, many TMDB entries lack **official running times**, making planning difficult. #### **Example of the Issue:** * A **3-hour epic movie** might not list its runtime, making it hard to plan a viewing session. * Some **director’s cuts or extended editions** do not specify their different running times. * Some movies only list **approximate durations** rather than **exact minutes**. #### **Why It Matters?** * Helps users **plan their watch time accordingly**. * Prevents **confusion over different versions (theatrical, extended, director’s cut)**. * Improves search results for users looking for **short or long movies**. 📝 **Example:** [Check out title with Missing Running Time Information](https://simkl.com/5743957/list/83927/tmdb-movies-moderation-list-no-running-time) *** ## **Leaderboard Contributions on TMDB** The **TMDB Leaderboard** is a dynamic ranking system that highlights the top contributors who actively edit and update movie data on The Movie Database (TMDB). This system is designed to **recognize and reward contributors** who help improve the accuracy and completeness of TMDB's vast collection of movie information.
### **How Does the TMDB Leaderboard Work?** #### **1. Tracking User Contributions** The leaderboard **tracks user contributions** on a **weekly basis** and ranks users based on the number of edits they have made. Each contribution is counted, whether it’s: * [x] Adding or updating **movie metadata** (titles, descriptions, genres, keywords) * [x] Uploading **movie posters, backdrops, and promotional images** * [x] Adding or correcting **release dates and alternative titles** * [x] Updating **cast and crew details** (directors, writers, actors) * [x] Adding or correcting **box office revenue and budget details** * [x] Improving **external links** (IMDb, JustWatch, Wikidata) Contributions are updated **in real time**, and the leaderboard refreshes **weekly** to reflect the latest ranking of top contributors. *** #### **2. Weekly Rankings & Contribution Leaders** Each week, TMDB recognizes **top contributors** who have made the most edits. As shown in the leaderboard image: * **Top Contributor:** The user with the highest number of edits is ranked **#1**. * **High Activity Users:** Contributors who have consistently updated content are featured in the **top 10**. * **New & Returning Users:** Long-term and new members alike can climb the ranks through **consistent contributions**. These users are making significant efforts to **improve TMDB’s accuracy and data coverage**. *** #### **3. Contribution Trends & Analytics** The TMDB leaderboard is not just about numbers; it also provides **insights into user engagement and contribution trends**: **Edits Over Time:** * The **bar graph** at the top of the leaderboard shows the number of edits made **each day for the past 30 days**. * This helps visualize **daily activity spikes**, showing when the community is most active. **Average Edits Per Day:** * The leaderboard displays **each user’s average daily edits**, helping users track their productivity over time. *** #### **4. Benefits of Being a Top Contributor** Contributing to TMDB is **voluntary**, but top contributors gain: * **Recognition:** Being listed on the leaderboard earns recognition within the TMDB community. * **Authority & Credibility:** Frequent contributors establish themselves as **trusted editors**. * **Better Data for Everyone:** Contributions help improve TMDB’s **accuracy and discoverability** for users worldwide. * **Potential Perks:** While TMDB currently does not offer direct rewards, **top contributors may be considered for future privileges** such as beta access, additional editing permissions, or moderation roles. *** ### **How to Improve Your Ranking on TMDB Leaderboard?** Want to be featured as a **top contributor**? Here are **some tips** to increase your contribution count: **Edit & Update Metadata Regularly:** * Fix incorrect movie **titles, descriptions, genres, and keywords**. * Ensure movies have **proper language tags and alternative titles**. **Add Missing Images & Posters:** * Upload **high-quality posters, backdrops, and promotional images**. * Make sure images meet **TMDB’s quality guidelines**. **Enhance Cast & Crew Details:** * Add missing actors, directors, writers, and producers. * Link **external databases** (IMDb, JustWatch, Wikidata). **Correct Release Dates & Box Office Data:** * Verify official release dates from **trusted sources**. * Ensure **budget & box office revenue** are correctly entered. **Report & Fix Locked Fields:** * If you find **locked fields** (e.g., original title, budget), report them via the **TMDB support forum**: * 🔗 *** ### **How to Access the TMDB Leaderboard?** The TMDB Leaderboard can be accessed **directly from the TMDB website**: * **Leaderboard Link:** It updates **every week**, so contributors can check their progress and see how they compare with others. *** ## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)** #### **1. Can anyone contribute to TMDB?** Yes! TMDB is **open for contributions**, allowing anyone to **add missing data, correct errors, and upload images**. #### **2. What happens if TMDB data is wrong?** If you find incorrect information, **you can edit it**. Changes are **reviewed before being approved**. #### **3. How often is TMDB updated?** TMDB is **updated in real time**, as users contribute and edit content. #### **4. Why do some SIMKL movies lack TMDB data?** If **a movie or show isn’t available on TMDB**, SIMKL can’t retrieve its data. **Adding the missing content on TMDB** will ensure SIMKL updates accordingly. #### **5. How do I report missing or incorrect TMDB data on SIMKL?** * **Option 1**: Manually update the missing info on **TMDB**. * **Option 2**: Contact **SIMKL support** with details about the missing data. #### **6. Can I add IMDb links to TMDB?** Yes! If a movie or TV show is missing an IMDb link, you can **add it under the "External Links" section on TMDB**. #### **7. How long does it take for TMDB changes to show on SIMKL?** Once a **movie or TV show is updated on TMDB**, the changes **usually reflect on SIMKL within 24 hours**. #### **8. Does SIMKL support TMDB lists?** SIMKL does not directly sync **TMDB’s public lists**, but **users can create custom lists on SIMKL**. #### **9. What’s the best way to ensure a movie has complete data?** * Add a **poster, summary, cast, IMDb link, and trailer**. * Ensure **genres, runtime, and release date** are correct. * Add any **alternative titles** for better discoverability. #### **10. Does TMDB support international films and anime?** Yes! However, **some international movies, Asian dramas, and anime lack complete metadata**, requiring user contributions. *** ## TMDB API: Everything You Need to Know The **TMDB API (The Movie Database API)** is a powerful tool that allows developers to access movie and TV show metadata, images, trailers, cast details, and much more. Whether you are building a movie discovery app, a streaming tracker, or a website that integrates movie information, the TMDB API provides all the essential data.
### **What is the TMDB API?** The **TMDB API** is a RESTful web service that gives developers access to a wide range of movie-related data. This includes: * [x] Movie metadata (title, description, release date, runtime, etc.) * [x] High-resolution posters and backdrops * [x] Cast and crew information * [x] Box office and budget details * [x] Streaming availability (through partnerships like JustWatch) * [x] IMDb and other external links * [x] Official trailers and teaser videos * [x] Genre classification * [x] User reviews and ratings TMDB is **community-driven**, meaning users actively contribute data, ensuring accuracy and completeness. *** ### **How to Get a TMDB API Key?**
To use the TMDB API, you need an **API Key**. Follow these steps to obtain it: 1. **Sign Up for an Account** – Visit [TMDB’s official website](https://www.themoviedb.org/) and create a free account. 2. **Go to API Settings** – Click on your profile icon and navigate to **API Subscription** from the dropdown menu. 3. **Choose Your API Plan** – TMDB offers a **free API for personal use** and paid plans for commercial use. 4. **Generate Your API Key** – Under the Developer Plan, click on **Access Your API Key Details** to retrieve your unique key. 5. **Start Using the API** – Implement the key in your application by following the TMDB API documentation. 🔗 **Link to API documentation**: *** ### **Can You Get the TMDB API for Free?** Yes, TMDB offers a **free API** for **personal, non-commercial use**. This means if you’re using it for a hobby project, movie tracking, or educational purposes, you can access the API at no cost. However, if you plan to use TMDB’s data for a **commercial** product or service, you will need a **paid subscription**. *** ### **How to Find TMDB ID?** The **TMDB ID** is a unique identifier assigned to every movie, person, and TV show in the TMDB database. You can find a TMDB ID by: * **Searching for the movie on TMDB** and checking the URL.\ Example: * The Dark Knight: `https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/155-the-dark-knight` * TMDB ID = **155**\ If you’re using the API, you can retrieve the ID by making a search request: ```bash https://api.themoviedb.org/3/search/movie?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY&query=The+Dark+Knight ``` The API response will include the TMDB ID in the `id` field. *** ### **TMDB API Subscription Plans: Free vs. Commercial vs. Enterprise** TMDB provides different API plans depending on your needs.
#### **1. Free Developer Plan** * **Cost**: **$0** * **Access**: Full API access for **personal, non-commercial** use * **Limits**: Subject to rate limits but sufficient for individual developers * **Ideal For**: Hobbyists, students, and movie enthusiasts building personal projects #### **2. Commercial Plan** * **Cost**: **$149 per month** * **Access**: Allows API usage for commercial applications * **Limits**: Increased rate limits compared to the free plan * **Ideal For**: Small businesses, startups, and media-related apps #### **3. Enterprise Plan** * **Cost**: **Custom pricing (Contact Sales)** * **Access**: Unlimited API requests, tailored for high-traffic applications * **Limits**: Highest rate limits, full support, and commercial licensing * **Ideal For**: Large-scale businesses, streaming platforms, and corporations 🔗 **More details on pricing:** *** ## Problems with TMDB That Also Affect SIMKL While TMDB is a fantastic resource for movie data, it still has **several limitations** that impact users and platforms like **SIMKL**. These missing features and inaccuracies lead to gaps in information, making it harder for users to find **complete** and **reliable** data. Below are some of the **key issues** with TMDB and how they affect SIMKL. ### **1. Lack of Features Related to Voice Actors** **What’s the Issue?** TMDB primarily **focuses on live-action actors** and **does not provide proper support** for voice actors in animated movies or dubbed versions. **Example of the Issue:** * **Anime Movies** (e.g., *Your Name (2016)*) may only list the **original Japanese cast** but not the English or other dubbed voice actors. * **Animated Movies** (e.g., *Toy Story 4 (2019)*) may show the **main cast but lack dubbing voice actors** for different regions. **How It Affects SIMKL?** * Users who want to track **specific voice actors** across movies and series won’t find complete details. * **Dubbed versions** are harder to search, making it difficult for non-English users to identify available voice talents. **Solution Needed** * TMDB should **add multi-language voice actor support** to properly credit **original and dubbed voice casts** separately. *** ### **2. Missing Historical Box Office Data & Timeline** **What’s the Issue?** TMDB only lists **final box office figures**, but it **does not provide** a timeline of how a movie **performed over time** (daily, weekly, or monthly). **Example of the Issue:** * *Avengers: Endgame (2019)* broke several records, but TMDB does not show **how much it earned per week** in different countries. * Movies like *Avatar (2009)* had a **slow start but later dominated the box office**, but there's no **historical tracking**. **How It Affects SIMKL?** * Users looking to track a **film’s financial performance over time** have no way of checking the trends. * It limits **analytics tools** for predicting **movie success** based on early trends. **Solution Needed** * TMDB should introduce a **historical box office performance section** to track how movies **earned over time**. *** ### **3. Limited External Connections: Need More IDs** **What’s the Issue?** TMDB **only** supports a **few external connections**, such as: * IMDb * TVDB * WikiData However, it **does NOT** support:\ 🚫 **AniDB** (for Anime metadata)\ 🚫 **Netflix IDs** (for direct Netflix catalog references)\ 🚫 **Fan Sites & Reddit Links** (for community discussions) **Example of the Issue:** * If an original **movie is available on Netflix**, there is **no Netflix ID on TMDB** for users to find it quickly. * **Anime movies** are better categorized on **AniDB**, but there is no **AniDB link integration**. * Many **Reddit discussions** have valuable fan information, but **no links** exist to connect relevant threads. **How It Affects SIMKL?** * SIMKL cannot **auto-fetch** streaming availability **without JustWatch integration**. * Anime fans must manually search AniDB because **TMDB lacks direct connections**. * **Users cannot quickly find** official fan sites, discussion pages, or extra content. **Solution Needed** * TMDB should add support for **JustWatch, AniDB, Netflix, and Fan Site links** for better integration. *** ### **4. Incomplete Content Ratings & Parental Guides** **What’s the Issue?** TMDB only shows **basic movie ratings (PG, R, etc.)**, but **it lacks a proper Parental Guide system** with detailed explanations. **Example of the Issue:** * *Deadpool (2016)* is rated **R**, but TMDB **does not specify** why (violence, language, sexual content, etc.). * Some movies have **different ratings in different countries** (e.g., *The Dark Knight* was **PG-13 in the US but rated 15+ in the UK**). **How It Affects SIMKL?** * Users looking for **kid-friendly content** cannot see specific details on **why a movie is rated that way**. * **Parents** cannot easily find **detailed content warnings** for movies before letting their children watch. **Solution Needed** TMDB should add **a full Parental Guide section** that includes: * **Violence levels** * **Profanity warnings** * **Sexual content flags** * **Drug/alcohol references** * **Country-based ratings** *** ### **5. No Ability to Tag Movies with Bonus/Post-Credit Scenes** **What’s the Issue?** Many movies contain **post-credit or mid-credit scenes**, but TMDB **does not provide a way to tag them**. **Example of the Issue:** * *Marvel Movies* (*Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: No Way Home*) often have **extra credit scenes**, but **TMDB does not indicate this**. * Other movies (*Pirates of the Caribbean, Fast & Furious*) have **mid-credit teasers**, but there’s no label to indicate them. **How It Affects SIMKL?** * Users who **want to know** if a movie has a **bonus scene** cannot easily find this information. * People may **miss** important post-credit sequences. **Solution Needed** * TMDB should **add a flag** to indicate **“Has Post-Credit Scene”** or **“Bonus Footage After Credits.”** *** ### **6. No Dedicated Awards & Nominations Section** **What’s the Issue?** TMDB **does not track** movie awards and nominations, making it **hard to see if a film won Oscars, BAFTAs, or Golden Globes**. **Example of the Issue:** * *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)* **won 11 Oscars**, but **TMDB does not list them**. * Movies like *Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)* **dominated the award season**, but **there’s no record of its wins** on TMDB. **How It Affects SIMKL?** * Users who want to track **award-winning movies** need to **go to IMDb instead**. * SIMKL **cannot filter** movies by **Academy Awards, Golden Globes, or Critics’ Choice wins**. **Solution Needed** TMDB should **add an Awards section** that shows: * **Oscar Wins & Nominations** * **BAFTA, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards** * **Festival Awards (Cannes, Sundance, TIFF, etc.)** More Details: *** ## **Conclusion** TMDB is a **valuable resource for movie and TV show data**, but **it relies on community contributions** to stay accurate. SIMKL users who actively update TMDB **help improve search results, enhance recommendations, and create a better experience**. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tmdb-for-movies.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.