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IMDb TV Review
The Internet Movie Database, or IMDb for short, launched as a fan-operated website that provides encyclopedic insight into near-enough every movie and TV show ever made. It now provides detailed information about more than 6.5 million movies and shows, including cast and production insights, fan reviews, and ratings. Website users can also watch trailers and stream full videos for free.
IMDb TV launched in January 2019 as an ad-supported platform that enables free streaming via the IMDb app and website. Originally called IMBD Freedive, the service changed its name to IMDb TV in June 2019. There’s also a channel on Amazon Fire devices.
The website has been an Amazon subsidiary since 1998, and that tie-in makes it a particularly useful tool for Amazon Prime Video subscribers. It’s accessible through an Amazon account, has its own section in the Amazon Prime Video app, and provides tons of info about movies and shows. IMDb website users can also leave reviews and rate content they’ve watched.
IMDb TV at a Glance
How We Evaluated IMDb TV
Selecting an online video platform is a hard task at the best of times, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult with the ever-growing number of competitive free services available. IMDb TV is one of several free-to-watch streaming providers that offer viewers a good choice of viewing with ads supporting its content.
We compared the key features of IMDb TV with those of its closest competitors in the free video streaming services market.
IMDb vs. Other Free Video Streaming Services
All information accurate as of 02/10/2020.
IMDb TV Key Features
Simple access
IMDb TV doesn’t force users to create a new account on the website. Instead, they can simply login using their Amazon credentials or by connecting a Facebook or Google account. They’re then free to browse the titles available on the IMDb TV platform, hit play, and enjoy. They can also create personal watchlists that keep track of their favorite content or shows to watch at a later date. This doesn’t transfer to Amazon Prime Video accounts, but, now that IMDb has its own channel, Amazon has made it easier to search IMDb TV by genre and other categories.
Maximum viewing enjoyment
A common perception when it comes to free but ad-supported platforms is that viewers will be bombarded with endless ad breaks. But IMDb TV keeps the disruption to a minimum. A 90-minute movie only has ad breaks of around 10 minutes in total — less than your average hour-long TV show.
The platform is a little weird when it comes to video quality, offering users three levels of playback on desktop: “good,” “better,” and “best.” The service notes that those levels use about 0.38 GB, 1.4 GB, and 6.84 GB of data per hour, respectively. We found it strange that IMDb doesn’t indicate the exact video quality, but based on average data usage, we believe those levels equate roughly to 480p, 720p, and 1080p or possibly 1440p. Note that the mobile app doesn’t have the option to adjust video quality.
Rate and review content
Another key feature of the IMDb TV service is that it creates somewhat of an entertainment community with its rating and review sections. Listings on IMDb include insights from viewers and key information about the movie. This is useful to other users when making a decision about which content to watch, and it helps IMDb feel like more than simply another online streaming service.
Appealing content library
IMDb TV users get access to a host of cult classic movies. Its big-name attractions include the wartime epic “Apocalypse Now,” sci-fi thriller “Donnie Darko,” and vigilante action film “The Boondock Saints.” Other well-known titles on the platform are “Catch Me If You Can,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and “Fury,” with Brad Pitt.
The platform also has a decent choice of thought-provoking documentaries, such as “The U.S. vs. John Lennon,” which focuses on Lennon’s evolution from a musician to an anti-war activist and the controversial conspiracy investigation “Zeitgeist: The Movie.”
IMDb TV also offers its own original content, which is led by two animated series “Corner Gas” and “You’re Not A Monster.” These are in addition to shows that provide insight into movies, such as “Casting Calls,” which explores famous actors that were almost cast for roles in popular movies. The platform also features interviews with actors and trailers for upcoming films.
The Bottom Line
IMDb TV has quickly established itself as one of the leading free video streaming services available. In addition to a strong library of movies and shows, the service also has original content and gives users an enjoyable viewing experience. It also doubles as an educational resource for people researching movies and shows. Furthermore, IMDb TV’s connection with Amazon should ensure that the platform continues to expand it offerings.