IMDb (Internet Movie Database), established in 1990, is considered one of the largest online film databases in the world today. By registering on the site, users can access detailed information about films, series, actors, directors, and producers and can also add their own reviews. IMDb allows not only professional critics but also ordinary users to rate films.

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Foundation and Development

IMDb was founded in 1990 by Col Needham in the United Kingdom. Initially, the database was created to digitally collect film information from New York film festivals. It started by sharing film information through a Usenet group called "Rec.arts.movies" and over time, this group transformed into a vast database.

In 1998, IMDb was acquired by Amazon.com, after which it began to grow rapidly, continuously improving its design and functionalities to reach a larger audience. Today, IMDb offers a comprehensive database, not only limited to film information but also about television series, video games, and other visual media content.

Features

1. Extensive information archive on films, series, and documentaries: IMDb provides detailed information on thousands of films, series, and documentaries released worldwide. Each production includes data such as release year, genre, duration, production company, filming locations, and award information. Additionally, information about the plot, audience, and content warnings is available.
2. Biographies of actors and production crew: Personal profiles are available for directors, screenwriters, actors, and other crew members involved in productions. These profiles include detailed information such as birth dates, career histories, the works they acted in or directed, awards, and biographical details.
3. User-driven rating system: IMDb users can rate productions they have watched from 1 to 10. These ratings are averaged to determine the IMDb rating of a production. This system allows users to get an idea of the general appreciation level of a production. Additionally, the annually updated “IMDb Top 250” list ranks the highest-rated films.
4. Trailers, visuals, and press reviews: IMDb features trailers, posters, set photos, and promotional visuals for productions. For some productions, professional reviews by film critics are also accessible. Thus, viewers can obtain visual and critical insights about a production before watching it.
5. "IMDbPro" paid version with industry information and connections: IMDbPro is a premium service designed for professionals working in the film and television industry. This version provides access to more detailed data such as contact information of actors, their agencies, project participation statuses, and projects in development. It is an important tool for filmmakers, agents, directors, and actors for networking.

IMDb Top 250

The "Top 250" list on IMDb is a prestigious list that ranks the top 250 feature films based on the votes given by registered users on the site. This list combines the most admired and impactful works in cinema history, serving as a significant reference source for film enthusiasts.

Details About IMDb Top 250 List

• Voting System: When evaluating users’ votes, IMDb only considers votes from users who vote regularly. This ensures that the scores of the films in the list are more reliable and balanced.
• Bayesian Weighted Average: IMDb uses the Bayesian weighted average formula to determine the ranking of films. This formula creates a more fair ranking by considering a film's number of votes and average score, as well as the average score and a minimum number of votes of all films.
• Updated List: The Top 250 list is continuously updated based on user votes. Therefore, newly released and well-received films can enter the list over time, while some films may drop out.

IMDb Top 250 – Top 10 Films (As of September 2024)

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
2. Director: Frank Darabont
3. The Godfather (1972)
4. Director: Francis Ford Coppola
5. The Dark Knight (2008)
6. Director: Christopher Nolan
7. The Godfather Part II (1974)
8. Director: Francis Ford Coppola
9. 12 Angry Men (1957)
10. Director: Sidney Lumet
11. Schindler's List (1993)
12. Director: Steven Spielberg
13. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
14. Director: Peter Jackson
15. Pulp Fiction (1994)
16. Director: Quentin Tarantino
17. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
18. Director: Peter Jackson
19. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
20. Director: Sergio Leone

This list reflects the diversity of cinema history by including films from different eras and genres. Moreover, the IMDb Top 250 list guides film enthusiasts on must-watch films.

IMDb Pro

IMDbPro is a paid membership service developed for individuals working professionally in the film and television industry. From actors to producers, screenwriters to managers, it provides those in the industry the means to manage their careers and access industry-related information.

What Does IMDbPro Offer?

• Comprehensive Personal Profiles: Actors, directors, and other industry workers can organize their personal profiles in detail via IMDbPro. The profile includes photos, resume, representatives (agencies), contact information, and previous projects. This increases visibility within the industry.
• Access to Confidential Information: Many pieces of information not accessible to general users on IMDb are available to IMDbPro members. For example:
• Projects in production
• Changes in the casting process
• Projects planned by production companies
• Set dates and shooting schedules
• Agent and Agency Information: Agency information is available on IMDbPro for those wishing to directly contact the representatives (agency, manager, etc.) of actors or directors. This is particularly beneficial for casting, job offerings, and collaborations.
• Industry Trends and Reports: Detailed analysis and statistics are available on topics such as which types of projects are standing out, which producers are working with whom, and which actors have recently become popular, allowing industry trends to be monitored.
• Casting and Job Listings: IMDbPro members can also track casting calls and job listings for new film and series projects. This allows actors or set workers to apply more easily for new projects.