IMDb, which stands for the Internet Movie Database, is an online platform that provides information about movies, TV shows, video games, and other forms of entertainment. It is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and authoritative sources for entertainment-related information.
Key features of IMDb include:
- Title Listings: Detailed information about movies, TV shows, and video games, including cast, crew, release dates, genres, and production details.
- User Ratings and Reviews: Users can rate titles on a scale of 1 to 10 and write reviews, which helps others gauge the popularity or quality of a film or show.
- Celebrity Pages: Profiles for actors, directors, writers, and other industry professionals, with details about their careers, credits, and personal information.
- Trivia and Goofs: Fun facts, production trivia, and bloopers for many titles.
- Box Office Data: Information on how much a movie earned globally or domestically.
- Awards and Nominations: Details about Oscars, Emmys, and other industry awards for movies, TV shows, and celebrities.
- Trailers and Media: Access to trailers, behind-the-scenes videos, and photos.
IMDb is owned by Amazon and operates both as a free website and a premium subscription service, IMDbPro, which provides additional tools and data for entertainment professionals. It is a go-to resource for anyone interested in the entertainment industry.
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) has a fascinating history that traces back to the early days of the internet. Here’s a timeline of its creation and evolution:
1. Beginnings: Usenet Origins (1980s)
- IMDb originated from a discussion group on Usenet, a global online forum popular in the late 1980s.
- In October 1990, Col Needham, a British computer programmer and movie enthusiast, created a simple list of movies with actresses, inspired by the “rec.arts.movies” Usenet group. This list was called the “Actors List.”
- Needham and other contributors later added more details, including actors, directors, and other credits.
2. Formal Launch (1990)
- On October 17, 1990, Col Needham developed and shared a database program for people to search the growing movie lists. This date is recognized as IMDb’s official birthday.
- Initially, IMDb was a hobby project maintained by volunteers who manually updated movie and TV show information.
3. Web Presence (1993)
- In 1993, IMDb went online as a website, making it accessible to a broader audience. It became one of the first databases available on the World Wide Web.
4. Growth and Popularity (1990s)
- During the 1990s, IMDb grew rapidly as internet usage increased. It began expanding its data to include not just movies but also TV shows, video games, and other forms of entertainment.
- Users could submit information, reviews, and ratings, making it an early example of crowdsourcing.
5. Acquisition by Amazon (1998)
- In 1998, IMDb was acquired by Amazon.com, which saw potential in the platform for promoting its movie and DVD sales.
- After the acquisition, IMDb retained its independence in terms of operations and branding while benefiting from Amazon’s resources.
6. IMDbPro Launch (2002)
- In 2002, IMDb launched IMDbPro, a subscription service aimed at industry professionals, offering tools for networking, career tracking, and accessing exclusive data such as box office information.
7. Expanding Features (2000s and Beyond)
- Over the years, IMDb added features like trailers, streaming links, trivia, user-generated content, and box office tracking.
- It also expanded into mobile apps, making its database accessible on smartphones and tablets.
8. Today
- IMDb is now one of the most visited entertainment websites in the world, with millions of titles, celebrity profiles, and user reviews.
- It serves both casual movie fans and industry professionals, solidifying its reputation as the go-to source for entertainment information.
The combination of its early community-driven roots, adaptability to technological advancements, and Amazon’s backing has made IMDb a cornerstone of entertainment culture.