IMDb Ratings

A good movie or a bad movie? IMDB ratings are populated by reviews from Internet Movie Database, the biggest movie database in the world. When you register on IMDB, you can start rating every title from 1 (bad) to 10 (great) and also write a text review.

What is IMDb rating?

IMDb rating refers to the numeric score assigned to movies and TV shows on the IMDb (Internet Movie Database) website. IMDb is a popular online database that provides information about films, television series, actors, and other related content. The IMDb rating is determined by votes and reviews submitted by registered IMDb users. It is calculated using a proprietary formula that takes into account the number of votes received and the rating scores assigned by users. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

The IMDb rating is intended to provide a general indication of the overall viewer reception and popularity of a movie or TV show. It can serve as a reference point for users looking to gauge the quality or public opinion of a particular title. However, it's important to note that the IMDb rating is not an absolute measure of a film's or TV show's worth, as individual preferences can vary. It's worth noting that IMDb ratings are subjective and can be influenced by factors such as the size and demographics of the voting user base, publicity, and timing of a film's release. While IMDb ratings can be a useful reference, it's often beneficial to consider multiple sources and individual reviews to form a well-rounded opinion about a movie or TV show.

How is IMDb rating calculated?

The exact algorithm used to calculate IMDb ratings is not publicly disclosed. However, the general method and factors involved in the calculation have been outlined by IMDb. Here is an overview of how the IMDb rating is believed to be calculated:

1. Votes: IMDb ratings are based on the votes submitted by registered IMDb users. The number of votes received by a movie or TV show plays a crucial role in determining the rating. Generally, titles with a higher number of votes tend to have more reliable and representative ratings.
2. Rating Scores: Users assign rating scores to movies and TV shows on a scale of 1 to 10. These scores reflect their personal opinions and perceptions of the title's quality. IMDb takes these rating scores into account when calculating the overall rating.
3. Weighted Average: IMDb uses a weighted average formula to calculate the rating. The specific details of the weighting algorithm are not disclosed, but it is generally understood that the formula considers factors such as the number of votes, the distribution of rating scores, and other variables to generate the final rating.
4. Vote Distribution: IMDb also considers the distribution of votes across different rating scores. If a title has a large number of votes concentrated in a particular rating score, it may affect the rating calculation. IMDb aims to ensure that the rating reflects a broad consensus rather than being skewed by extreme or biased voting patterns.

It's important to note that IMDb periodically adjusts their rating calculations to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the ratings. The precise details of these adjustments are not publicly disclosed. Additionally, IMDb ratings are dynamic and can change over time as new votes are submitted and the distribution of ratings evolves. This helps to reflect the changing opinions and preferences of the IMDb user community.

While IMDb ratings provide a general indication of a movie or TV show's popularity, it's important to consider them as part of a broader assessment. Personal tastes and opinions may vary, and it can be helpful to read user reviews, consult multiple sources, and consider other factors such as critical acclaim, box office performance, and awards when evaluating the quality and appeal of a title.