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IMDb-API vs Simkl

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIIMDb-APIREACHABLE—SimklNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthapiKeynone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial usenounclear
Data licenseThird-party scrape — not official IMDbSimkl terms — user-contributed data
Free tierFree tier with daily capFree read routes; client_id for search
Rate limitUnpublished1 req/s documented
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

IMDb-API vs Simkl: common questions

Which is more reliable, IMDb-API or Simkl?

On our scheduled checks, Simkl leads on measured uptime — IMDb-API at —% versus Simkl at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do IMDb-API and Simkl need an API key?

Simkl needs no key, while IMDb-API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Simkl first.

Can I call IMDb-API and Simkl from the browser?

Only Simkl is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. IMDb-API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are IMDb-API and Simkl free for commercial use?

IMDb-API is personal/non-commercial only, and Simkl has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.