Want to move your IMDb watchlist and ratings? Export them as CSV files from IMDb first. Then pick a home: Letterboxd for a film diary, Trakt for movies plus TV, or Simkl if you also track anime. All three import IMDb files and have free plans. Serializd is a free option for TV, but it can't read an IMDb file. goodrecmovies doesn't have an IMDb import yet.
Last updated: October 2026
How to export your IMDb watchlist and ratings
- Ratings: go to Your Ratings from your IMDb profile, then select the Export icon at the top right. IMDb creates a .csv file you can save (IMDb ratings FAQ).
- Lists: open the list, then select the Export icon at the top right (IMDb lists FAQ, updated July 9, 2026). The help page describes this for lists and doesn't mention the watchlist on its own, so look for the same Export icon at the top of your watchlist.
- Size: IMDb caps watchlists and lists at 12,000 items each.
IMDb watchlist alternatives at a glance
As of October 29, 2026:
| Service | Imports an IMDb CSV | Movies / TV | Free tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letterboxd | Yes | Films (plus miniseries and TV movies) | Yes; Pro $18.99/yr on the US App Store |
| Trakt | Yes | Movies and TV | Yes, with list caps; VIP $5.99/mo |
| Simkl | Yes | Movies, TV and anime | Yes; some imports need PRO or VIP |
| Serializd | No | TV only | Fully free |
| goodrecmovies | Not yet | Movies and series | Yes |
The picks
Letterboxd
The film diary. Letterboxd imports an IMDb export CSV into your account, into a list or into your watchlist (letterboxd.com). That makes it the simplest move for a film watchlist. It doesn't track recurring TV shows or episodes (Letterboxd support). On the US App Store, Pro is $18.99 a year and Patron $48.99 a year (apps.apple.com).
Trakt
Movies and every TV episode, with check-ins, history, ratings and lists. Trakt imports from IMDb, Letterboxd and TV Time (App Store listing). VIP is $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year there. The free plan caps watchlists and lists; our Trakt alternatives post has the details.
Simkl
Tracks TV, anime and movies, with iOS, Android and Windows apps and browser extensions. Simkl imports from IMDb and Letterboxd among 20+ services (simkl.com). Its imports from Trakt, TV Time and backup files are for PRO and VIP members only (simkl.com/vip). More in our Simkl alternatives post.
Serializd (TV)
A free, social TV diary on web, iOS and Android. It imports from TV Time and Trakt, not IMDb (serializd.com), so you'd add your shows by hand.
goodrecmovies
goodrecmovies can't import an IMDb file yet. It suggests what to watch next from your ratings, and it's free with a Google sign-in. If you already log on Letterboxd or Trakt, you can bring that history in at /import.
FAQ
Can I export my IMDb watchlist? Yes. IMDb's help says to open a list and select the Export icon at the top right. It saves a CSV.
How do I export my IMDb ratings? Go to Your Ratings from your profile and select Export at the top right.
Which apps import an IMDb CSV? Letterboxd, Trakt and Simkl.
What's the best free IMDb watchlist alternative? Letterboxd for films. Trakt or Simkl if you also watch TV.
Can goodrecmovies import from IMDb? Not yet.
More switching guides
Ready to bring your history over? Start at goodrecmovies.com/import.