9 Best Movie APIs [2024]
In a world where streaming services and digital media dominate our entertainment choices, the demand for movie data integration has never been higher. Did you know that the global movie database industry is projected to reach $169 billion by 2030?
With millions of users searching for movie details, reviews, and streaming options daily, developers need robust APIs to meet these needs. But with so many options available in the market, how to choose the best movie API for your project?
Well, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of the top 9 movie APIs that can help you create seamless, engaging user experiences.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What are movie APIs
What do movie APIs do
Benefits of using movie APIs
Top movie APIs and their key features
P.S. Looking for the perfect APIs for your movie projects? API League can help you out. Our ultimate directory for developers makes discovering and selecting APIs a breeze. With expert guidance and a vast collection of APIs, we ensure you find the most reliable and efficient solutions.
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TL;DR
GoWatch API: Best for streaming links and availability, providing seamless access to movies and TV shows across multiple platforms using IMDb ID.
OTT Details API: Best for streaming details, supporting over 150 services in the US and India, including HBO, YouTube, and Netflix.
Streaming Availability API: Best for show and series data, covering 60 countries and offering detailed availability information for services like Netflix and Disney+.
The Movies Database API: Best for IMDb information, offering comprehensive metadata and rich features like YouTube trailer URLs.
uNoGS API: Best for Netflix movies, allowing searches by country and tracking of deleted titles to keep up with the latest Netflix catalog.
Utelly API: Best for movie and TV series search, providing metadata aggregation, search capabilities, and personalized recommendations for multiple platforms.
IMDb API: Best for authoritative entertainment data, offering a simplified GraphQL-based interface to access reliable movie, TV, and box office information.
Vimeo API: Best for high-quality video integration, providing customizable playback, powerful video management tools, access to a large video community, and secure access via OAuth 2.
OMDb API: Best for comprehensive movie information, offering a vast repository of movie data, detailed ratings and reviews, and flexible search options for movies, TV shows, and episodes.
What are Movie APIs?
Movie APIs are application programming interfaces that provide developers with access to a vast array of data and functionalities related to movies. These APIs allow developers to integrate movie-related features and information into their applications, websites, or other platforms, enhancing user experience and engagement.
Let’s delve deeper into what Movie APIs are and what they offer.
What do movie APIs do?
Movie APIs offer an extensive range of information about movies, making it easier for developers to build rich, engaging movie-related features.
Some key functionalities they provide are:
Movie details: Movie APIs grant access to detailed information about movies. This includes:
Title: The official name of the movie.
Release dates: When the movie was or will be released.
Genre: Categories that describe the movie’s style or story, such as action, comedy, or drama.
Synopsis: A brief about the movie and its plot summaries.
Cast and crew: Information about the actors, directors, writers, and other key personnel involved in the movie.
Ratings: Scores or ratings from various sources, such as IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, or Metacritic.
Search functionality: These APIs enable powerful search capabilities, allowing users to find movies based on various criteria, such as:
Title: Searching by the movie’s name.
Genre: Filtering movies by specific genres.
Release Year: Finding movies released in a particular year.
Cast Members: Looking for movies featuring specific actors or directors.
Images and trailers: Movie APIs provide access to visual content, including:
Posters: Official movie posters and promotional images.
Stills: Photos from the movie.
Trailers: Video trailers that give a preview of the movie.
User reviews and ratings: These APIs compile user reviews and ratings from different sources, offering insights into public opinion about the movie. This helps users make informed decisions about what to watch.
Showtimes and availability: Movie APIs can provide information about where and when movies are showing, including:
Theatre Showtimes: Times and locations for movie showings in cinemas.
Streaming Availability: Information on whether the movie is available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu.
Purchase Options: Details on where the movie can be purchased or rented online.
Recommendations: Based on user preferences and watch history, movie APIs can generate personalized movie recommendations. This feature enhances user engagement by suggesting movies they are likely to enjoy.
Metadata: Detailed metadata is also available through movie APIs, including:
Production Companies: Information about the companies involved in the movie’s production.
Filming Locations: Details about where the movie was filmed.
Technical Specifications: Information about the movie’s technical aspects, such as runtime, aspect ratio, and format.
Benefits of Using Movie APIs
Movie APIs offer a range of benefits that can elevate your digital platform’s performance and user satisfaction. Some key advantages to consider are:
Enhanced user experience: According to a study, around 56% of enterprise leaders believe APIs enhance their ability to create superior digital experiences and products. Users can easily obtain movie information, watch trailers, read reviews, and get personalized recommendations, all in one place.
Time-saving: Movie APIs eliminate the need for developers to manually collect and update movie information, so the code that they have to write is reduced. The APIs have movie databases that provide up-to-date data, allowing developers to focus on building features rather than managing data.
Personalization: With access to user preferences and watch history, APIs can offer personalized movie recommendations. This not only enhances user engagement but also helps retain users by continually providing content tailored to their tastes.
Seamless integration: Movie APIs are designed for easy integration into various platforms, including mobile apps, websites, and smart TVs. This flexibility allows developers to enhance their platforms with rich movie-related content, regardless of the device or medium.
9 Best Movie APIs to Boost Your App’s Functionality and User Engagement
The movie APIs listed below offer a wide range of functionalities, from aggregating streaming links across multiple platforms to providing detailed metadata and reviews. Each of these APIs brings unique strengths to the table, making them indispensable tools for any developer working in the entertainment industry.
1. GoWatch API
The GoWATCH API is a powerful tool for developers looking to integrate streaming link searches into their applications. By leveraging the IMDb ID, this API allows users to find available streaming links for movies and TV shows across various popular platforms.
It is particularly beneficial for developers who want to provide a seamless user experience by aggregating multiple streaming options in one place.
Key features
IMDb ID integration: Utilizing the IMDb ID ensures accurate and reliable search results. Users can effortlessly find the correct movie or TV show, enhancing search precision and improving the overall user experience.
Wide platform support: With support for popular platforms such as iTunes, Microsoft, Apple TV+, and more, users can find streaming links from nearly every major service. This extensive coverage ensures comprehensive access to available streaming options.
Developer-friendly: Built with Spring and Java, the GoWATCH API is designed for easy integration into various projects. Extensive documentation and support make it accessible, even for developers new to working with APIs.
Channel management: Beyond streaming link searches, the API offers features to create, consult, and update channels. Developers can add extensive functionalities to their applications, such as managing user-created content or channels.
Post and get methods: The API supports essential HTTP methods like POST for creating channels and GET for retrieving channel data. This flexibility and control over data management facilitate the building and maintenance of applications.
Regular updates: The project is maintained with frequent updates, ensuring it remains current with the latest streaming platforms and technologies. Ongoing support helps developers rely on the API for accurate and up-to-date information.
2. OTT Details API
OTT Details is an essential tool for developers that supports over 150 streaming platforms in the US and India, including major services like HBO, YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, and Hulu.
By using the OTT Details API, developers can provide users with information on where to watch their favorite content, enhancing the user experience on their platforms. Moreover, its comprehensive database and regular updates ensure that users always have access to the most current and relevant data, making it a reliable tool for developers.
Key features
Basic movie title details: In addition to streaming information, the API provides basic details about any given movie title. This allows developers to offer a richer user experience by including information like cast, crew, and synopsis alongside streaming options.
User-friendly endpoints: The API includes endpoints such as Search, Title Info, and People, making it easy for developers to integrate and retrieve necessary information. These endpoints provide structured access to a wealth of data, streamlining the development process.
Global reach: While focused on the US and Indian markets, the OTT Details API’s extensive platform support makes it a valuable tool for global applications. Users worldwide can benefit from the detailed streaming information provided.
Simple integration: Designed for ease of use, the API allows developers to quickly and efficiently add OTT information to their websites. This simplicity in integration means less development time and faster deployment of features.
Comprehensive search capabilities: The search functionality within the API allows users to find movies and TV shows based on various criteria. Its advanced search capability enhances user engagement by making it easier to discover new content tailored to their preferences.
3. Streaming Availability API
The Streaming Availability API is a versatile tool for developers who want to provide comprehensive streaming availability information for movies and TV shows. This API supports over 20 streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount, Starz, Showtime, Apple TV, and more.
Covering 60 countries, it allows users to look up which shows are available on various platforms. Additionally, the API can retrieve detailed streaming availability using IMDb or TMDb IDs, making it a powerful resource for developers aiming to enhance their applications with robust streaming data.
Key features
Comprehensive search filters: The API allows searching for movies and series based on various criteria such as trending, release year, genre, IMDb rating, and TMDb ID. These filters enable users to find content tailored to their preferences, enhancing the user experience.
Detailed streaming information: The returned data includes deep links to streaming services, available video qualities (SD, HD, UHD), subtitles, audio, first detection time, and expiry dates. This detailed information helps users make informed decisions about their viewing options.
Pricing and availability options: The API provides information on all available options to stream a show, including subscription, purchase, rent, free availability, and add-ons. It also includes price and currency details, offering comprehensive insights into the cost of streaming.
Channel and addon support: Support for channels and add-ons, such as Apple TV Channels, Hulu Addons, and Prime Video Channels, is included. Moreover, it expands the API's versatility, allowing users to explore various streaming bundles and additional services.
Easy integration and usage: Developers can start using the API with an instant free subscription via RapidAPI, which allows up to 100 requests per day. For higher usage, paid plans are available, providing flexibility based on the project's needs.
Accurate metadata: The output includes TMDb and IMDb IDs for every show, ensuring precise metadata for further integration and reference. It’s crucial for developers who need detailed and accurate show information.
User-friendly endpoints: The API offers four endpoints – Search, Get, Base Utilities, and Changes & Leaving – making it easy to retrieve and manage streaming data. These endpoints provide structured and efficient access to information.
4. The Movie Database API
The Movie Database API is a comprehensive resource for startups as it provides complete and updated data for over 9 million titles, including movies, series, and episodes, as well as 11 million actors, crew, and cast members.
With features such as YouTube trailer URLs, awards, full biographies, and other useful information, the Movie Database API is an invaluable tool for creating rich, informative applications related to the film and television industry.
Key features
Versatile endpoints: The API features four endpoints: Titles, Search, Actors, and Utils. These endpoints offer structured access to various types of data, allowing developers to efficiently integrate and manage movie-related information.
Up-to-date data: The Movie Database API ensures that the information provided is complete and regularly updated. It ensures that users always have access to the most current data, which is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of any application.
Multi-language support: The API supports multiple programming languages, including Shell, Node, Ruby, PHP, Python, Java, and C#. This flexibility allows developers to choose their preferred language for integration, simplifying the development process.
Authentication and security: The API requires authentication via API keys, ensuring secure access to the data. Using the security measure helps protect the integrity of the data and the applications using it.
Search functionality: With the Search endpoint, developers can easily query the database for specific titles, actors, or other relevant information. This functionality enhances the user experience by making it easier to find precise information quickly.
Rich actor data: The API provides detailed information about actors, including their full biographies and filmographies. It’s particularly useful for applications focused on providing comprehensive actor profiles.
5. uNoGS API
The uNoGS (unofficial Netflix Online Global Search) API helps developers integrate Netflix data into their movie applications. This API allows users to search for Netflix movie and TV series releases by country, providing comprehensive access to the global Netflix catalog.
With uNoGS, developers can enrich their site, iOS or Android mobile apps, and other software with detailed Netflix data. This API is designed to be developer-friendly, offering various subscription plans to meet different needs.
Key features
Detailed title information: The API offers comprehensive details on Netflix titles, including information about movies, TV shows, seasons, and episodes. This depth of information helps users make informed decisions about what to watch.
Deleted titles tracking: With the ability to list and search titles that have been deleted, developers can provide users with up-to-date information on content availability. It is quite useful for tracking changes in the Netflix catalog.
Subscription plans: uNoGS offers various subscription plans, including Basic, Pro, Ultra, and Mega, to accommodate different usage needs. Developers can choose a plan that best fits their project requirements and budget.
High performance: The API boasts a popularity score of 9.8 and a service level of 89%, with a latency of 1435ms. These metrics indicate reliable performance and quick data retrieval, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Developer-friendly: The API includes examples and guides for using it with different programming languages such as Java, Python, PHP, Ruby, and JavaScript. Moreover, developers can easily integrate Netflix data into their applications.
Google sheets integration: Developers can import Netflix data from RapidAPI directly into Google Sheets, making it easy to analyze and manipulate data in a familiar environment. This integration is particularly useful for data-driven projects.
6. Utelly API
The Utelly API is a powerful content discovery tool designed to enhance user experiences by providing complete metadata aggregation, search capabilities, recommendations, and content promotion channels.
This API enables developers to look up and search for movies, series, or TV shows available on various platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, iTunes, Now TV, Google Play, BBC iPlayer, All 4, My 5, Rakuten TV, ITV Hub, and many more.
Key features
Advanced search capabilities: The API allows users to search for specific movies and TV shows based on input strings. It helps to find content quickly, improving user satisfaction.
Personalized recommendations: Utelly offers recommendation features that suggest movies and shows based on user preferences and viewing history. This personalized approach helps keep users engaged by suggesting content tailored to their tastes.
Content promotion channels: The API provides tools for promoting content, helping developers highlight popular or recommended shows and movies. Moreover, you can drive user engagement and increase viewership.
JSON output: The API outputs data in JSON format, making it easy for developers to integrate and manipulate the information within their applications. This format ensures compatibility with a wide range of programming environments.
Flexible integration: Utelly's API can be easily integrated into websites, mobile apps, and other software. It allows developers to enhance various types of applications with rich content discovery features.
Public repository and examples: The Utelly API is supported by public repositories and example applications, such as the Ultimate Streaming Guide. These resources provide developers with practical integration examples and best practices.
7. IMDb API
IMDb API offers access to the world's most authoritative source of movie, TV/OTT, and box office data through a convenient GraphQL-based interface. Designed to streamline data integration and access, the IMDb API allows developers to easily utilize extensive entertainment information.
To request a free trial, developers can visit IMDb's AWS Marketplace. This API promises hands-on support, a simplified data structure, and a host of other benefits to enhance the development experience.
Key features
Simplified data structure: The IMDb API utilizes JSON payloads instead of XML, simplifying data handling. This change makes it easier for developers to parse and manage the data within their applications.
Single call data retrieval: With one call to a single URL, developers can retrieve all the necessary data. They can eliminate the need to manage multiple URL parameters or concatenate parameters, streamlining the data retrieval process.
Customizable data requests: Developers can request only the specific fields they need, ensuring precise and efficient data fetching. It prevents over-fetching or under-fetching of data, optimizing the performance of applications.
Multiple entities in one request: The API allows querying data for multiple titles or names in a single query. For example, developers can request runtimes for all episodes in a series or major awards for a specific list of films or actresses, making data aggregation more efficient.
Reliable data source: The API provides access to the same data that powers the IMDb movie website and mobile apps. Developers can trust the reliability and accuracy of the information, ensuring their applications are backed by authoritative data.
GraphQL-based API: The GraphQL-based interface allows for more efficient data queries and retrieval. Developers can leverage the flexibility of GraphQL to fetch exactly the data they need in a single request, enhancing the performance and responsiveness of their applications.
8. Vimeo API
Vimeo's API is a versatile tool designed for developers who want to integrate high-quality video functionality into their applications. As an official API, it offers SSL support and requires OAuth 2 for secure access.
The Vimeo API supports flexible, high-quality video integration, allowing developers to enhance their custom apps with advanced video hosting, customization, and management features.
Key features
Customizable playback experience: Developers can optimize the video playback experience using a fully customizable player. The API offers SDKs and third-party links for web, mobile, or TV, allowing seamless integration and customization to meet specific needs.
Powerful video management tools: The API includes features for managing content, tracking metadata, and optimizing videos. These tools help developers efficiently organize and enhance their video content, improving both user experience and administrative control.
Access to Vimeo community: Integrating the Vimeo API allows access to a passionate and extensive video community. Developers can integrate features that connect users with millions of creators around the world, fostering engagement and collaboration.
Flexible request and response formats: The API supports URI Query String/CRUD requests and responds in JSON format. This flexibility simplifies the integration process and ensures compatibility with various development environments and applications.
Secure access with OAuth 2: Vimeo’s API requires OAuth 2 for secure authentication, ensuring that user data and video content are protected. Its security measure helps maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the information being accessed and shared.
Comprehensive documentation and support: Vimeo provides extensive documentation and support resources to help developers get started and make the most of the API. This includes guides, examples, and a dedicated support team to assist with any issues.
9. OMDb API
The Open Movie Database (OMDb) API is a RESTful web service that provides developers access to a vast repository of movie information. This free API is particularly unique because a community of users contributes to and maintains all content and images.
By leveraging the OMDb API, developers can integrate rich movie data into their applications, offering users detailed information about their favorite films. The API is free, though donations and patronage are encouraged to support its ongoing development and maintenance.
Key features
RESTful web service: As a REST API, OMDb is easy to integrate into various applications. The simplicity of REST ensures that developers can quickly and efficiently fetch data using standard HTTP requests.
Support for multiple query parameters: Developers can use various query parameters to search for movies by title, year, plot, and more. This flexibility allows for precise and tailored searches, enhancing the user experience.
Free and open access: The OMDb API is free to use, making it accessible for developers working on a budget. Additionally, the option to donate or become a patron provides a way to support the service and contribute to its sustainability.
JSON response format: The API returns data in JSON format, which is easy to parse and integrate into applications. This standardized format ensures compatibility with a wide range of programming languages and development environments.
Detailed ratings and reviews: The API provides comprehensive ratings and reviews from various sources, including IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. It helps users make informed decisions about what movies to watch based on aggregated ratings.
Flexible search options: Users can search for movies, TV shows, and episodes using specific keywords, ensuring they find exactly what they’re looking for. This level of search customization improves the overall usability of the app.
Struggling to Find the Best Movie APIs? API League Can Help
To sum up, choosing the wrong movie API can lead to poor user experiences and decreased engagement, jeopardizing the success of your app. By leveraging the right movie APIs, you can provide comprehensive and engaging content, ensuring your app stands out in the competitive entertainment industry.
Key takeaways
Movie APIs offer vast information about movies, such as movie details, search functionalities, images, and user reviews.
With movie APIs, you do not need to collect and update movie information manually.
Through watch history, APIs can offer personalized movie recommendations which enhances user engagement.
Movie APIs can easily integrate into mobile phones and websites through which developers can enhance their platforms.
Finding and evaluating the right movie APIs can be daunting and time-consuming for developers. API League simplifies this process by offering a curated directory of top APIs and Software Development Kits (SDKs) that make integration quick and easy.
There are several pricing plans, but if you’re hesitating to invest, you can use the free plan to explore the features and capabilities.
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