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Open Movie Database API vs TMDb API

Two free Video APIs compared on access, reliability and developer ratings, using data from our daily health checks.

The verdict

  • On access and reliability they're level, so pick by the data you need:
  • Open Movie Database API: Movie information. A free video API by OMDb API.
  • TMDb API: Community-based movie data. A free video API by themoviedb.org.

Side by side

Open Movie Database APITMDb API
What it doesMovie information. A free video API by OMDb API.Community-based movie data. A free video API by themoviedb.org.
ProviderOMDb APIthemoviedb.org
API keyRequiredRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownUnknown
Status todayOnline · 531 msOnline · 387 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier

About each API

How to choose between them

  • Prototyping or a tutorial? Pick the one that needs no API key (neither does, so compare their free tiers).
  • Calling from a web page? You need CORS. Otherwise route requests through your own server or a serverless function.
  • Going to production? Favour HTTPS, a strong uptime record and a provider with clear rate limits and terms. Check each API's docs before you commit.
  • Still unsure? Both are free to try: send one request to each and compare the data you get back.

Open Movie Database vs TMDb FAQ

Do Open Movie Database API and TMDb API need an API key?

Both require authentication (apiKey and apiKey).

More comparisons

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