How does IMDb determine rankings and ratings for movies?

The Internet Movie Database, commonly known as IMDb, employs a multi-faceted approach to determine the rankings and ratings for movies and television shows. The core of this system is the IMDb user rating, which relies primarily on the votes cast by registered users of the platform. Users are encouraged to rate films and shows on a scale from one to ten, and these ratings accumulate over time. To calculate the average rating, IMDb uses a weighted formula that takes into account the number of votes and the distribution of those votes. This means that a movie that receives a small number of extremely high ratings may not automatically achieve a high overall rating, as IMDb seeks to ensure that the ratings reflect a broad consensus among viewers. The system is designed to minimize the impact of outliers, thereby making the average rating more reliable. Additionally, IMDb employs a variety of algorithms and data analysis techniques to prevent manipulation of the ratings system. For instance, ratings from users who have a history of voting may carry more weight than those from users who have just signed up. IMDb's goal is to ensure that the ratings are fair and represent genuine viewer preferences. Apart from user ratings, IMDb also takes into account various other factors, such as critic reviews and audience feedback, when it comes to rankings. The "Top Rated Movies" and "Top Rated TV Shows" lists often feature content that has garnered significant acclaim, both from audiences and critics alike. These rankings can also be influenced by trending topics, awards, and other elements of popular culture. For more detailed information about the specific algorithms or methodologies used to compute ratings, users may want to explore the IMDb website directly, as they occasionally provide insights and updates related to their rankings methodology.