Adding films to your Letterboxd account is the foundation of building your profile, tracking your viewing habits, and engaging with the film community. It’s a simple process with multiple avenues, allowing you to catalog everything from the latest blockbusters to obscure independent gems.
Methods for Adding Movies
Letterboxd provides several convenient methods for adding movies to your account, catering to different workflows and preferences. Whether you’re on a computer or using the mobile app, adding films is intuitive.
1. Searching and Adding
This is the most straightforward method and the one most users rely on.
- On the Website: Navigate to the search bar located at the top of the Letterboxd website. Type in the movie title, or even just a keyword if you’re unsure of the exact name. A dropdown menu will appear with suggestions as you type. Once you see the correct film, click on it to go to the movie’s page. From there, you can click the “+ Watched” button to log the film as seen.
- On the Mobile App: The process is similar to the website. Tap the search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the bottom of the screen. Begin typing the movie title, and select the correct result from the suggestions. Again, tap the “+ Watched” button.
2. Using the Quick Entry Form
For users who log multiple films at once, the quick entry form can save considerable time.
- Accessing the Form: The quick entry form is available on both the website and the app. On the website, you can find it by clicking your profile picture, and then selecting “Films” from the dropdown menu. Look for the “+ Add Films” button in the top right corner. On the app, navigate to your profile page and tap the “Films” button, then look for the same “+ Add Films” button.
- Using the Form: The form allows you to quickly add movies by typing in titles. As you type, suggestions will appear. You can select multiple films and then log them all at once with a single tap or click.
3. Importing from Other Platforms
If you’re migrating from another film-tracking service, Letterboxd allows you to import your existing data. This is a lifesaver for those with extensive viewing histories elsewhere.
- Supported Platforms: Letterboxd supports importing from platforms like IMDb and CSV files.
- Importing Process: Go to your settings page on the Letterboxd website. Look for the “Import & Export” section. Follow the on-screen instructions for importing from your chosen platform. Be prepared to upload your file or provide your IMDb user ID.
4. Using the Browser Extension
Letterboxd offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox that allow you to quickly add movies directly from websites like IMDb and streaming services.
- Installing the Extension: Search for the “Letterboxd” extension in the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. Install it and follow the setup instructions.
- Adding Movies: Once installed, the extension will add a small Letterboxd icon to movie pages on supported websites. Clicking this icon allows you to quickly log the film as watched.
Refining Your Movie Log Entries
Adding a movie is just the first step. Letterboxd provides options to add detail to your log entries, enhancing your personal experience and the value of your profile.
1. Adding Dates and Rewatches
You can specify the date you watched a movie, which is useful for tracking your viewing history chronologically. You can also mark a film as a rewatch.
- Adding Dates: When logging a film, you’ll see a date field. Click on this field to select the date you watched the movie.
- Marking as Rewatch: A small checkbox or toggle near the date field will allow you to mark the film as a rewatch.
2. Adding Reviews and Ratings
Sharing your thoughts on a film is a core part of the Letterboxd experience.
- Writing Reviews: After logging a film, you can write a review. Reviews can be short and sweet or detailed and analytical.
- Adding Ratings: Letterboxd uses a five-star rating system, with half-star increments. Select the number of stars that reflects your enjoyment or appreciation of the film.
3. Adding Tags
Tags allow you to categorize films in a way that goes beyond genre. You can use tags to note themes, specific elements you enjoyed, or even inside jokes.
- Using Tags: When logging a film, you’ll find a field for adding tags. Separate multiple tags with commas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to address common issues and provide further clarification.
FAQ 1: What if a movie isn’t listed on Letterboxd?
This is rare, but it can happen, especially with very obscure or newly released independent films. You can request that the movie be added to the database by contacting Letterboxd support. Provide as much information as possible, including the title, director, year of release, and any relevant links.
FAQ 2: How can I edit a movie log entry after I’ve added it?
Navigate to your profile and find the movie in your “Films” list. Click on the movie title to open the log entry. You can then edit the date watched, rating, review, tags, and rewatch status.
FAQ 3: Can I delete a movie log entry?
Yes. Open the movie log entry as described above. There will be a “Delete” button or option to remove the film from your watched list.
FAQ 4: How do I add a movie to a list without logging it as watched?
This is useful for creating “want to watch” lists or themed lists. Go to the movie’s page and click the “+ Add to List” button (it may be a heart icon). You can then select an existing list or create a new one.
FAQ 5: Can I import my viewing history from Trakt.tv?
No, Letterboxd does not directly support importing from Trakt.tv. You might need to export your Trakt.tv data as a CSV file and then try to import it into Letterboxd. However, data mapping might be required as the CSV formats are different.
FAQ 6: Are there any limits on the number of movies I can add?
No, there are no known limits on the number of movies you can add to your Letterboxd account.
FAQ 7: How do I add a short film or a TV episode?
Letterboxd is primarily focused on feature-length films. While short films are sometimes included, TV episodes are generally not supported. Some users create workarounds by logging entire seasons as a single entry with a corresponding review.
FAQ 8: Why is the movie poster incorrect on Letterboxd?
Letterboxd sources its movie data from TMDb (The Movie Database). If the poster is incorrect, you can suggest an edit on TMDb. Once TMDb updates its database, the change will eventually be reflected on Letterboxd.
FAQ 9: Can I add a movie from a streaming service directly?
Yes, with the browser extension. Many streaming services are supported. The Letterboxd extension usually adds an icon on the website for you to log the film.
FAQ 10: How do I find a specific movie on Letterboxd if I only know a few details?
Use the search bar and try different combinations of keywords, actors’ names, directors’ names, or genre terms. The more information you provide, the more likely you are to find the correct movie.
FAQ 11: Can I add custom details to a movie, like the specific edition I watched?
No, Letterboxd doesn’t support adding custom details like specific editions. You can use tags to denote this information if you find it relevant.
FAQ 12: Is there a way to automatically add movies I watch on certain platforms?
No, Letterboxd doesn’t have automatic tracking integration with platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. You have to manually log your viewing activity.