Adding your favorite movies to Letterboxd is remarkably simple, yet crucial for fully embracing the platform’s social and cinematic potential. In essence, you’ll use the search function to locate the movie, then click the “Watched” button. From there, you can add a rating, a review, and most importantly, the “Like” heart to designate it as a favorite. This simple act unlocks a world of connection and discovery within the vibrant Letterboxd community.
Building Your Cinematic Profile: A Step-by-Step Guide
Letterboxd is more than just a movie tracking app; it’s a social network built around shared cinematic passions. Building your profile starts with adding the films that resonate most deeply with you. This allows you to connect with like-minded cinephiles, discover new recommendations, and curate your own personal archive of cinematic treasures.
Initial Setup: Creating Your Letterboxd Account
Before you can start adding your favorite movies, you’ll need a Letterboxd account. Visit the Letterboxd website (letterboxd.com) or download the app (available on iOS and Android) and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account. You’ll need to provide an email address, a username, and a password. Consider adding a profile picture and a brief bio to personalize your profile.
Finding Your Films: Utilizing the Search Function
The heart of adding movies to Letterboxd lies in the search functionality. The platform boasts a comprehensive database, making it easy to locate virtually any film.
- Type the title: In the search bar, start typing the title of the movie you want to add. Letterboxd’s predictive search will suggest titles as you type.
- Refine your search: If the initial search yields multiple results (especially with common titles), use additional information like the year of release or director to narrow down your search.
- Browse the results: Carefully review the search results to ensure you’ve selected the correct film. Pay attention to details like the year of release, director, and poster art.
Marking as Watched and Liking: Designating Your Favorites
Once you’ve located the correct film, the process of adding it and marking it as a favorite is streamlined:
- Click on the film: Select the movie title from the search results to access its individual page.
- Click “Watched”: You’ll see a prominent “Watched” button. Clicking this adds the film to your Watched list.
- Add a Rating (Optional): You can rate the film from half a star to five stars. This helps personalize your profile and provides insights for other users.
- Write a Review (Optional): Share your thoughts on the film by writing a review. Reviews can range from brief impressions to in-depth analyses.
- The Key: Click the “Like” Heart: To designate the film as a favorite, click the heart icon next to the “Watched” button. This adds the film to your “Liked” list and signifies its special status.
Organizing and Curating: Utilizing Lists
Letterboxd allows you to create and organize lists to further curate your cinematic preferences. This is a great way to group your favorite films by genre, director, theme, or any other criteria you choose.
- Creating a List: Navigate to your profile page and click on the “Lists” tab. Click the “Create a List” button and provide a title and description.
- Adding Films to Lists: When viewing a film’s page, click the “Add to List” button (usually represented by a plus sign). Select the list(s) you want to add the film to.
- Public or Private: Decide whether your list should be public (visible to other users) or private (only visible to you).
Mastering Letterboxd: Frequently Asked Questions
To further enhance your Letterboxd experience, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Can I mark a movie as a favorite without marking it as watched?
No, you cannot. Letterboxd requires you to first mark a movie as “Watched” before you can “Like” it. The “Like” function is directly tied to your Watched list.
FAQ 2: How do I find a specific director’s filmography on Letterboxd?
Search for the director’s name. Once on their profile page, navigate to the “Filmography” section. This will display all the films they’ve directed, starred in (if they are also an actor), written, or otherwise been involved with that are listed on Letterboxd.
FAQ 3: Is there a way to import my watch history from another platform like IMDb?
Yes, Letterboxd offers an import functionality. You can export your watch history from IMDb (as a CSV file) and then import it into Letterboxd. The process is relatively straightforward, but requires careful mapping of the data fields. Look for the “Import” option in your settings.
FAQ 4: Can I edit my rating or review of a movie after I’ve posted it?
Absolutely. Navigate to the movie page and your rating and review will be displayed. You can click the “Edit” button to modify them.
FAQ 5: How do I find movies similar to my favorites on Letterboxd?
Letterboxd’s algorithm provides recommendations based on your viewing history and liked films. Check the “Related Films” section on a movie’s page or browse the “Recommendations” feed on your homepage.
FAQ 6: What does it mean when someone “follows” me on Letterboxd?
When someone follows you, they will see your activity in their feed, including your Watched films, ratings, reviews, and lists. It’s essentially like following someone on Twitter or Instagram, allowing you to share your cinematic tastes with a wider audience.
FAQ 7: Can I watch movies directly on Letterboxd?
No, Letterboxd is primarily a platform for tracking, reviewing, and discussing films. It doesn’t offer streaming or viewing capabilities. You’ll need to use separate streaming services or physical media to watch the movies themselves.
FAQ 8: How do I report incorrect movie information on Letterboxd?
If you notice inaccurate information about a movie (e.g., incorrect director, release date, or cast list), you can report it to the Letterboxd team. Look for the “Report Inaccuracy” button (often found near the bottom of the movie page) and provide details about the error.
FAQ 9: What are “Tags” on Letterboxd and how do I use them?
Tags are user-generated keywords that help categorize and describe movies in more detail. You can add tags to movies when writing reviews or adding them to lists. This allows you to filter and find films based on specific themes, styles, or characteristics.
FAQ 10: Is there a premium version of Letterboxd? What are the benefits?
Yes, Letterboxd offers two premium tiers: Supporter and Patron. Benefits include ad-free browsing, advanced statistics and filtering, custom profile design, and the ability to support the development of the platform.
FAQ 11: How can I find other users with similar movie tastes to mine?
Explore the “Following” and “Followers” lists of users whose profiles you admire. Letterboxd’s algorithm also suggests users you might be interested in following based on your viewing history and liked films. Look for users who frequently review movies you also enjoy.
FAQ 12: Can I create a watchlist on Letterboxd?
Yes! You can easily add movies to your watchlist by clicking the “Watchlist” button on a film’s page. This allows you to keep track of movies you want to see in the future and serves as a handy reminder when you’re looking for something to watch.
By mastering these functionalities and understanding these FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate Letterboxd, build your cinematic profile, and connect with fellow film enthusiasts. Happy watching!