VLClean Plain comparisons of self-hosted media tools

IMDb List Sync Tools for Homelab Automation

Compare IMDb list sync tools for automation focused homelab users and see how each option handles lists, updates, and connections.

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VLClean is published by the makers of Askarr and Watcharr, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Watcharr is an option for turning a public IMDb list into links that Radarr and Sonarr can use. [1] Other tools cover different list and tracking workflows, so check each tool against the automation task.

OptionList handlingAutomation details
WatcharrWatcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. [1]Watcharr creates one Radarr link for movies and one Sonarr link for shows from a public IMDb list. [1]
MDBListMDBList creates dynamic, auto-updating movie and show lists tailored to user preferences. [2]MDBList lets users import external lists from Trakt, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and other sources. [2]
TraktarrTraktarr uses Trakt.tv to find shows and movies to add into Sonarr and Radarr. [3]Traktarr supports official Trakt lists and private lists. [3] [3]
Listrrlistrr.pro creates personalized lists for shows and movies with many filters. [4]listrr.pro automatically updates every list created. [4] ## Matching the tool to the job For a public IMDb list, you paste it in and get one link for Radarr with the movies and one for Sonarr with the shows. [1] For adding titles from Trakt lists, Traktarr uses Trakt to find shows and movies to add into Sonarr and Radarr. [3] Traktarr has an automatic scheduled mode. [3] For building and organizing lists, listrr.pro creates personalized lists for shows and movies with many filters. [4] MDBList lets users import external lists from Trakt, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and other sources. [2] For growing a library without manual steps, Kometa integrates with Sonarr and Radarr to automate library growth. [5] Kometa lets users customize media library metadata, collections, and overlays. [5] For tracking watched titles, Simkl tracks TV shows, anime, and movies. [6] Ryot tracks books, movies, TV shows, workouts, and daily habits. [7] ## Questions to ask before you choose Before choosing an IMDb list sync tool, ask which list sources it accepts and which media apps it connects with. Ask how often a tool re-reads list changes and what happens if a read fails. Check whether signing in or paying is required, and how the tool is licensed. Ask whether the tool can run in a self-hosted setup. Check how titles are matched against the media apps before they are added, and what happens to titles that cannot be matched.

What automation focused homelab users need from IMDb list sync tools

Automation focused homelab users often need a way to move movie and show choices from lists into existing media workflows. The useful parts are usually how lists are accepted, how updates happen, and what information must be connected. A tool should match the apps already used and the amount of manual work that is acceptable.

Some users may want a simple path from an IMDb list to Radarr or Sonarr. Others may want tools that build, organize, or track lists in different ways. Check how each option handles list sources, account needs, connected services, and update behavior before choosing. Automation work usually comes down to whether a tool re-reads list changes on its own and how much it needs connected before it works. The right match depends on whether the goal is filling a library from lists, organizing lists, or tracking what is watched.

MDBList for automation focused homelab users

MDBList is a tool for creating dynamic, auto-updating movie and show lists tailored to user preferences. [2] MDBList lets users import external lists from Trakt, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and other sources. [2] MDBList has a Supporter membership, with sign-up linked through Memberful and Patreon. [8] MDBList's footer links to a Reeel mobile app. [8] MDBList syncs a watchlist, ratings, and progress directly with Trakt without leaving its interface. [2] MDBList's homepage promotes building and curating lists, tracking progress, discovery, and use across devices. [8]

Traktarr for automation focused homelab users

Traktarr uses Trakt.tv to find shows and movies to add into Sonarr and Radarr. [3] Traktarr supports official Trakt lists such as Trending, Popular, Anticipated, Box Office, Most Watched, and Most Played. [3] Traktarr supports private lists. [3] Traktarr has an automatic scheduled mode. [3] Traktarr requires Python 3.5 or newer. [3]

Listrr for automation focused homelab users

listrr.pro creates personalized lists for shows and movies with many filters. [4] listrr.pro automatically updates every list created. [4] listrr.pro offers an API for developers. [4] listrr.pro is entirely funded by the community. [4] listrr.pro allows filtering by streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, HBO, or Disney+. [4]

Watcharr for automation focused homelab users

Watcharr is made by the team that publishes this site. Watcharr lets you paste one public IMDb list and get one link for Radarr with the movies and one for Sonarr with the shows. [1] Each link acts like a small Radarr or Sonarr server, so Radarr checks it every 15 minutes and Sonarr every 5. [1] Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. [1] A bookmark you click inside Radarr or Sonarr adds the list for you, using that app's API key without sending it anywhere else. [1] The hosted version needs nothing to install and no account. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Is Watcharr suitable for IMDb list sync automation?

Watcharr can turn one public IMDb list into one Radarr link for movies and one Sonarr link for shows. [1] Each link acts like a small Radarr or Sonarr server, with Radarr checking every 15 minutes and Sonarr checking every 5. [1]

Can Watcharr use IMDb watchlists from different places?

Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. [1] The links are built from the IMDb list's id, so the same list always gives the same two links. [1]

Does MDBList create lists for homelab automation workflows?

MDBList is a tool for creating dynamic, auto-updating movie and show lists tailored to user preferences. [2] MDBList lets users import external lists from Trakt, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and other sources. [2] Check how its lists connect with the rest of a setup before choosing it.

Can Traktarr connect lists to Sonarr and Radarr?

Traktarr uses Trakt.tv to find shows and movies to add into Sonarr and Radarr. [3] Traktarr supports official Trakt lists and private lists. [3] [3] The right choice depends on which list source and automation flow are needed.

What should homelab users check before choosing an IMDb list sync tool?

Check which list sources a tool accepts, whether it connects with the media apps already in use, and whether its update behavior matches the workflow. Watcharr needs nothing to install for its hosted version and no account. [1] Other tools may use different list creation or tracking approaches, so review each option's documented features.

Its code is available to read under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 licence; older versions remain under MIT. [1]

Try Watcharr

Sources

  1. Watcharr's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
  2. MDBList, docs.mdblist.com, read 2026-10-07
  3. Traktarr, github.com/l3uddz/traktarr, read 2026-10-07
  4. Listrr, listrr.pro, read 2026-10-10
  5. Kometa, kometa.wiki, read 2026-10-10
  6. Simkl, simkl.com, read 2026-10-10
  7. Ryot, ryot.io, read 2026-10-10
  8. MDBList, mdblist.com, read 2026-10-07

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