How to import external lists for film list curators in 2026

Learn how film list curators can prepare external lists, choose import methods, and connect lists with tools that match their workflow.

By VLClean · 2026-10-13

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

Film list curators can import external lists by preparing a source list, checking the tool workflow, and choosing a method that matches how titles should move into their library process.

Option	Import method	Cost details
Watcharr	Paste one public IMDb list and get one link for Radarr with the movies and one for Sonarr with the shows. ^[1]	No install is needed for the hosted version and no account is needed. ^[1]
Manual copy	Copy titles from an external list into the chosen collection workflow.	not published
Shared document	Collect and review titles in a shared document before moving them into the collection workflow.	not published

What you need before you start

Film list curators should have the external list source ready and know which titles should move into their collection workflow.

Decide whether the goal is to copy titles for review, create a list for a media manager, or share a list with other people. Keep the source list organized so the import process is easier to check.

Prepare access to any services needed by the chosen method. If a tool connects with another service, check what information it needs before starting.

Review the list contents before importing. Confirm that the titles, names, and list format match the way the collection is managed.

Choose a method that makes it clear how updates happen after the first import. A clear process helps avoid duplicate work and makes later changes easier to follow.

Step by step

Choose the external list that should be imported and confirm that it is available in a format supported by the chosen method.

Review the list before importing. Remove unwanted titles, check for duplicates, and decide which titles should enter the collection workflow.

Pick an import method that matches the way the list will be used. A manual process can work for occasional lists, while an automated option can help when lists need regular updates.

Connect the chosen tool or service if required, then follow its instructions for adding the external list.

Check the imported titles after the process finishes. Look for missing matches, duplicate entries, or titles that need manual review.

Set expectations for future updates. Decide whether the list will be refreshed, reviewed manually, or left as a one-time import.

Keep notes about the source list and import method. This makes it easier to understand how titles entered the collection later.

Tools that can do it

Watcharr is made by the team that publishes this site.

Watcharr lets a curator 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]

A curator can use a bookmark inside Radarr or Sonarr to add the list, using that app's API key without sending it anywhere else. ^[1] Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. ^[1]

Manual list copying is another option when a curator wants to move titles without using an import tool. Review the steps for copying, checking, and maintaining the list before choosing this approach.

A shared document or spreadsheet can also be used when the goal is to collect titles for review. Check how the chosen document method handles updates and duplicate titles before using it.

Before choosing an option, check how it handles list sources, title matching, updates, and the way imported titles move into the collection workflow.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid importing a list without checking the titles first. External lists can contain entries that need review before they enter a collection.

Avoid choosing a method without understanding how updates work. A one-time copy and a recurring import have different maintenance needs.

Avoid skipping title matching checks. Watcharr looks up TheTVDB ids through TVMaze and TMDB, leaves out shows it can't match, and tells you which ones it skipped. ^[1]

Avoid forgetting what happens when a source list changes. Watcharr links are built from the IMDb list's id, so the same list always gives the same two links. ^[1]

Avoid ignoring access requirements. Check what accounts, connections, or permissions a chosen method needs before using it.

Frequently asked questions

How can film list curators import external lists?

Film list curators can choose a list source, prepare the titles for review, and select an import method that matches their workflow. The right method depends on whether the list needs a one-time transfer, regular updates, or sharing with other people.

Can Watcharr import IMDb lists for film list curators?

Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. ^[1] It lets a curator paste one public IMDb list and get one link for Radarr with the movies and one for Sonarr with the shows. ^[1]

How does Watcharr handle imported movie and show lists?

Watcharr provides separate links for movies and shows from one pasted public IMDb list. ^[1] Each link acts like a small Radarr or Sonarr server, so Radarr checks it every 15 minutes and Sonarr every 5. ^[1]

Does Watcharr need installation before importing external lists?

The hosted version of Watcharr needs nothing to install and no account. ^[1] A curator can paste, copy and browse from any screen in the web app, and the one-click sticker shows on bigger screens. ^[1]

What should film list curators check before choosing an import tool?

Film list curators should check how a tool handles list sources, title matching, updates, and the movement of imported titles into the collection workflow. Signed-in users can combine several IMDb lists into one Radarr link and one Sonarr link for the whole household, and a title on two lists is added only once. ^[1]

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

Try Watcharr

Sources

Watcharr's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)