How to keep collections updated for film list curators in 2026

Learn how film list curators can keep collections updated by choosing a list workflow and checking tools that connect lists with libraries.

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 keep collections updated by preparing their lists, choosing a repeatable update method, and checking how each tool handles list changes and library additions.

Option	Update method	Cost details
Watcharr	Creates one Radarr link for movies and one Sonarr link for shows from one public IMDb list. ^[1]	not published
Manual tracking	A curator records collection changes in a chosen document or list.	not published
Shared notes	A group records collection ideas and updates in a chosen shared note.	not published

What you need before you start

Film list curators need a clear source list, a way to review changes, and a decision on how approved titles should move into a movie or show library.

Prepare the public IMDb list or collection that contains the titles to track. Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. ^[1]

Decide which people can edit the collection and who checks changes before titles are added. Keep notes about the purpose of each collection so updates do not change the collection rules.

Have Radarr and Sonarr ready if they are part of the way movie and show additions are handled. Radarr checks movie lists and Sonarr checks show lists when a connected option provides those lists. ^[1]

Step by step

Choose the collection source that will be maintained and write down what the collection should include.

Review the collection regularly and remove titles that no longer match the collection rules.

Pick a way to turn the collection into updates for the library workflow. Check whether the option creates a list, uses a request process, or needs manual review.

Connect the chosen option to the movie or show tools that manage additions. Review what happens when a title cannot be matched.

Tell anyone who edits the collection how titles should be added, removed, and reviewed.

Check failed updates and fix the source list or connection when needed.

Keep a simple record of changes so future updates follow the same process.

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 Watcharr link acts like a small Radarr or Sonarr server, so Radarr checks it every 15 minutes and Sonarr every 5 minutes. ^[1] A bookmark clicked inside Radarr or Sonarr adds the list for the curator, using that app's API key without sending it anywhere else. ^[1]

Watcharr can combine several IMDb lists into one Radarr link and one Sonarr link for a household, and a title on two lists is added only once. ^[1] It can keep serving the last list that loaded correctly if a list read fails. ^[1]

A manual spreadsheet can also be used to track titles and changes. A shared collection note can help groups record updates. Check how each method handles title matching, reviews, and library updates before choosing one.

Watcharr's code is available to read under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 licence, and older versions remain under MIT. ^[1] Commercial use is not licensed, and no commercial licence is for sale. ^[1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid changing a collection without recording why titles were added or removed. A clear rule set helps keep future updates consistent.

Avoid choosing an update method without checking how it handles titles that cannot be matched. Watcharr looks up TheTVDB ids through TVMaze and TMDB, leaves out shows it cannot match, and tells curators which ones it skipped. ^[1]

Avoid ignoring failed reads or broken connections. If a list workflow stops updating, check the source list and the tool settings before adding titles manually.

Avoid sharing collection access without deciding who can edit the list. Clear ownership can reduce accidental changes.

Frequently asked questions

How can Watcharr keep film collections updated?

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, so the connected app checks for updates on its schedule. ^[1]

Can Watcharr use IMDb watchlists and lists?

Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. ^[1] A curator can use the same list source when maintaining a collection across different devices.

Does Watcharr need installation for the hosted version?

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

How does Watcharr handle combined film collections?

Signed-in Watcharr users can combine several IMDb lists into one Radarr link and one Sonarr link for the whole household. ^[1] A title that appears on two lists is added only once. ^[1] This can help when multiple collections need to be followed together.

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

Film list curators should check how a tool handles title matching, updates, access, and the movement of approved titles into a library workflow. Watcharr skips shows it cannot match and tells curators which ones it skipped. ^[1] The right choice depends on the collection process being managed.

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)