IMDb (Internet Movie Database)

IMDb, an abbreviation for the Internet Movie Database, is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV, and celebrity content. It originated from a series of lists maintained by computer programmer Col Needham in the late 1980s. These lists were hosted on the USENET group 'rec.arts.movies' before evolving into a centralized online database in 1990.

Over the years, the platform grew from a fan-driven hobbyist site into a comprehensive industry staple. Its success led to its acquisition in 1998 by Amazon.com, marking Amazon's first major website acquisition. Today, IMDb operates as a subsidiary of Amazon and plays a critical role in the digital entertainment ecosystem, providing data services to industry professionals through IMDbPro and content to millions of consumers worldwide.

While the platform is a digital service rather than a physical product, its primary engineering and editorial operations are based in the United States, specifically in Seattle and Bristol (UK). Ownership remains under Amazon, reflecting its integration into the global e-commerce and streaming media giant's portfolio.