For film aficionados, Letterboxd stands out as a revolutionary platform, reminiscent of IMDb but with a unique twist. This social network serves as an online catalog, akin to Goodreads for movie lovers, allowing users to rate and critique films, curate their favorite selections on personal profiles, and connect with friends and industry critics. However, Letterboxd surpasses mere social media—it offers valuable tools for avid cinema followers.

Accessible on Android, iOS, and on the web, Letterboxd allows anyone to explore films, read user reviews, and check out ratings. To create personalized watchlists or contribute reviews, a free account is required.

The adventure truly starts once the account is established. Users can compile and distribute their own lists, categorizing films according to any criteria imaginable—from chronological WWII picks to films featuring the highest body counts. Tagging helps organize watched or wishlisted films, and those opting for a premium subscription can modify display formats for individual movies and receive alerts when titles from their watchlist become available on streaming services.

Here are five strategies for optimizing your Letterboxd experience.

Create Tailored Watchlists

A major attraction of Letterboxd is its watchlist feature, where one can save films of interest for future viewing. Simply press the plus icon to add any film to this compilation. However, as the list expands, choosing what to watch can feel daunting—almost comparable to endlessly scrolling on Netflix.

This is where customized lists become invaluable. Located near the watchlist function, the “Add to lists” option lets users forge public or private lists. Instead of a single catch-all watchlist, group films by genres, directors, eras, or even vibes—making choice easier.

Implementing this practice can enhance the Letterboxd experience significantly. Shared lists can be a fun way for couples or friends to keep track of films they want to watch together. Separately compiled lists for different types of films add to the platform’s versatility—transforming it into a personalized “Spotify for Movies” where the user dictates the “algorithm.”

Enhance Recommendations with Public Lists

While personal lists are excellent for organizing watched and unwatched films, exploring Letterboxd’s public lists often yields even better recommendations. If your go-to streaming service is failing to deliver suitable suggestions, see what the community has curated.

Users are incredibly enthusiastic about list creation. For example, a compelling list titled “movies for when you want to feel something” not only contains fantastic titles like Up and Parasite but also categorizes suggestions by poster color. Similarly, a unique list pairs classic romantic films with modern counterparts, aiding viewers in discovering older gems.

By following users whose tastes align with yours, it’s easy to uncover a wealth of other recommendations they might offer, establishing genuine connections through shared film preferences.

Organize Film Collections with Tags

While separate lists are beneficial, utilizing tags provides an even more organized approach (both options have their advantages). As movies are added or reviews updated, custom tags can be created, allowing for flexibility and detail.

Tags excel at categorizing films that share common themes or characteristics but may not warrant their own lists. For instance, labeling films as “uplifting” or “heart-wrenching” can streamline searches based on specific viewer moods—or even specific plot points, like the fate of the dog.

Creativity can take precedence in tagging as well. Unique descriptors such as “mental health metaphors” for films that reflect mental struggles or “eat the rich,” a niche genre highlighting societal critiques, enable further exploration. Adding tags like “what the heck” can also capture experiences that defy explanation.

Receive Notifications for Streaming Releases with a Pro Subscription

While the free version of Letterboxd is impressive, upgrading to a Pro subscription enhances the experience. At a cost of $19 annually, roughly $1.58 monthly (note: it’s only available as an annual plan), users can enjoy an ad-free interface, improving usability—especially for those who frequently engage with the app.

A standout feature of the Pro subscription is the streaming service filter. By inputting favorite services, users receive notifications whenever a film on their watchlist becomes available for viewing, elevating the platform’s value.

Curate Your Posters and Gain Recognition with a Patron Subscription

The highest tier available is the Patron subscription, priced at $49 yearly. This option is ideal for those eager to support the app’s developers while enjoying premium features.

Patron subscribers can customize the displayed posters for their logged films and lists. These alternate visuals will appear to other opted-in users, allowing for a personalized touch across profiles and contributions.

Additionally, opting for this tier grants a distinctive “Patron” badge next to usernames, fostering a sense of community among film enthusiasts. With Letterboxd, sharing a passion for cinema becomes an enjoyable experience, uniting users through shared interests and enthusiasm.