Integrating IMDB data into Google Sheets using RapidAPI: Troubleshooting and guidance needed

Other Questions RapidAPI
1

Help with RapidAPI and Google Sheets integration

I’m new to working with APIs and I’m trying to pull movie info from IMDB into a Google Sheet. I found RapidAPI and its Google Sheets add-on, but I’m stuck.

What I’ve tried

I saw an example using the =GET() function for finance data:

=GET("https://some-api-endpoint.com/{symbol}/book","quote.companyName","API_KEY","symbol","AAPL")

But I can’t get it to work for IMDB. The IMDB snippet looks different:

var options = {
  method: 'GET',
  url: 'https://imdb-api.example.com/title/search',
  params: {q: 'MovieTitle'},
  headers: {
    'x-api-host': 'imdb-api.example.com',
    'x-api-key': 'your-api-key-here'
  }
};

I’m confused about:

  • How to format the =GET() command for IMDB
  • What the curly braces in the example URL do
  • Why I keep getting a 400 error

Can anyone explain how to make this work or point me to a beginner-friendly guide? I’m lost and could use some help!

2

I’ve worked with the IMDB API through RapidAPI before, and I can share some insights that might help you troubleshoot.

First, the =GET() function you’re trying to use is specific to certain APIs and won’t work directly with the IMDB API. Instead, you’ll need to use Apps Script to make the HTTP request.

The curly braces in the example URL are placeholders for variables. You’ll replace those with actual values when making the request.

For the 400 error, double-check your API key and make sure you’re using the correct endpoint. Also, ensure you’re passing all required parameters.

To get started, I’d recommend creating a custom function in Apps Script that makes the API call and returns the data. Then you can call this function from your sheet.

If you’re still stuck, consider looking at RapidAPI’s documentation specifically for Google Sheets integration. They often provide step-by-step guides that can be very helpful for beginners.

3

hey sarahj, i feel ur pain! API stuff can be tricky. For IMDB data, u might wanna try using IMPORTJSON function instead of GET(). It’s easier to work with. Also, make sure ur API key is valid and ur using the right endpoint. If ur still stuck, hit up RapidAPI’s support - they’re usually pretty helpful. Good luck!

4

As someone who’s integrated IMDB data into Google Sheets before, I’d recommend using Apps Script rather than the GET() function for this purpose. In my experience, the GET() function isn’t suited for the IMDB API; you need to create an Apps Script project within your sheet and write a custom function that makes the API call with UrlFetchApp.fetch(). Once you get the JSON response, extract the parts you need and return them for the sheet. Note that the curly braces in the URL are just placeholders for actual values. If you encounter a 400 error, verify your API key, endpoint, and all required parameters. It might also help to review RapidAPI’s tutorials on Google Sheets integration for further guidance.