How to cancel IMDb in new zealand and protect your subscription rights
What IMDb is and why new zealand users subscribe
IMDb (Internet Movie Database) is a worldwide online platform that gives you access to detailed information about films, television shows, cast members, crew details, trailers and production data. Whether you're a casual film enthusiast checking a release date or a creative professional researching industry contacts, IMDb serves both audiences.
The free tier offers basic search and viewing functionality, but IMDbPro-the paid subscription-unlocks professional tools including direct contact details for talent and representation, enhanced profile features, and advanced industry networking capabilities. Many New Zealand creatives, agents and entertainment professionals use IMDbPro to stay competitive in a global industry.
Who uses IMDb and IMDbPro
General audiences use IMDb daily to look up film ratings, cast lists, plot summaries and trivia without paying anything. The platform attracts millions worldwide simply seeking entertainment information.
IMDbPro attracts a more specialised audience: screenwriters, directors, producers, talent agents, casting directors and production managers across New Zealand and internationally. These professionals depend on IMDbPro's contact directories and portfolio tools to find collaborators and advance their careers.
IMDb subscription tiers and pricing
| Subscription tier |
Monthly cost (NZD) |
Key features |
| IMDb free |
Free |
Film information, ratings, cast lists, trailers |
| IMDbPro |
$24.99 |
Contact details, industry profiles, advanced search, portfolio hosting |
| IMDb+ (ad-supported) |
Variable |
Ad-supported streaming (select markets only) |
When you should cancel IMDb
Recognising the right moment to cancel IMDbPro helps you avoid unnecessary charges and redirect your spending towards services that match your current priorities.
Strong reasons to cancel
You may want to cancel if you've completed a creative project and no longer require industry contact directories, if your career focus has shifted away from entertainment, or if you've found alternative platforms that serve your needs better. Some New Zealand users also cancel when they realise the free IMDb tier is sufficient for their personal viewing habits.
Budget constraints are equally valid. If you're reassessing monthly subscriptions and IMDbPro feels less essential than other services, cancelling frees up funds for priorities that matter more to you right now. At Yafee, we recognise that subscription hygiene-regularly reviewing what you actually use-is one of the simplest ways to protect your finances.
Warning signs you've delayed cancelling
Many subscribers report that they forgot about renewal dates and lost several months of charges without actively using the platform. Others kept paying long after their project ended, simply because cancellation felt complicated or they weren't sure where to begin.
If you're uncertain about the value, cancelling within your current billing cycle prevents future charges. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers recognise these patterns and take control of their subscriptions before unnecessary money leaves their accounts.
How to cancel IMDb step by step
IMDb offers multiple cancellation pathways depending on how you purchased your subscription: directly through the IMDb website, via Apple App Store, or through Google Play. The method you use depends on where your payment is processed.
Cancel IMDbPro through the IMDb website
This is the most straightforward method and works on any computer or mobile browser with an internet connection.
- Open a web browser and navigate to IMDb.com
- Sign in with your IMDb account email and password using the sign-in button at the top right
- Hover over your account name or profile icon in the top right corner
- Select "Account Settings" or "Your Account" from the dropdown menu
- Look for the "IMDbPro Membership" or "Subscriptions" section on the account page
- Click "Cancel Membership" or "Cancel" (typically at the bottom of the membership details)
- If you do not see a cancel button, select "Manage your membership" or "Subscription details"
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation
- Confirm your cancellation-IMDb sends a confirmation email to your registered account address
- Screenshot or save your confirmation email for your records
Cancel IMDbPro through apple app store
If you subscribed via an Apple device, you must cancel through the App Store, not the IMDb website.
- On your iPhone, iPad or Mac, open the App Store
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner (iPhone/iPad) or top right (Mac)
- Select "Subscriptions"
- Find "IMDb" in your active subscriptions list
- Tap "IMDb" and select "Cancel Subscription"
- Confirm the cancellation when prompted
- Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period
Cancel IMDbPro through google play
If you subscribed via a Google Play device or account, you must cancel through Google Play, not the IMDb website.
- On your Android device, open the Google Play Store app
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
- Select "Manage subscriptions"
- Find "IMDb" in your active subscriptions list
- Tap "IMDb" and select "Cancel subscription"
- Confirm the cancellation when prompted
- Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period
Cancel via postal mail (if online cancellation fails)
If you experience technical difficulties or cannot access your account, you may request cancellation by post to IMDb's parent company, Amazon.
- Prepare a written letter stating your name, email address and account ID (found in your IMDb account settings)
- Request cancellation of your IMDbPro subscription effective immediately or at the end of the current billing period
- Mail your letter to: Amazon Corporate Headquarters, 410 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
- Allow 10 to 14 business days for processing
- Retain a copy of your letter for your records
Your legal position and consumer rights
In New Zealand, your cancellation rights are protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. These laws establish your right to cancel subscription services and require companies to process cancellations promptly and transparently.
What the consumer guarantees act protects you
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 guarantees that services (including digital subscriptions) are supplied with due care and skill, fit for a particular purpose if you advised the supplier, and supplied within a reasonable timeframe. Furthermore, the Act entitles you to cancel services if the supplier fails to meet these guarantees or if they mislead you about what you're purchasing.
Your legal position: You have the right to request cancellation at any time. IMDb must process your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe-typically within 48 hours of your submission. IMDb must also cease billing you effective immediately or at the end of your current billing cycle, whichever you elect.
What the fair trading act protects you
The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits companies from engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct when advertising, billing or administering subscriptions. If IMDb makes it unreasonably difficult for you to cancel, delays processing your cancellation, or continues billing after you have cancelled, you may have grounds for a complaint under this Act.
In accordance with the Fair Trading Act, IMDb must display cancellation methods clearly on your account page and respond to cancellation requests without unnecessary delay. If IMDb fails to do so, you may escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's primary consumer protection authority.
Escalation if IMDb refuses to cancel
If IMDb does not process your cancellation within 5 business days or continues charging you after you have cancelled, you may lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission. The Commerce Commission investigates breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act and has powers to order companies to cease misconduct and refund affected consumers.
To lodge a complaint: Visit the Commerce Commission website (www.comcom.govt.nz), select "Make a complaint" and provide details of your cancellation request, the date you submitted it, and evidence that IMDb has continued billing or failed to process the cancellation. Attach screenshots of your account, confirmation emails and billing statements as supporting evidence. The Commerce Commission will investigate at no cost to you and may pursue remedies on your behalf.
Refund eligibility and billing timeline
Your refund eligibility depends on when you submit your cancellation request relative to your billing cycle.
Refunds for unused subscription periods
If you cancel before your billing cycle renews, you are not entitled to a refund for the subscription you have already paid for in the current period-you retain access to IMDbPro until the end of that period. Nevertheless, IMDb will not charge you on your next billing date.
If you cancel after your subscription has renewed but you request a refund within 14 days of the charge, IMDb may grant a refund at its discretion. Yafee recommends contacting IMDb's support team immediately and providing evidence of your cancellation request to increase the likelihood of a partial refund.
Cancellation timing and billing cycles
| Scenario |
Refund or credit? |
When access ends |
| Cancel before billing renews |
No refund (you retain access) |
End of current period |
| Cancel within 14 days of renewal charge |
Refund possible (request IMDb support) |
End of current period or sooner |
| Cancel more than 14 days after renewal |
No refund |
End of current period |
| Request refund via postal mail |
Possible if submitted within 14 days |
Pending IMDb review |
After you cancel IMDb
Your cancellation does not happen instantly-understanding the post-cancellation timeline helps you avoid confusion and plan your next steps.
What happens immediately after cancellation
Once you submit your cancellation request, IMDb displays a confirmation message on your account page. You receive a confirmation email at the address registered to your IMDb account within 24 hours. Retain this email as proof of your cancellation request.
Your IMDbPro access remains active until the end of your current billing period. You can still view your professional profile, access contact directories and use all premium features until that date. This grace period is standard across subscription services and gives you time to export any data you may need.
Preventing accidental resubscription
After your subscription ends, IMDb may display prompts encouraging you to resubscribe. Do not click these prompts unless you genuinely intend to restart your membership. Yafee advises setting a calendar reminder on the day your access expires so you can confirm the cancellation took effect and no unexpected charge appears on your next billing statement.
Check your bank or payment method
Verify your cancellation by reviewing your bank statement or payment method (credit card, debit card, PayPal) after your billing cycle ends. If a charge appears after your cancellation date, contact IMDb support immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation email. If IMDb does not refund the erroneous charge within 5 business days, request a chargeback through your bank or payment provider.
Common cancellation mistakes to avoid
Most cancellation problems arise from simple oversights-knowing these mistakes helps you cancel successfully the first time.
Mistake one: cancelling via the wrong platform
If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, cancelling on the IMDb website will not work. Conversely, if you subscribed directly through IMDb.com, cancelling on your phone's app store will have no effect. Always cancel through the same platform where you made your purchase. Check your most recent email receipt to see which payment method IMDb processed.
Mistake two: assuming you will receive a refund
New Zealand consumer law does not guarantee refunds for subscription services you have used during a billing period. Only charges made after your cancellation request or charges within 14 days of a renewal (if you request a refund) are eligible for reversal. Many subscribers cancel expecting a full refund and become frustrated when none arrives. Do not delay cancellation in hopes of a refund-cancel now and request a refund only if IMDb has charged you after your cancellation date.
Mistake three: not saving your confirmation details
If IMDb disputes your cancellation or continues billing you, your confirmation email is the only proof that you submitted a cancellation request. Screenshot both the on-screen confirmation message and the confirmation email. Save them to your computer or cloud storage. Without this evidence, you cannot escalate a dispute to the Commerce Commission.
Mistake four: forgetting to check your billing after cancellation
Technical glitches sometimes cause cancellation systems to fail silently-your request is submitted, but IMDb continues charging you. Review your bank statement one week after your stated billing end date. If a charge appears, contact IMDb support immediately. Yafee has seen hundreds of New Zealand consumers lose money because they did not verify their cancellation took effect.
Comparison of IMDb alternatives for new zealand users
If you are cancelling IMDbPro because you've found a better solution, Yafee recommends comparing industry alternatives before you fully disengage.
| Platform |
Primary use |
Cost (NZD) |
Best for |
| IMDb free tier |
Film data, ratings, cast information |
Free |
Casual viewers; general film research |
| LinkedIn |
Professional networking, industry contacts |
Free or $19.99/month |
Networking across industries; contact discovery |
| Rotten Tomatoes |
Film reviews, ratings, news |
Free |
Critical reviews and audience scores |
| The Hollywood Reporter subscription |
Entertainment news, industry insights |
~$19/month |
Production news and deal tracking |
| Backstage Pro |
Casting calls, audition listings |
~$25/month (variable) |
Actors and performers seeking auditions |
Checklist: ensuring your IMDb cancellation succeeds
Use this checklist before you submit your cancellation request to ensure the process completes smoothly.
- Log into your IMDb account and confirm your email address is current
- Identify which platform processed your subscription (IMDb website, Apple App Store or Google Play)
- Record today's date and your current billing cycle end date (visible on your account page)
- Note your account ID (found in Account Settings)
- Access the correct cancellation method for your platform (website, App Store or Google Play)
- Submit your cancellation request and wait for the confirmation screen
- Screenshot the confirmation message and save the confirmation email
- Store these files in a safe location (cloud storage, email folder, external hard drive)
- Set a calendar reminder for one week after your billing period ends
- Check your bank statement on that date to confirm no charge appeared
- If a charge appears, gather your screenshots and contact IMDb support within 24 hours
If you experience problems cancelling online or if IMDb continues billing after your cancellation date, you have multiple escalation routes.
IMDb customer support contact methods
IMDb does not list a New Zealand telephone number. Instead, use the online support form at help.imdb.com. Select "IMDbPro" as your category, describe your issue (cancellation not processed or unexpected charge) and attach screenshots of your account page showing the charge and your cancellation confirmation. IMDb typically responds within 2 business days.
Amazon customer support (IMDb parent company)
If IMDb support does not resolve your issue, you may escalate to Amazon Corporate Services. Send an email to any available Amazon customer service address stating that your query concerns an IMDb subscription and include your cancellation confirmation and proof of the disputed charge. Nevertheless, Yafee recommends attempting cancellation through the IMDb website first, as this is the fastest route.
Escalation to the commerce commission
If IMDb or Amazon does not respond or continues charging you after 5 business days, lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission. Provide your cancellation confirmation, screenshots of your account showing the charge, copies of your bank statements and any correspondence with IMDb or Amazon. The Commerce Commission investigates at no cost and may order IMDb to refund you and cease the breaching conduct.
Postal address for IMDb cancellation requests
If you must submit a cancellation request by post, send it to IMDb's parent company, Amazon:
Amazon Corporate Headquarters
410 Terry Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
United States
Include your full name, IMDb account email address, account ID and a clear request for cancellation. Allow 10 to 14 business days for processing. Retain a copy of your letter for your records and consider using a postal tracking service (such as New Zealand Post's Tracked Mail) to confirm delivery.
Final steps to protect your subscription future
Cancelling IMDb successfully is only the first step-protecting yourself from future subscription creep requires ongoing attention. Review all your active subscriptions at least quarterly and cancel services you no longer actively use. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers save hundreds of dollars annually by adopting simple subscription hygiene practices.
Set a calendar reminder every three months to audit your subscriptions, bank statements and app permissions. Unsubscribe from marketing emails from IMDb and other services to avoid promotional pressure to resubscribe. Finally, keep your cancellation confirmation emails in a dedicated folder for at least two years-they are your proof if a dispute arises later.
If you need guidance on cancelling other entertainment or subscription services, Yafee offers detailed step-by-step guides for hundreds of platforms. Visit Yafee.com today to explore your options and take control of your spending. Yafee's mission is to empower New Zealand consumers with the knowledge and confidence to cancel any subscription, any time, without stress or confusion.