Self-host MovieClaw
windows-v0.1.2AI media server replacing the *arr stack with native apps
- Stars
- 186
- Ports
- 3000 (Web UI and API (nginx frontend)), 7359 (LAN auto-discovery (UDP) for native apps and Jellyfin players)
movieclaw/movieclaw
What is MovieClaw?
MovieClaw is an all-in-one AI media server for personal and household use. It combines the traditional automation stack, request handling, and media playback into one Docker container with a single data folder. The server provides a web interface, native applications for mobile devices, televisions, and desktop computers with high-quality playback that supports Dolby Vision and Atmos. A built-in AI agent can subscribe to shows, generate subtitles, organize libraries, and answer questions through chat apps. It connects to 23 Chinese private trackers and works with qBittorrent or Transmission. Hardware transcoding works with Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, or Apple Silicon. The interface is currently Chinese-only. It presents as Jellyfin-compatible so Infuse and VidHub can connect directly. The license is a modified Apache-2.0 with a non-commercial restriction, available at no cost for personal and household use; commercial use requires written authorization.
Should you self-host MovieClaw?
MovieClaw scores 43/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #91 of 118 in Media Server. It has 186 GitHub stars.
It shipped 10 stable releases in the past year. The latest, windows-v0.1.2, came out on 25 October 2026.
Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. An official Docker image is available. It is Other-licensed and written mostly in Python.
Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Jellyfin (88/100, 58 737 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See MovieClaw vs Jellyfin side by side.
Features
- AI subtitle generation and translationRequires an OpenAI-compatible LLM endpoint
- All-in-one media server
- Built-in AI agentRequires an OpenAI-compatible LLM endpoint
- Dual metadata sources (TMDB + Douban)
- Hardware TranscodingRemote transcoding to a Mac transcoder also supported
- In-app updates with rollback
- Jellyfin-compatible API
- LAN auto-discovery
- MCP and CLI access
- Multi-user with parental controls
- Native apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Mac, WindowsiOS app requires sideloading until App Store release
- Plugin System
- Quality upgrades with recycle bin
- Watch progress sync
MovieClaw README
FAQ
Where can I get help?
Open an issue on GitHub or join the Telegram group at t.me/movieclawio.
How do I update?
Update with one click under Settings → Updates & maintenance, and roll back from the same page if needed. Only pull a new Docker image when release notes say so.
I forgot the admin password
Run `docker exec -it movieclaw python -m movieclaw_api.reset_password` on the host machine and enter a new password. Family members' passwords can be reset by an admin under Settings → Members.
Is the interface available in English?
Not yet. The interface and logs are currently in Chinese only.
Can I watch away from home?
There's no built-in remote access. Set up Tailscale, WireGuard, or a reverse proxy. The iPhone app is tuned for slow connections away from home.
Where does my data live? Does anything go to the cloud?
Your library, watch history, accounts, and settings all live in the data folder on your machine. MovieClaw only goes online for metadata (TMDB, Douban), update checks (GitHub), and the trackers, AI models, and chat apps you connect.
Do I need an AI model?
No. The AI agent and AI subtitles need a model you bring (any OpenAI-compatible API). Everything else works without one.
Can I keep Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby?
Yes. MovieClaw can handle subscriptions, downloads, and organizing, then tell Emby or Jellyfin to refresh after each import while they keep handling playback.
Does it work with Infuse?
Yes. MovieClaw presents itself as a Jellyfin-compatible server, so add it in Infuse as Jellyfin. Watch progress syncs both ways.
Is there an Android or Apple TV app?
The native Apple TV app is in public beta via TestFlight. On Android, use the web app or a Jellyfin client. The native iPhone app currently needs to be sideloaded.
Which download clients work?
qBittorrent and Transmission. MovieClaw is not a download client itself.
Which trackers are supported?
23 Chinese private trackers are built in, mostly NexusPHP-based. Torznab, public trackers, and Usenet are not supported.
What hardware do I need?
Anything that runs Docker (x86 or ARM): Synology, QNAP, Unraid NAS, Mac mini, mini PC, old computer, or cloud server. Direct play is light on resources; transcoding benefits from an iGPU or GPU.
Is it open source?
The full source code is on GitHub and you can build and modify it. Releases after v0.27.0 use the MovieClaw License (Apache-2.0 with non-commercial condition), making it source-available rather than OSI open source. v0.27.0 and earlier are MIT-licensed.
Is MovieClaw free?
Yes, for personal and household use. There's no paid tier. Commercial use requires written permission.
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