How To Cite A Movie

How to Cite a Movie in Standard American English

Introduction

When writing a research paper, thesis, or any other academic document, it is important to accurately and consistently cite your sources. This includes citing movies, which can be a bit tricky due to their unique format and distribution. This article will provide comprehensive guidelines on how to cite a movie in Standard American English, ensuring that your citations meet academic standards and allow readers to easily locate the source material.

General Rules

• Use MLA (Modern Language Association) Style: MLA is the most commonly used citation style for humanities and social sciences. It is recommended for citing movies unless otherwise specified by your instructor or institution.
• Provide the following information (in order):
  • Director’s name
  • Title of the movie (in italics)
  • Distributor (if available)
  • Release year

In-Text Citations

• Parenthetical Citations: Include the director’s last name and release year in parentheses.

  • Example: (Spielberg, 1993)

• Narrative Citations: Incorporate the director’s name and release year into the text.

  • Example: Steven Spielberg directed the 1993 film "Jurassic Park."

Works Cited Page

• Title: Create a separate "Works Cited" page at the end of your document.
• Format: Each citation should be listed in alphabetical order by director’s last name.
• Punctuation: Use proper punctuation, including periods after the director’s name and release year.

Specific Citation Formats

1. Movie with a Single Director

• Works Cited:

  Spielberg, Steven. *Jurassic Park*. Universal Pictures, 1993.

2. Movie with Multiple Directors

• Works Cited:

  Coen, Joel, and Ethan Coen. *The Big Lebowski*. Universal Pictures, 1998.

3. Movie with No Known Director

• Works Cited:

  *Sans titre*. Directed by unknown director. XYZ Films, 2022.

4. Movie with a Distributor Not Listed

• Works Cited:

  Nolan, Christopher. *The Dark Knight*. 2008.

5. Movie with a Limited Release

• Works Cited:

  Anderson, Wes. *The Darjeeling Limited*. Limited release, 2007.

6. Movie with a Streaming Release

• Works Cited:

  Bong, Joon-ho. *Parasite*. Netflix, 2019.

7. Movie with a Television Broadcast

• Works Cited:

  Kubrick, Stanley. *The Shining*. Broadcast on AMC, February 16, 2023.

8. Movie with a DVD or Blu-ray Release

• Works Cited:

  Lynch, David. *Blue Velvet*. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, 2017. DVD.

Additional Considerations

• Italics and Quotation Marks: Movies are typically italicized in academic writing, while other works (such as books and articles) are placed in quotation marks.
• Edition Information: For movies with multiple versions, include the edition information if available.
• Translation Information: If the movie is not in its original language, indicate the translation information.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different citation style for movies?
A: While MLA is preferred for humanities and social sciences, other styles may be used depending on your discipline and instructor’s preference. Check with your instructor or institution for specific guidelines.

Q: How do I cite a movie that is part of a series?
A: Include the series title in parentheses after the movie title.

• Example: Nolan, Christopher. The Dark Knight Rises (The Dark Knight Trilogy). Warner Bros., 2012.

Q: How do I cite a movie that I watched on a streaming platform?
A: List the streaming platform name in place of the distributor.

• Example: Bong, Joon-ho. Parasite. Netflix, 2019.

Q: How do I cite a movie that I found on YouTube or another online platform?
A: Include the platform name and URL in place of the distributor.

• Example: Howard, Ron. Splash. YouTube, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL8048_cc-M

Conclusion

Citing movies accurately and consistently is essential for academic writing. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations meet scholarly standards and provide readers with the necessary information to locate the source material. Remember to use the appropriate citation style, provide all required information, and format your citations correctly to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism.