How do I cite a movie or documentary in MLA Style?
Answer
- MLA recommends that you cite films beginning with their title unless you wish to emphasize a specific performer or director.
- Include the name of the director, the film studio or distributor, and the release year.
- Documentaries are cited based upon their format and mode of access, just as any other film.
- For the in-text citation include the title (or a shortened title) and a time range.
- Examples below include citations for both physical and streaming media.
Film on DVD
Title. Directed by First Name Last Name, Film Studio or Distributor, Release Year. Physical Medium.
A Wrinkle in Time. Directed by Ava DuVernay, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2018. DVD.
In text-citation: (A Wrinkle in Time 19:25–30:06)
Film on Streaming Service
Title. Directed by First Name Last Name, Film Studio or Distributor, Release Year. Website or Streaming Platform, URL.
Desk Set. Directed by Walter Lang, 20th Century Studios, 1957. Netflix, https://www.netflix.com/title/80058700.
To emphasize specific performers or directors, begin the citation with the name of the desired performer or director, followed by the appropriate title for that person.
Example:
Jackson, Peter, director. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. New Line Cinema/WingNut Films, 2001. DVD.
In-text citation: (Fellowship of the Ring 49:45–52:37)
If you need further help, contact a librarian