How to reference a film in MLA A Guide to Citing

Published 10 August 2026

With how to reference a film in MLA at the forefront, this guide opens a window to a world of proper citation and referencing for film enthusiasts and aspiring writers alike. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a student looking to perfect your academic work, this comprehensive resource will walk you through the ins and outs of referencing films in MLA style.

The MLA style manual provides a set of guidelines for formatting citations and references, and citing films is an essential part of this process. Understanding how to reference a film in MLA is crucial for accurately crediting the work of filmmakers and artists, and for showcasing your work in a professional and polished manner.

Proper Formating for MLA Film Citations: How To Reference A Film In Mla

When it comes to citing films in MLA style, there are several formats to consider, depending on who the author, director, or a group of directors are. Understanding these formats will help you effectively reference films in your academic work.

In MLA style, films are cited with the title and director's last name, with the director's first name in parentheses. However, this can change depending on whether you're citing an individual author, director, or a group of directors.

Citing an Individual Author or Director

1. Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of the Film. Director's Last Name, Director's First Name. Year of Release. Medium of Publication.
2. Example: Kubrick, Stanley. 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kubrick, Stanley. 1968. Film.

Citing a Group of Directors, How to reference a film in mla

1. Director's Last Name et al. Title of the Film. Year of Release. Medium of Publication.
2. Example: Kubrick et al. A Clockwork Orange. 1971. Film.

Citing Multiple Films by the Same Author or Director

1. Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of the Film. Director's Last Name, Director's First Name. Year of Release. Medium of Publication. Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Another Film. Director's Last Name, Director's First Name. Year of Release. Medium of Publication.
2. Example: Kubrick, Stanley. 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kubrick, Stanley. 1968. Film. Kubrick, Stanley. A Clockwork Orange. Kubrick, Stanley. 1971. Film.

Citing a Film with Multiple Directors

1. Director 1 Last Name, Director 1 First Name, Director 2 Last Name, Director 2 First Name, etc. Title of the Film. Year of Release. Medium of Publication.
2. Example: Kubrick, Stanley, and Arthur C. Clarke. 2001: A Space Odyssey. 1968. Film.

Titles of Films in In-Text Citations

1. Example: "The Shawshank Redemption" (Darabont).

Special Considerations for Foreign or Non-English Language Titles

1. Example: "Das Schlangenei" (Alfons Götz).

Citing Different Types of Film Sources in MLA Style

In MLA style, films are generally cited in theWorks Cited page, and the citation format may vary depending on the type of film, such as feature films, documentaries, animated films, and films with multiple authors or co-directors.

Feature Films

It's worth noting that when a film has multiple directors, only the first director's name is included in the citation.

Documentaries

Animated Films

Films with Multiple Authors or Co-Directors

Films in a Larger Series or Franchise

When citing films that are part of a franchise, be sure to include the title of the specific film and the title of the franchise or series.

Films with No Release Date or Production Company

It's worth noting that when citing films, it's always best to consult the MLA Handbook or other reliable sources for the most up-to-date information on citation formats.

Films with no Directors

Films with a Narrator but No Directors

Citing Film Adaptations and Translations in MLA Style

When citing a film adaptation of a literary work, you will need to provide the title of the original work, the title of the film adaptation, and the director's name. For example:

* The original work: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

In your works cited list, you would cite the original work and the film adaptation separately, but make sure to include a note indicating that the film is an adaptation of the original work.

1. Film Adaptations of Novels

   When citing film adaptations of novels, it is essential to include the title of the novel, the title of the film, and the director's name. For example:

   • "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, film adaptation "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) directed by Robert Mulligan
   • "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, film adaptation "The Great Gatsby" (2013) directed by Baz Luhrmann

2. Film Adaptations of Plays

   When citing film adaptations of plays, it is essential to include the title of the play, the title of the film, and the director's name. For example:

   • "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, film adaptation "Romeo and Juliet" (1996) directed by Baz Luhrmann
   • "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, film adaptation "Hamlet" (1948) directed by Laurence Olivier

3. Film Adaptations of Short Stories

   When citing film adaptations of short stories, it is essential to include the title of the short story, the title of the film, and the director's name. For example:

   • "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry, film adaptation "The Gift of the Magi" (2007) directed by Michael Mabbott
   • "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe, film adaptation "The Tell-Tale Heart" (2001) directed by Ron Campbell

Citing Films That Are Adaptations of Foreign Works

1. Providing Translation Information

   When citing film adaptations of foreign works, you may need to provide translation information. For example:

   • "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu, film adaptation "The Tale of Genji" (1951) directed by Keisuke Kinoshita, translation by A.L. Sadler
   • "The Story of O" by Pauline Réage, film adaptation "The Story of O" (1975) directed by François Truffaut, translation by S. B. Okuda

2. Providing Cultural Context Information

   When citing film adaptations of foreign works, you may need to provide cultural context information. For example:

   • "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci, film adaptation "The Last Supper" (1975) directed by Giuseppe De Santis, note: the film is an adaptation of the famous painting, but also includes cultural context about the artwork and its significance
   • "The Story of King Arthur" by Geoffrey of Monmouth, film adaptation "The Story of King Arthur" (2008) directed by Michael Bay, note: the film is an adaptation of the medieval legend, but also includes cultural context about the legend and its significance

Last Point

In conclusion, referencing films in MLA style is an art that requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy. By following the guidelines Artikeld in this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of film referencing and citation. Whether you're working on a research paper, a presentation, or a creative project, remember to always give credit where credit is due – and to reference your films with pride!

Q&A

What are the key elements required for an effective in-text citation in MLA style?

In MLA style, an effective in-text citation typically includes the author's last name, a page number if available, and a brief quote or reference to the source material. For example: (Smith 23) or ("This quote is from Smith 23").

How do I cite a film with a foreign title in MLA style?

When citing a film with a foreign title in MLA style, you should include the title in the original language, followed by a translation in parentheses. For example: "La Vie en Rose" (A Life in Roses).

What is the difference between a film adaptation and a film translation in MLA style?

A film adaptation is a reworking of an original source material, such as a novel or play, into a film. A film translation is a film that has been adapted from a foreign source material and has been translated into the target language. In MLA style, both adaptations and translations are cited in the Works Cited page with the title of the original work in the original language, followed by a brief description of the adaptation or translation.

How do I cite a film accessed through an online streaming platform in MLA style?

In MLA style, films accessed through online streaming platforms are cited in the same way as physical copies of the film. You should include the title of the film, the name of the platform, and the date you accessed the film. For example: "The Shawshank Redemption" (available on Netflix, accessed March 15, 2022).