Cite a film in MLA 9
Films raise ownership questions because the director, production company, distributor, and streaming platform can all look like creators. In MLA 9 (2021), the director usually anchors the citation, while the studio or distributor identifies the release. Add the film title in italics, the year, the viewing format when relevant, and a URL for streaming copies.
MLA 9 rules for a film
- Director is usually the creator in the author position.
- Year is the original release year for the version you watched.
- Film title is italicized.
- Studio or distributor identifies the release.
- Add the format, such as theatrical film or streaming video, and a URL for streaming copies.
- Put the title first, followed by directed by and the director name.
Worked example
MLA 9 · filmA real film formatted using the MLA 9 rules above.
Nolan, Christopher "Oppenheimer [Film]." *Universal Pictures*, 2023, www.uphe.com/movies/oppenheimer. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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