How to Cite a Documentary in Harvard (Cite Them Right)

Learn how to cite documentary films and non-fiction films in Harvard format (Cite Them Right). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Harvard Reference List Format

Here is the standard Harvard format for citing a documentary in your reference list:

Harvard Example for a Documentary

A complete Harvard reference for a documentary, formatted by the official Harvard CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

Matching in-text citation: (Paper trails, 2021)

Harvard In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Key Harvard Formatting Rules

• Use the director as author with the (dir.) label and give the year.
• Italicize the title and add the [Documentary film] descriptor.
• Include the place of distribution and the distributor.
• Add the streaming platform and URL if accessed online.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your documentary.
2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Harvard (Cite Them Right) template shown above.
3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
4. Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Harvard requirements.

Cite a Documentary in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Harvard

More Resources

• Free Citation Generator (10,834 styles)
• Free Writing Tools
• Compare Citation Styles
• All Citation Guides
• Cheat Sheets (APA, MLA, Chicago)
• Citation Glossary (et al., ibid., DOI, hanging indent)