How to Cite a Movie or Film in APA (7th edition)
Learn how to cite a movie or film in APA format (7th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
APA Reference List Format
Here is the standard APA format for citing a movie or film in your reference list:
Director, A. A. (Director). (Year). Title of film [Film]. Production Company.
APA Example for a Movie or Film
A complete APA reference for a movie or film, formatted by the official APA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Sorrentino, A. (Director). (2018). The long corridor. Meridian Pictures.
Matching in-text citation: (Sorrentino, 2018)
APA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Director, Year)
Narrative
Director (Year) portrays...
Key APA Formatting Rules
- Italicize the film title.
- List the director using the Director role in parentheses.
- Include the production company as the publisher.
- Use [Film] as the description bracket.
- Include year of release in parentheses after author.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your movie or film.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the APA (7th edition) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match APA requirements.
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