Usually, when preparing an academic paper, you might be required to include certain information relevant to your topic of discussion from various sources including movies. In such instances, it is essential to give credit to the original source in the academic paper. But, when it comes to quoting any source, you should follow a proper citation format as per the academic guidelines. In this blog, we have specifically touched upon how to quote a movie in academic writing using different citation styles.
Apart from entertainment, movies are a great source of information that often provides a fresh perspective on a specific subject or theme. So, in your academic paper, you may very well use relevant references from movies and cite them later. Movie citations not only add credibility to your arguments but will also make them more intriguing and entertaining for readers.
If you struggle to cite a movie in academic writing, read this blog and understand the formatting requirements and citation styles. Especially, by following the guidelines we have specified here, you may ensure that your paper is informative and adheres to the academic writing standards.
No matter whether you are writing a research paper, thesis, or dissertation, you can confidently use movie quotes to support your points and make your writing more appealing.
Different Citation Formats in Academic Writing
Before quoting a movie in your article, you should be aware of the various citation formats followed in academic writing. The hardest part about citing a movie is finding out what to include and how different academic writing formats differ from one another. You may also get confused based on the publisher’s information, depending on whether the source is a DVD or YouTube video.
To cite a film in an academic paper, the majority of universities follow APA, MLA, or Chicago academic format, which is identical to the Turabian style. However, the formatting rules for each citation style differ.
Mostly, MLA format is used widely and that is why college students frequently ask how to quote a movie in academic writing using MLA format. MLA stands out from other citation styles due to its usage of in-text citations and Works Cited for Bibliography references.
Another popular citation style used in academic papers is the APA. But, an APA-styled document will have a References section on the final page. On the other hand, the Chicago format distinguishes itself from other formats by incorporating footnotes, endnotes, and a bibliography.
When citing a movie in an academic paper, you may use two primary citation formats that are necessary for both the in-text and bibliography. The in-text citation will include both the relevant quotation and a brief reference to an already published source. Furthermore, inaccuracies in the contributors’ list or numbering will have an impact on both the Bibliography page and the text body.
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What Details to Include When Citing a Movie?
Generally, when quoting a movie in academic writing, you should make sure to include certain details about the video source as per the citation style you use. No matter whether you use APA, MLA, Chicago, or any other referencing format, the movie citation in your article should contain these details according to the standard guidelines.
- Movie Title
- Name of the Director/ Producer
- Movie Release Year
- Medium where the movie was viewed [Theater/Streaming App]
- Timestamp of the relevant scene
- Other necessary details
Where to Find Source Details for a Movie Citation?
For a movie reference, you can find out the source information such as the title, director, year of release, and production companies in the film’s end credits or on the packaging for a physical release.
If it is troublesome for you to access the information about the movie, search the databases of websites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb (Internet Movie Database). These websites will offer authentic movie information such as cast and crew lists, release dates, and the names of the production companies.
Know How to Verify the Credibility of Your Video Source
In an academic paper, the source of the movie or a video that you quote must be credible. If you are unsure whether your video source is credible or not, verify its credibility by following these steps.
- Find the video’s source and confirm that it comes from a reliable company or person. Avoid videos that are shared on social media or other platforms without a clear source.
- Verify whether the data in the video is correct and backed up by proof. To confirm the claims made, look for the sources mentioned in the film or conduct your study.
- Check whether the video has a biased or predetermined message. Seek out any indications of misinformation or deception. Never cite videos that offer an unbiased perspective on a subject or that look too wonderful to be true
- Analyze the video’s quality. Check if it has professional editing and production value. Videos of poor quality might not be reliable.
- Look if similar information is being reported by other sources. Information is more likely to be credible if it comes from several sources.
- Check out what other people are saying by reading the video’s comments section. A high volume of critical remarks or comments pointing out errors could indicate that the video is not reliable.
Understand How to Cite a Movie Quote in Academic Writing
To cite a movie dialogue in academic writing, you will have to follow the citation style suggested by your institution or professor. The following are the standard guidelines for citing a movie quote in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles:
MLA Style
When citing a movie quote in MLA format, you must provide the title of the film, the director’s name, the names of the performers, the studio or distributor, and the year of release.
Example:
In The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Corleone famously said, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse” (00:28:52).
APA Style
When citing a movie quote in APA style, you should give the author’s name, the year of release, and the quote’s timestamp within the film.
Example:
In the movie The Godfather (Coppola, 1972), Michael Corleone famously said, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse” (00:28:52).
Chicago Style
When citing a movie quote in Chicago style, you must provide the title of the film, the director’s name, the actors’ names, the distributor, and the year of release.
Example:
In The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Corleone famously said, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse” (00:28:52).
Remember, you should include the time stamp only for the internet sources, DVDs, or other media where the content is time stamped.
Also Read: 130 Engaging Ancient History Topics for Academic Writing
Learn How to Quote a Movie in Academic Writing
When citing a movie in academic articles, make sure to follow the appropriate citation style standards. The following are some examples of movie citations in the APA, MLA, and Chicago formats.
MLA Style
Find here, how to cite a movie in MLA referencing style.
In-text citation:
(Director Last Name page number(s))
Works cited:
Director Last Name, First Name, Director. Title of Movie. Publisher, Year of Release.
Example
In-text citation: (Zemeckis 25)
Works Cited: Zemeckis, Robert, director. Back to the Future. Universal Pictures, 1985.
APA Style
Find here, how to cite a movie in APA referencing style.
In-text citation:
(Producer Last Name & Director Last Name, Year of release)
Reference list:
Producer Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial. (Producer), & Director Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial. (Director). (Year of release). Title of the movie [Motion picture]. Country of origin: Studio.
Example
In-text citation: (Spielberg & Zemeckis, 1985)
Reference list: Spielberg, S. (Producer), & Zemeckis, R. (Director). (1985). Back to the Future [Motion picture]. United States: Universal Pictures.
Chicago Style
Find here, how to cite a movie in Chicago referencing style.
In-text citation:
(Director Last Name Year of Release)
Bibliography:
Director Last Name, First Name. Title of Movie. Year of Release. Format.
Example
In-text citation: (Zemeckis 1985)
Bibliography: Zemeckis, Robert. Back to the Future. 1985. Film.
Know How to Cite a Movie in a Text
You must follow the specified citation style standards when citing a movie in text. Here are some examples of movie citations in the MLA, APA, and Chicago formats
MLA Style
(Director Last Name page number(s))
Example
In Back to the Future, Marty McFly travels back in time to the 1950s (Zemeckis 25).
APA Style
(Producer Last Name & Director Last Name, Year of release)
Example
According to Spielberg and Zemeckis (1985), time travel is possible in the movie Back to the Future.
Chicago Style
(Director Last Name Year of Release)
Example
The 1985 film Back to the Future, directed by Robert Zemeckis, explores the concept of time travel.
Understand How to Cite a Movie in Text if the Source is a Website
Here, we have shared the MLA, and APA referencing template for citing a movie in text if the source of the video is a website.
MLA Style
For a website or YouTube video, use this template.
Last name, First name of the creator. “Title of the film or video.” Title of the website, role of contributors and their full name or username, Version, Numbers, Publisher, Publication date, URL.
For streaming services or databases, use this format.
Last name, First name of content creator. Title of the film or video. Role of contributors and their First name Last name, Version, Numbers, Publisher, and Publication date. Database name, URL.
YouTube Video Example,
Talks at Google. “Kelly Jones: Stereophonics Lead Singer in Conversation.” YouTube, May 7, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w9TBxKXWYo.
In-text citation example,
Talks at Google (00:00:04 – 00:00:13)
APA Style
For YouTube Video, use this format
Person or group who uploaded a video. (Date of publication). Title of video [Video]. Website host. URL
For a DVD, use this format
Director, D. D. (Director). (Date of publication). Title of a motion picture in original language [Translated title] [Film]. Production company.
Movie Citation in Chicago Style
To cite a movie in Chicago style, follow this template.
In-Text Citation
Cite the last name of the director and the year of release in parentheses.
Example
According to Nolan (2008), The Dark Knight is a masterpiece of the superhero genre.
Bibliography Entry
Director’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Movie. Studio, Year. Length. URL (if applicable).
Example
Nolan, Christopher. The Dark Knight. Warner Bros., 2008. 2 hours, 32 minutes.
Also Read: 100 Captivating Modern History Topics for Academic Writing
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, by now, you will have gained a better understanding of how to quote a movie in academic writing. When referencing a movie in your academic paper, make sure to follow the proper citation style standards and include all relevant information, such as the title, director/producer, release year, and media. This will ensure that your citations are reliable.
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