How to Cite a Film in APA Format

Citing a film in APA format requires the director’s name, release year, film title, production company, and format description. The director is treated as the author of the work.

Basic Film Citation Format

The standard APA 7th edition format for a film citation is:

Reference list entry:

Director, A. A. (Director). (Year). Title of film [Film]. Production Company.

Parenthetical in-text citation: (Director, Year)

Narrative in-text citation: Director (Year)

In-Text Citation Examples

When you reference a film within your paper, you have two options:

• Parenthetical: The film explored themes of memory and identity (Nolan, 2000).
• Narrative: Nolan (2000) explored themes of memory and identity.

Common Variations

Film with Multiple Directors

List all directors separated by commas with an ampersand before the last name.

Wachowski, L., & Wachowski, L. (Directors). (1999). The Matrix [Film]. Warner Bros.; Village Roadshow Pictures.

Film on a Streaming Platform

Include the streaming service as the production company when the film was produced by that service.

Cuarón, A. (Director). (2018). Roma [Film]. Netflix.

Documentary Film

Use the same format as a narrative film. The director is still listed as the author.

Guggenheim, D. (Director). (2006). An inconvenient truth [Film]. Paramount Classics; Participant Productions.

Tips for Citing Films

• Credit the director as the author, not the actors or screenwriters.
• Use [Film] in square brackets after the title to identify the format.
• List multiple production companies separated by semicolons.
• Italicize the film title in the reference entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a film I watched on a streaming service like Netflix? If Netflix produced the film, list Netflix as the production company. If Netflix is only the distributor, list the original production company instead.

What if a film has both a director and a producer I want to credit? APA recommends crediting the director as the author. You can mention the producer in the text of your paper if relevant.

How do I cite a specific scene or timestamp? Include the timestamp in your in-text citation: (Director, Year, 1:23:45). The reference entry should cite the entire film.