Harvard Referencing Guide

How to Cite Films in Harvard Style

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    To cite a film in Harvard style you will need the following:

    • Title of the film
    • Film’s date of release
    • Name of director
    • Place of distribution
    • Name of production company

    Film citation format: Harvard style 

    Film Title (Year of distribution) Directed by Director Initial(s). Surname [Film]. Place of distribution: Production company.

    For example:

    Citizen Kane (1941) Directed by O. Welles [Film]. Los Angeles: RKO Radio Pictures.

    If the film was viewed on DVD or Blu-ray, the format is as follows:

    Film Title (Year of distribution) Directed by Director Initial(s). Surname [DVD/Blu-ray]. Place of distribution: Production company.

    For example:

    Bridesmaids (2011) Directed by P. Feig [Blu-ray]. Los Angeles: Apatow Productions.

    Citing a film streamed online

    If you viewed a film on a streaming service like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Mubi, or on a catch-up service like BBC iPlayer or All 4, the format is as follows:

    Film Title (Year of distribution) Directed by Director Initial(s). Surname. Available at: Name of Streaming Service (Accessed: Day Month Year).

    For example:

    Phantom Thread (2017) Directed by P. T. Anderson. Available at: Netflix (Accessed: 25 April 2022).