Mastering MLA Works Cited: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating a Works Cited page in MLA format is a crucial skill for any student or researcher. It demonstrates academic integrity, gives credit to sources, and allows readers to verify your information.

Understanding the nuances of MLA formatting can seem daunting, but with a clear guide and plenty of examples, it becomes manageable. This article breaks down the MLA Works Cited format into understandable components, providing detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help you master this essential aspect of academic writing.

Whether you’re a high school student, a college undergraduate, or a seasoned researcher, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to create accurate and professional Works Cited pages.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of MLA Works Cited
• Structural Breakdown of an MLA Citation
• Types of Sources and Their Citations
  • Books
  • Journal Articles
  • Websites
  • Newspaper Articles
  • Films
  • Interviews
• MLA Works Cited Examples
  • Book Examples
  • Journal Article Examples
  • Website Examples
  • Newspaper Article Examples
  • Film Examples
• MLA Works Cited Usage Rules
  • Alphabetical Order
  • Hanging Indentation
  • Author Name Format
  • Title Formatting
  • Multiple Authors
• Common Mistakes in MLA Works Cited
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics in MLA Works Cited
  • Citing Multiple Works by the Same Author
  • Citing Indirect Sources
  • Citing Government Documents
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Definition of MLA Works Cited

The MLA Works Cited page is an alphabetized list of all the sources you have cited in your research paper. It appears at the end of your paper and provides the necessary information for readers to locate and verify the sources you used.

The primary purpose of a Works Cited page is to give credit to the original authors and creators whose work you have incorporated into your own research. This practice prevents plagiarism and demonstrates academic honesty.

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities, including literature, languages, and cultural studies.

A proper Works Cited page is essential for maintaining academic integrity. It allows readers to trace your research process and evaluate the credibility of your sources.

Failing to properly cite sources can have serious consequences, including failing grades and even expulsion from academic institutions. Therefore, understanding and adhering to MLA guidelines is a fundamental skill for any student or researcher in the humanities.

The core components of an MLA citation typically include the author’s name, the title of the work, and publication information (such as the publisher, date, and location). The specific elements required will vary depending on the type of source you are citing.

For example, a book citation will include different information than a website citation. Mastering the art of creating accurate and complete citations is crucial for producing high-quality academic work.

Structural Breakdown of an MLA Citation

Understanding the structure of an MLA citation is key to creating accurate entries for your Works Cited page. Each type of source has its own specific format, but there are some general principles that apply to most citations.

Here’s a breakdown of the common elements:

• Author: The author’s name is typically listed first, in the format “Last Name, First Name.”
• Title of Source: The title of the work is an important element. Titles of books, journals, and websites are italicized. Titles of articles, essays, poems, and short stories are placed in quotation marks.
• Title of Container: If the source is part of a larger work (e.g., an article in a journal, an essay in a collection), the title of the container is also included and italicized.
• Other Contributors: If there are editors, translators, or other contributors, their names may be included after the title.
• Version: If the source is a specific version (e.g., a revised edition), this information should be included.
• Number: For journals and other numbered publications, the volume and issue number should be included.
• Publisher: The name of the publisher is included for books and other independently published works.
• Publication Date: The date the source was published is crucial for providing context.
• Location: For print sources, the page numbers are included. For online sources, the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is included.

The order of these elements and the punctuation used between them are also important aspects of MLA format. For example, a period typically follows the author’s name, while a comma separates the title of the source from the title of the container.

By paying careful attention to these details, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent.

Types of Sources and Their Citations

MLA format varies depending on the type of source you are citing. Here’s a breakdown of the most common source types and their corresponding citation formats:

Books

To cite a book, you will generally need the following information: Author, Title, Publisher, and Publication Year. The basic format is:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Journal Articles

Citing journal articles requires Author, Article Title, Journal Title, Volume, Issue, Year, and Page Numbers. The format is:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Year, pp. Page Numbers.

Websites

For websites, you’ll need Author (if available), Title of Page, Website Name, Publication Date (if available), and URL. The basic format is:

Author’s Last Name, First Name (if available). “Title of Page.” Website Name, Date of Publication (if available), URL.

Newspaper Articles

Citing newspaper articles is similar to citing journal articles, but you’ll need the newspaper name instead of the journal title. You’ll also need the specific date of publication, including the day, month, and year.

The format is:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Newspaper Name, Day Month Year, URL (if online).

Films

Citing films requires the Title of the Film, Director, Distributor, and Year of Release. The format is:

Title of Film. Directed by Director’s Name, Distributor, Year of Release.

Interviews

To cite an interview, include the Interviewee’s name, the type of interview (e.g., personal interview, telephone interview), and the date of the interview. The format is:

Interviewee’s Last Name, First Name. Type of Interview.

Date of Interview.

MLA Works Cited Examples

Here are some examples of MLA Works Cited entries for various types of sources:

Book Examples

The following table provides examples of correctly formatted MLA citations for books. Notice the italicization of the book title, the order of information, and the punctuation used.

Example #	MLA Citation
1	Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 2003.
2	Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Secker & Warburg, 1949.
3	Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1960.
4	Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925.
5	Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1952.
6	Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara Mowat, Paul Werstine, Michael Poston, and Rebecca Niles, The Folger Shakespeare Library, 2023.
7	Tolstoy, Leo. War and Peace. Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, Vintage Classics, 2008.
8	Dostoyevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. Translated by David McDuff, Penguin Classics, 2003.
9	Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Smith, Elder & Co., 1847.
10	Dickens, Charles. Great Expectations. Chapman & Hall, 1861.
11	Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. Edited by V.A. Kolve and Glending Olson, W. W. Norton & Company, 2017.
12	Homer. The Odyssey. Translated by Emily Wilson, W. W. Norton & Company, 2017.
13	Plato. The Republic. Translated by C.D.C. Reeve, Hackett Publishing Company, 2004.
14	Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince. Translated by Harvey Mansfield, University of Chicago Press, 1998.
15	Sun Tzu. The Art of War. Translated by Samuel B. Griffith, Oxford University Press, 1963.
16	Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway. Harcourt, Brace & Company, 1925.
17	Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company, 1951.
18	Angelou, Maya. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Random House, 1969.
19	Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Alfred A. Knopf, 1987.
20	Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. Chatto & Windus, 1932.
21	Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Translated by Stanley Corngold, W. W. Norton & Company, 2016.
22	Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Translated by Matthew Ward, Vintage International, 1989.
23	Sartre, Jean-Paul. No Exit and Three Other Plays. Vintage Books, 1989.
24	Proust, Marcel. In Search of Lost Time, Volume 1: Swann’s Way. Translated by Lydia Davis, Penguin Books, 2003.
25	Garcia Marquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Translated by Gregory Rabassa, Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.
26	Rushdie, Salman. Midnight’s Children. Alfred A. Knopf, 1981.
27	Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Heinemann, 1958.
28	Soyinka, Wole. Death and the King’s Horseman. Methuen Drama, 1975.
29	Naipaul, V.S. A House for Mr Biswas. Andre Deutsch, 1961.
30	Coetzee, J.M. Disgrace. Secker & Warburg, 1999.

Journal Article Examples

This table shows examples of how to properly cite journal articles in MLA format. Note the use of quotation marks for the article title and italics for the journal title, as well as the inclusion of volume, issue, and page numbers.

Example #	MLA Citation
1	Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity.” Environmental Science, vol. 25, no. 2, 2023, pp. 120-135.
2	Brown, Emily. “The Role of Social Media in Political Activism.” Journal of Communication, vol. 48, no. 4, 2022, pp. 45-60.
3	Davis, Michael. “The History of Jazz Music in America.” American Studies Quarterly, vol. 12, no. 1, 2021, pp. 78-92.
4	Wilson, Sarah. “The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health.” Psychology Today, vol. 32, no. 3, 2020, pp. 200-215.
5	Garcia, Maria. “The Influence of Art on Society.” Art History Journal, vol. 15, no. 4, 2019, pp. 55-70.
6	Kim, Ji-hoon. “Globalization and its Impact on Local Cultures.” Sociological Review, vol. 55, no. 2, 2018, pp. 112-128.
7	O’Connell, Patrick. “The Development of Artificial Intelligence.” Technological Innovations, vol. 22, no. 1, 2017, pp. 34-49.
8	Dubois, Sophie. “The Evolution of Fashion Trends.” Fashion Studies, vol. 18, no. 3, 2016, pp. 88-103.
9	Nguyen, Anh. “The Impact of Immigration on Economic Growth.” Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 42, no. 4, 2015, pp. 150-165.
10	Schmidt, Klaus. “The Role of Education in Social Mobility.” Educational Research, vol. 29, no. 2, 2014, pp. 67-82.
11	Evans, Jessica. “The Influence of Music on Cognitive Development.” Cognitive Psychology, vol. 35, no. 1, 2013, pp. 23-38.
12	Taylor, Robert. “The Impact of Technology on Communication.” Communication Quarterly, vol. 40, no. 3, 2012, pp. 100-115.
13	Moore, Elizabeth. “The History of Photography as an Art Form.” Art Photography Review, vol. 26, no. 4, 2011, pp. 45-60.
14	Harris, David. “The Development of the Internet and its Impact.” Technological Advancement, vol. 33, no. 2, 2010, pp. 78-93.
15	Clark, Jennifer. “The Evolution of Dance Styles Over Time.” Dance Research Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, 2009, pp. 34-49.
16	Lewis, Brian. “The Impact of Television on Society.” Media Studies Quarterly, vol. 45, no. 3, 2008, pp. 112-127.
17	Hall, Patricia. “The Role of Literature in Shaping Culture.” Literary Studies, vol. 16, no. 4, 2007, pp. 56-71.
18	Young, Kevin. “The History of Film and its Influence.” Film Quarterly, vol. 23, no. 2, 2006, pp. 89-104.
19	King, Lisa. “The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies.” Economic Development Journal, vol. 30, no. 1, 2005, pp. 23-38.
20	Wright, Thomas. “The Role of Government in Healthcare Systems.” Healthcare Policy, vol. 37, no. 3, 2004, pp. 97-112.
21	Perez, Isabella. “The Influence of Family on Child Development.” Child Psychology, vol. 44, no. 4, 2003, pp. 56-71.
22	Green, Samuel. “The Impact of Stress on Physical Health.” Health Psychology, vol. 15, no. 2, 2002, pp. 89-104.
23	White, Amanda. “The Role of Art Therapy in Mental Health Treatment.” Art Therapy Journal, vol. 22, no. 1, 2001, pp. 23-38.
24	Black, Charles. “The Development of Space Exploration Technologies.” Space Exploration Quarterly, vol. 29, no. 3, 2000, pp. 97-112.
25	Adams, Caroline. “The Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior.” Marketing Studies, vol. 36, no. 4, 1999, pp. 56-71.
26	Roberts, Edward. “The Role of History in Shaping National Identity.” Historical Studies, vol. 14, no. 2, 1998, pp. 89-104.
27	Hill, Katherine. “The Influence of Religion on Ethical Decision-Making.” Ethical Studies, vol. 21, no. 1, 1997, pp. 23-38.
28	Baker, Gregory. “The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Exchange.” Cultural Studies, vol. 28, no. 3, 1996, pp. 97-112.
29	Carter, Nicole. “The Role of Social Support in Coping with Stress.” Social Psychology, vol. 35, no. 4, 1995, pp. 56-71.
30	Ross, Daniel. “The Influence of Political Ideologies on Public Policy.” Political Science, vol. 12, no. 2, 1994, pp. 89-104.

Website Examples

The table below provides examples of how to correctly cite websites in MLA format. Remember to include the author (if available), the title of the page, the website name, the publication date (if available), and the URL.

Example #	MLA Citation
1	National Geographic Society. “Climate Change.” National Geographic, 3 May 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/climate-change.
2	Smith, John. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindful.org, 15 June 2022, www.mindful.org/the-benefits-of-meditation/.
3	World Health Organization. “Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).” WHO, www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019. Accessed 20 July 2023.
4	Jones, Emily. “The History of the Internet.” Internet Society, 10 Feb. 2021, www.internetsociety.org/internet/history-internet/.
5	“The Art of Van Gogh.” The Van Gogh Museum, www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en. Accessed 1 Aug. 2023.
6	United Nations. “Sustainable Development Goals.” UN, www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2023.
7	“What is Artificial Intelligence?” IBM, www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence. Accessed 10 Aug. 2023.
8	Brown, Robert. “The Importance of Recycling.” EPA, 22 July 2020, www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics.
9	“The History of Jazz Music.” PBS, www.pbs.org/jazz/about/history/. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
10	Davis, Sarah. “The Benefits of Yoga.” Yoga Journal, 5 May 2021, www.yogajournal.com/practice/beginners-guide/yoga-for-beginners/.
11	“Understanding Climate Change.” NASA, climate.nasa.gov/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.
12	Wilson, Michael. “The Impact of Social Media on Society.” Pew Research Center, 12 Sept. 2019, www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/09/12/social-media-use-in-2018/.
13	“The History of Photography.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/toah/essays/19c_photog.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2023.
14	Garcia, Maria. “The Benefits of Learning a Second Language.” Babbel, 3 March 2022, www.babbel.com/en/magazine/the-benefits-of-learning-a-language.
15	“The History of the Olympic Games.” Olympics.com, olympics.com/en/olympic-games. Accessed 30 Aug. 2023.
16	Kim, Ji-hoon. “The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures.” Globalization Studies, 18 April 2023, www.globalizationstudies.com/impact-of-globalization-on-local-cultures/.
17	O’Connell, Patrick. “The Future of Artificial Intelligence.” AI Trends, 27 May 2022, www.aitrends.com/features/the-future-of-artificial-intelligence/.
18	Dubois, Sophie. “The Evolution of Fashion Trends.” Fashion History, 5 June 2021, www.fashionhistory.com/evolution-of-fashion-trends/.
19	Nguyen, Anh. “The Impact of Immigration on Economic Growth.” Economic Policy Institute, 14 July 2020, www.epi.org/publication/immigration-economic-growth/.
20	Schmidt, Klaus. “The Role of Education in Social Mobility.” Education Week, 23 Aug. 2019, www.edweek.org/leadership/the-role-of-education-in-social-mobility/2019/08.
21	Evans, Jessica. “The Influence of Music on Cognitive Development.” Psychology Today, 1 Sept. 2018, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-healing-power-music/201809/the-influence-music-cognitive-development.
22	Taylor, Robert. “The Impact of Technology on Communication.” Communication Studies, 10 Oct. 2017, www.communicationstudies.com/impact-of-technology-on-communication/.
23	Moore, Elizabeth. “The History of Photography as an Art Form.” Art History Archive, 19 Nov. 2016, www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/photography/history-of-photography.html.
24	Harris, David. “The Development of the Internet and its Impact.” Internet Evolution, 28 Dec. 2015, www.internetevolution.com/document.asp?doc_id=283428.
25	Clark, Jennifer. “The Evolution of Dance Styles Over Time.” Dance History, 6 Jan. 2014, www.dancehistory.com/evolution-of-dance-styles/.
26	Lewis, Brian. “The Impact of Television on Society.” Media Impact, 15 Feb. 2013, www.mediaimpact.org/impact-of-television-on-society/.
27	Hall, Patricia. “The Role of Literature in Shaping Culture.” Literary Culture, 24 March 2012, www.literaryculture.com/role-of-literature-in-shaping-culture/.
28	Young, Kevin. “The History of Film and its Influence.” Film Studies, 2 April 2011, www.filmstudies.com/history-of-film-and-its-influence/.
29	King, Lisa. “The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies.” Global Economics, 11 May 2010, www.globaleconomics.com/impact-of-globalization-on-local-economies/.
30	Wright, Thomas. “The Role of Government in Healthcare Systems.” Healthcare Policy, 20 June 2009, www.healthcarepolicy.com/role-of-government-in-healthcare-systems/.

Newspaper Article Examples

This table illustrates the correct format for citing newspaper articles in MLA style. Pay attention to the inclusion of the author, article title, newspaper name, date, and URL (if available online).

Example #	MLA Citation
1	Perez, Isabella. “New Study Shows Benefits of Early Childhood Education.” The New York Times, 10 July 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/07/10/education/early-childhood-education-benefits.html.
2	Green, Samuel. “Local Hospital Implements New Technology for Patient Care.” The Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2023, www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/08/05/hospital-technology-patient-care/.
3	White, Amanda. “Art Therapy Program Helps Veterans Cope with PTSD.” The Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2023, www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-20/art-therapy-program-veterans-ptsd.
4	Black, Charles. “Space Exploration: The Next Frontier.” The Wall Street Journal, 15 May 2023, www.wsj.com/articles/space-exploration-the-next-frontier-11684185601.
5	Adams, Caroline. “Advertising Trends: How Companies are Targeting Consumers in 2023.” USA Today, 1 April 2023, www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/04/01/advertising-trends-2023/115879640/.
6	Roberts, Edward. “The Importance of Preserving Historical Landmarks.” The Guardian, 25 March 2023, www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/mar/25/preserving-historical-landmarks-importance.
7	Hill, Katherine. “Ethical Dilemmas in Modern Medicine.” The Times of India, 10 Feb. 2023, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/ethical-dilemmas-in-modern-medicine/.
8	Baker, Gregory. “Globalization and its Impact on Cultural Exchange.” The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 Jan. 2023, www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/globalization-and-its-impact-on-cultural-exchange-20230105-p5ca4v.html.
9	Carter, Nicole. “The Role of Social Support in Coping with Stress.” The Globe and Mail, 20 Dec. 2022, www.theglobeandmail.com/life/relationships/article-the-role-of-social-support-in-coping-with-stress/.
10	Ross, Daniel. “Political Ideologies and Public Policy.” Le Monde, 15 Nov. 2022, www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2022/11/15/ideologies-politiques- _et-politiques-publiques_6149582_3232.html.
11	Smith, John. “The Future of Renewable Energy.” The Independent, 1 Oct. 2022, www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/renewable-energy-future-b2187923.html.
12	Brown, Emily. “The Psychological Effects of Social Isolation.” The Irish Times, 5 Sept. 2022, www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health/the-psychological-effects-of-social-isolation-1.4972358.
13	Davis, Michael. “The Resurgence of Vinyl Records.” The Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2022, www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-vinyl-records-resurgence-20220820-lfmxq4nf4vc7jbk5ixf6q5w5ty-story.html.
14	Wilson, Sarah. “The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation.” The Boston Globe, 15 July 2022, www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/15/lifestyle/benefits-mindfulness-meditation/.
15	Garcia, Maria. “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market.” El País, 1 June 2022, english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2022-06-01/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-on-the-job-market.html.
16	Kim, Ji-hoon. “The Role of Technology in Education.” The Korea Times, 10 May 2022, www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2022/05/162_328429.html.
17	O’Connell, Patrick. “The Ethics of Genetic Engineering.” The Australian, 5 April 2022, www.theaustralian.com.au/science/the-ethics-of-genetic-engineering/news-story/5e4a8e3f2d2a7a6b8e8b8e8b8e8b8e8b.
18	Dubois, Sophie. “Sustainable Fashion: Trends and Challenges.” Le Figaro, 20 March 2022, www.lefigaro.fr/style/mode/sustainable-fashion-trends-and-challenges-20220320.
19	Nguyen, Anh. “The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture.” The Hindu, 15 Feb. 2022, www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-agriculture/article38492697.ece.
20	Schmidt, Klaus. “The Future of Work: Remote vs. In-Office.” Die Zeit, 10 Jan. 2022, www.zeit.de/arbeit/2022-01/remote-work-future-office-homeoffice.
21	Evans, Jessica. “The Cognitive Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument.” The Daily Telegraph, 5 Dec. 2021, www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2021/12/05/cognitive-benefits-learning-musical-instrument/.
22	Taylor, Robert. “The Spread of Misinformation on Social Media.” The Times, 1 Nov. 2021, www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-spread-of-misinformation-on-social-media-v7n2m9q0c.
23	Moore, Elizabeth. “The Evolution of Street Art.” The Evening Standard, 10 Oct. 2021, www.standard.co.uk/culture/art/street-art-evolution-london-b958700.html.
24	Harris, David. “The Rise of Cryptocurrency.” The Financial Times, 5 Sept. 2021, www.ft.com/content/a3e0c4b0-a0a0-4a0a-9b0a-0a0a0a0a0a0a.
25	Clark, Jennifer. “The Influence of Dance on Mental Health.” The Scotsman, 1 Aug. 2021, www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/dance/the-influence-of-dance-on-mental-health-3331250.
26	Lewis, Brian. “The Impact of Streaming Services on the Film Industry.” The Hollywood Reporter, 1 July 2021, www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/streaming-services-impact-film-industry-1234979979/.
27	Hall, Patricia. “The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Society.” The Irish Examiner, 5 June 2021, www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-40298164.html.
28	Young, Kevin. “The Future of Virtual Reality.” The San Francisco Chronicle, 1 May 2021, www.sfchronicle.com/tech/article/The-future-of-virtual-reality-16139583.php.
29	King, Lisa. “The Economic Impact of Tourism.” The Bangkok Post, 1 April 2021, www.bangkokpost.com/business/2101871/the-economic-impact-of-tourism.
30	Wright, Thomas. “The Challenges Facing Healthcare Systems Worldwide.” The Lancet, 15 March 2021, www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00588-2/fulltext.

Film Examples

Below are examples of how to cite films in MLA format, including the title, director, distributor, and year of release.

Example #	MLA Citation
1	The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Columbia Pictures, 1994.
2	Pulp Fiction. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Miramax Films, 1994.
3	The Dark Knight. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2008.
4	Forrest Gump. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Paramount Pictures, 1994.
5	The Matrix. Directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski, Warner Bros. Pictures, 1999.
6	Inception. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2010.
7	Fight Club. Directed by David Fincher, 20th Century Fox, 1999.
8	Goodfellas. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Warner Bros. Pictures, 1990.
9	The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Directed by Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema, 2001.
10	The Silence of the Lambs. Directed by Jonathan Demme, Orion Pictures, 1991.
11	Se7en. Directed by David Fincher, New Line Cinema, 1995.
12	Gladiator. Directed by Ridley Scott, DreamWorks Pictures, 2000.
13	The Green Mile. Directed by Frank Darabont, Warner Bros. Pictures, 1999.
14	Saving Private Ryan. Directed by Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Pictures, 1998.
15	American History X. Directed by Tony Kaye, New Line Cinema, 1998.
16	Memento. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Summit Entertainment, 2000.
17	The Departed. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2006.
18	Interstellar. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Paramount Pictures, 2014.
19	Back to the Future. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Universal Pictures, 1985.
20	Léon: The Professional. Directed by Luc Besson, Gaumont Film Company, 1994.
21	The Lion King. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, Walt Disney Pictures, 1994.
22	Spirited Away. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli, 2001.
23	Parasite. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, CJ Entertainment, 2019.
24	Amélie. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, UGC, 2001.
25	Cinema Paradiso. Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, Miramax Films, 1988.
26	Life is Beautiful. Directed by Roberto Benigni, Miramax Films, 1997.
27	The Intouchables. Directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, Gaumont, 2011.
28	City of God. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, Miramax Films, 2002.
29	Pan’s Labyrinth. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2006.
30	Oldboy. Directed by Park Chan-wook, Show East, 2003.

MLA Works Cited Usage Rules

Adhering to specific rules is essential for creating a consistent and accurate Works Cited page. Here are some key rules to follow:

Alphabetical Order

Entries in your Works Cited page should be alphabetized by the first word of each entry, which is usually the author’s last name. If there is no author, alphabetize by the title of the work, ignoring articles like “A,” “An,” or “The.”

Hanging Indentation

Each entry should have a hanging indent. This means that the first line of each citation is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented half an inch.

This formatting makes it easy to distinguish individual entries.

Author Name Format

The author’s name should be listed in the format “Last Name, First Name.” If there are multiple authors, only the first author’s name is inverted. Subsequent authors are listed in the format “First Name, Last Name.”

Title Formatting

Titles of books, journals, and websites should be italicized. Titles of articles, essays, poems, and short stories should be placed in quotation marks.

Multiple Authors

When a source has two authors, list them in the order they appear in the source. Use the word “and” to separate the names.

For sources with three or more authors, list only the first author followed by “et al.” (which means “and others”).

Common Mistakes in MLA Works Cited

Even with a clear understanding of MLA guidelines, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Incorrect Alphabetization: Failing to alphabetize entries correctly.
• Missing Hanging Indent: Forgetting to format entries with a hanging indent.
• Incorrect Author Name Format: Listing author names in the wrong order or using incorrect punctuation.
• Incorrect Title Formatting: Using the wrong type of formatting (italics vs. quotation marks) for titles.
• Missing Information: Omitting key information such as publication dates, page numbers, or URLs.
• Inconsistent Punctuation: Using inconsistent or incorrect punctuation throughout the Works Cited page.
• Failure to Update URLs: Including dead or outdated URLs for online sources.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can take steps to avoid them and ensure that your Works Cited page is accurate and professional.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of MLA Works Cited format, try these practice exercises:

Advanced Topics in MLA Works Cited

Beyond the basics, there are some advanced topics in MLA formatting that you may encounter in your research:

Citing Multiple Works by the Same Author

If you are citing multiple works by the same author, list the author’s name only once in the first entry. For subsequent entries by the same author, use three hyphens (—) in place of the author’s name, followed by a period.

Alphabetize these entries by the title of the work.

Citing Indirect Sources

An indirect source is when you cite a source that is quoted in another source. In your Works Cited, you should only list the source you actually consulted.

In your in-text citation, use the phrase “qtd. in” to indicate that you are quoting from an indirect source.

Citing Government Documents

Citing government documents can be complex, but generally, you should include the name of the government agency, the title of the document, the publishing agency, and the date. If the document has a number, include it as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Mastering the MLA Works Cited format is a crucial skill for academic success. By understanding the structural components of a citation, following the specific rules for different types of sources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create accurate and professional Works Cited pages.

Remember to pay attention to detail, be consistent in your formatting, and always give credit to the sources you use in your research. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the complexities of MLA formatting and produce high-quality academic work.