how to cite imdb in mla

2 min read 06-02-2025

IMDb, or the Internet Movie Database, is a treasure trove of information for film buffs and researchers alike. But when you use IMDb as a source for your academic work, you need to cite it correctly, following MLA guidelines. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your research is properly attributed.

Understanding MLA Citation Basics

Before we dive into citing IMDb specifically, let's refresh our understanding of core MLA principles. MLA (Modern Language Association) style emphasizes brevity and clarity. Citations typically include the author, title, container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location. For online sources, the URL and access date are crucial.

Citing IMDb: The Specifics

Unlike books or journals, IMDb doesn't have a single author. Instead, information is contributed by many users. Therefore, your citation will focus on the specific title you accessed and the type of information retrieved.

Citing a Film's Page

The most common use of IMDb is to find information about a specific film. Here's how you'd cite a movie's page:

Example:

"Casablanca." IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.

Explanation:

"Casablanca." – This is the title of the film, italicized as per MLA guidelines.
"IMDb," – This indicates the website's name, also italicized.
IMDb.com, – This provides the website's domain.
www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/ – This is the specific URL for the Casablanca page. Note the use of the tt number. This is unique to each film on the site.
Accessed 26 Oct. 2023. – This shows the date you accessed the information. This is crucial because online content can change.

Citing a Person's Page

If you're using information about a specific actor, director, or other film professional, the citation structure changes slightly:

Example:

Bogdanovich, Peter. IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/name/nm0000972/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.

Explanation:

Notice that this time, the person's name (Peter Bogdanovich) acts as the initial element, followed by the rest of the information similar to the film citation. You'll need to find the correct URL to the individual's profile.

Citing Specific Information (e.g., Awards, Box Office)

If you're only using a small piece of information, such as box office figures or a list of awards, try to be as specific as possible in your in-text citation. You might include the specific section of the IMDb page. However, directly referencing IMDb itself is usually sufficient. For example: "The film grossed over $100 million at the box office ("Casablanca" IMDb)."

Important Considerations

Accuracy: Double-check all URLs and access dates for accuracy.
In-text Citations: Remember to include brief in-text citations that correspond to your Works Cited entry. For example, ("Casablanca").
Multiple Sources: If you're using information from multiple IMDb pages, cite each individually.
Alternatives: If possible, supplement IMDb with more authoritative sources such as academic journals or books for enhanced credibility.

Conclusion

Citing IMDb correctly is essential for maintaining academic integrity. By following these guidelines, you ensure that your research is properly attributed and avoids plagiarism. Remember to always double-check your citations to ensure accuracy and consistency with MLA style.