I remember the first time I had to write a movie review in school. My teacher circled The Godfather in red ink and wrote, “Italicize movie titles!” I had no idea that movie titles were supposed to be formatted a certain way. Years later, I still see people unsure about this rule. So, do you italicize movie titles, or should they be in quotation marks? Let’s settle this once and for all.
Do You Italicize Movie Titles?
Yes! In most formal writing styles, movie titles should be italicized. Whether you’re writing an essay, a blog, or a book, the correct format is: Check out the Examples Below.
- I recently watched Inception and loved it.
- The Dark Knight is one of the best superhero movies ever made.
Italicization applies to full-length films and feature movies in styles like MLA, Chicago, and APA.
When Should You Use Quotation Marks Instead?
There are some exceptions. In AP Style (used in journalism) and handwritten text, movie titles should be placed in quotation marks instead of italics: Check the examples below:
- I just saw “Titanic” on TV last night.
- His favorite movie is “Forrest Gump.”
This is common in newspapers, magazines, and online news articles, where italics can be harder to format.
What About TV Shows, Books, and Other Titles?
Different media formats follow similar rules:
| Type of Work | Italicized? | Quotation Marks? |
|---|---|---|
| Movies | Yes | No |
| TV Shows | Yes | No |
| Books | Yes | No |
| Songs | No | “Yes” |
| Short Stories | No | “Yes” |
| Articles | No | “Yes” |
So, while The Lord of the Rings (book and movie) should be italicized, a song like “Bohemian Rhapsody” or an article title should be in quotation marks.
Why Does This Rule Matter?
Proper formatting makes writing clear and professional. Using italics for movie titles helps distinguish them from the rest of the text, making your writing easier to read.
I’ve seen people use quotation marks for movie titles on social media, and while it’s not a big deal in casual writing, it’s incorrect in formal writing. If you want your writing to look polished, italicize movie titles!
Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Italicize!
If you’re unsure whether to italicize a movie title, the general rule is yes, italicize it. However, if you’re following AP Style or writing by hand, use quotation marks instead.
I learned this lesson the hard way after that red ink moment in school. Now, I never forget to italicize my movie titles – what about you? Have you ever gotten this rule wrong? 😊
Disclaimer:
The formatting rules in this article are based on widely accepted style guides, including MLA, APA, Chicago Manual of Style, and AP Style. Different publishers and organizations may have their own variations, so it’s always a good idea to check their specific guidelines when writing for a professional or academic audience.