Movie posters rely on typography to capture attention and convey tone. The right font makes credits legible while adding to the film’s overall aesthetic. Below are some top fonts used for movie poster credits, offering bold and clear choices.
1. Times New Roman
A classic serif font designed by Stanley Morison, Times New Roman is often used in formal text. Its legibility makes it a reliable choice for body text in movie posters.
Font Family:
- Times New Roman Regular
- Times New Roman Bold
- Times New Roman Italic
- Times New Roman Bold Italic
2. Helvetica Neue
Helvetica Neue is a versatile sans serif typeface widely used for its clean appearance. Many movie posters prefer this for clear and professional typography.
Font Family:
- Helvetica Neue Ultra Light
- Helvetica Neue Light
- Helvetica Neue Regular
- Helvetica Neue Medium
- Helvetica Neue Bold
- Helvetica Neue Black
- Helvetica Neue Condensed Bold
- Helvetica Neue Condensed Black
3. Franklin Gothic
This bold sans serif font works well for headlines and subheadings. Its strong presence makes it a go-to choice for main headlines in posters.
Font Family:
- Franklin Gothic Book
- Franklin Gothic Medium
- Franklin Gothic Demi
- Franklin Gothic Heavy
- Franklin Gothic Bold
- Franklin Gothic Condensed
4. Georgia Font
Designed for screen readability, Georgia is a serif typeface often seen in movie posters requiring a mix of classic and modern appeal.
Font Family:
- Georgia Regular
- Georgia Italic
- Georgia Bold
- Georgia Bold Italic
5. Adobe Garamond
A refined serif font with historical roots, Adobe Garamond is used for elegant and authoritative movie poster credits.
Font Familys:
- Adobe Garamond Regular
- Adobe Garamond Italic
- Adobe Garamond Bold
- Adobe Garamond Bold Italic
- Adobe Garamond Semibold
6. NYT Cheltenham
Known as the New York Times headline font, NYT Cheltenham brings journalistic integrity and a bold yet traditional feel to poster typography.
Font Family:
- Cheltenham Light
- Cheltenham Regular
- Cheltenham Medium
- Cheltenham Bold
- Cheltenham Black
7. Custom Fonts
Many movie studios use custom fonts tailored to their branding. A great example is Henrik Kubel’s work for the New York Times logo font.
Font Family
These are tailored specifically for the project and will vary depending on the design. For example:
- Custom Serif (Light, Regular, Bold, Black)
- Custom Sans Serif (Regular, Bold, Condensed)
8. Sans Serif Fonts
Modern movie posters often use sans serif fonts for clarity. Fonts like Helvetica Neue, Franklin Gothic, and Google Fonts selections are common choices.
Font Family
- Helvetica Neue: Ultra Light, Light, Regular, Medium, Bold, Black
- Roboto: Thin, Light, Regular, Medium, Bold, Black
- Montserrat: Regular, Bold, ExtraBold
9. Serif Fonts
Classic serif fonts, including Adobe Garamond and Georgia, are ideal for traditional or period films, lending an authoritative feel to credits.
Font Family
- Adobe Garamond: Regular, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic, Semibold
- Georgia: Regular, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic
10. Multiple Fonts
Movie posters frequently combine different fonts for contrast. For example, a sans serif font for the main headline and a serif typeface for body text create a balanced look.
Font Family
- A combination of fonts such as Helvetica Neue (Regular, Bold) with Georgia (Regular, Bold) for balance.
Typography Trends in Movie Posters
Inspired by publications like the New York Times and the New York Daily Times, newspaper font styles influence movie poster typography. Designers order reprints of classic fonts or use Google Docs to test font layouts.
- Font Size: Credits should remain readable without overpowering the main headline.
- Font Weight: Bold fonts enhance impact, while italics add a refined touch.
FAQs
What Font Does The New York Times Use?
The New York Times uses NYT Cheltenham for headlines and a custom serif for body text.
Is Times New Roman A Good Movie Poster Font?
Yes, it works well for credits due to its readability and classic appeal.
Why Do Movie Posters Use Multiple Fonts?
Different fonts create contrast, highlight key details, and improve visual appeal.
What Is A Popular Sans Serif Font For Movie Credits?
Helvetica Neue and Franklin Gothic are commonly used for their clean look.
Are Serif Fonts Better For Movie Credits?
Serif fonts add elegance, while sans serif fonts offer modern readability.
Who Designed The Georgia Font?
Matthew Carter designed Georgia as a highly readable serif typeface.
Which Font Is Best For Movie Poster Headlines?
NYT Cheltenham, Franklin Gothic, and Helvetica Neue are great choices.
Can I Use Google Fonts For Movie Posters?
Yes, Google Fonts offers high-quality options like Playfair Display and Roboto.
What Font Did Old Newspaper Headlines Use?
Classic newspaper font styles include Adobe Garamond and Franklin Gothic.
How Important Is Font Weight In Movie Posters?
Font weight impacts readability; bold fonts enhance visibility, while lighter fonts maintain elegance.
