Provided is a production method for a thin birefringent film with a satisfactory alignment property, in which a refractive index is controlled three-dimensionally and optical properties are unlikely to decrease in the case where the birefringent film is placed under high temperature and high humidity. The production method for a birefringent film of the present invention includes: the step (1) of preparing a solution that exhibits a nematic liquid crystal phase, containing at least one kind of polycyclic compound containing a --SO.sub.3M group and/or a --COOM group (M represents a counter ion) and a solvent; the step (2) of preparing a base material at least one surface of which is subjected to a hydrophilization treatment; and the step (3) of applying the solution prepared in the step (1) to the surface of the base material prepared in the step (2), the surface being subjected to the hydrophilization treatment, followed by drying, in which a contact angle of water at 23.degree. C. on the surface of the base material prepared in the step (2), the surface being subjected to the hydrophilization treatment is 45.degree. or less.