Screenwriting : What Are the Best Screenplays to Read? by Jennifer Blanchard

The best screenplays usually make the best movies, I think, so read the scripts that made your favorite films. It probably helps to read scripts from films you've seen anyway. But for the sake of contemporary formatting, I'd read the newer scripts.

I agree with what Eric Christopherson said, it's really fun to check out scripts for your favorite films or shows. But I'd also suggest checking out trends in different genres to really get a grasp on your personal style. I also really enjoy when writers take risks, and really put their voice in the story, and that seems to happen really well in a lot of pilots. This website has a bunch of scripts, and I love checking them out in my free time: https://scriptslug.com/https://scriptslug.com/

Jennifer - to read for what purpose? If you read 'em so as to learn to write 'em then I suggest the more contemporary scripts but if strong story is what you're after, then stick with the old classics.Script formatting/style has undergone a massive evolutionary change since even the late 60s. Driving Ms Daisy has a strong storyline and character arcs that made a truly fine movie. The Hurt Locker has a strong A,B,C storyline tapestry Anything by Hitch is a great study in suspense but the script format/style are a little dated now.

Her, Ex Machina and Short Term 12 are some of my favorites. If you're writing anything specific or have something in mind I would seek out produced scripts in the same genre and/or subject matter.

A Million Little Things. LOVED it! Almost afraid to watch it when it premieres because it may not be as moving. LOL

Any good movie script is worth reading. However if you're working towards

a screenplay, I'd pick top 5-10 films you loved in the genre you're writing.

I try to get my hands on spec scripts from annual Blck List, Tracking Board, Bitch list, Blood List... Read what employed Reps are passing around town as great material.

Feature wise for story? The Princess Bride, The Shawshank Redemption, The Last of the Mohicans, just about any Nolan script. Silence of the Lambs, etc.

Keep in mind I recommend these for the story telling abilities but many are shooting scripts so YMMV on copying their formatting style to spec scripts.

I like many, but as I recently read - probably on here - the one of Good Will Hunting is a classic and a good way how to learn to write screenplays.

I read Nightcrawler recently and found it more riveting than the film.

I like Taylor Sheridan's screenplays. Also the screenplay to Unforgiven is great.

Dan MaxXx What are your best sources for non-agents/producers to get the zips of the tracking board, bitch list, blood list, etc. I can get the Blck List each year but don't have the access to the others.

Chinatown. Start there or be square.

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ve been reading screenplays to learn formatting and scene description better and I’ve been reading a ton in rom-com which is what I write. But wanted some fresh suggestions of ones you really enjoy.

Chad Stroman friends

Do you guys know this site? https://sfy.ru/scripts/pdf I've read many already, but nt the whole thing. I use it mainly for structures. I am still searching for A quiet place since I'm eager to write something yself without dialogs.

Chinatown is consider one of the best. Amazingly simple too.

The Breakfast Club is one of my favorites.

I have a copy of the 'Alien' script - I can't seem to find anything better presented and written than that one - and I've read a lot of them. It's so visually descriptive you can actually see the film unfolding before your eyes.

All the best, Kaye

The script for Witness starring Harrison Ford used to be the textbook perfect 3 act structure. Of course Pulp Fiction totally blew the three act structure out of the water.

None of mine.

Jennifer- You read other screenplays to improve your craft. Why not find the top 10 greatest films of all time? I would start with 'CASABLANCA'. "Here's looking at you kid".

I would not read older scripts to pattern after. Read what's working now. Trends change. What was acceptable in the 30s or 40s doesn't always work for today. Read scripts that performed well, were critically applauded, and just well written for the genre you're writing in. If it's tv, get the pilot script for a show close to your genre. And remember, you're trying to catch the attention of the reader who will pass your script up the chain. If you're writing spec, write it for the reader. Don't write a shooting script. There's a huge difference. Write it to read. Make sure it's entertaining. Make sure it's as perfect as you can get it. And make sure it's not all passive tense. Make sure it works. I'm a student of Lew Hunter. Read Screenwriting 434. Lew taught me.. Learn from the best teachers out there. “Lew Hunter is the greatest screenwriting professor I’ve ever known.” -- Steven Spielberg.

I think the scripts of films you enjoy the most.