The Definitive List: Top 25 Screenplays that Shaped Cinema History

Screenplays are the unsung heroes of the filmmaking process, acting as the foundation for a movie’s success. A well-crafted screenplay sets the stage for exceptional performances, innovative direction, and memorable cinematography. In this comprehensive list, we celebrate the 25 best screenplays of all time, recognizing their impact on cinematic history. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, these screenplays have stood the test of time, influencing generations of filmmakers.

25. Parasite (2019)

Screenwriters: Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won

In 2019, Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won crafted an exceptional screenplay for Parasite. This multi-genre masterpiece seamlessly blends comedy, drama, and thriller elements, delivering social commentary with a perfectly paced narrative. The film’s success, including an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, is a testament to the writing that forms the backbone of its brilliance.

Parasite showcases the power of a well-executed screenplay, where writing excellence lays the groundwork for outstanding direction and performances, making it a borderline perfect cinematic experience.

24. The Social Network (2010)

Screenwriter: Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay for The Social Network transforms the story of Facebook’s formation into a complex 21st-century tragedy. Navigating themes of betrayal, greed, and legal disputes, Sorkin keeps the narrative fast-paced and dynamic. The film’s success lies not only in its portrayal of real-world events but in Sorkin’s ability to infuse dialogue with brilliance, making it one of the best screenplays of the early 2010s.

23. Do the Right Thing (1989)

Screenwriter: Spike Lee

Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing stands as a testament to his prowess as a writer, director, and producer. This 1989 masterpiece explores race and prejudice in a tight two-hour timeframe, showcasing Lee’s ability to balance a diverse cast and intense themes. The screenplay’s brilliance ensures the film’s relevance, with every element fitting into place seamlessly.

22. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Screenwriter: Frank Darabont

In the competitive landscape of 1994, The Shawshank Redemption emerged as a bittersweet and life-affirming tale. Frank Darabont’s screenplay, based on Stephen King’s novella, captures the essence of hope and friendship in the brutal Shawshank prison. The film’s enduring legacy as one of the best adaptations of King’s work is a testament to Darabont’s exceptional writing.

21. Thelma & Louise (1991)

Screenwriter: Callie Khouri

Callie Khouri’s Oscar-winning screenplay for Thelma & Louise breathes new life into the road movie genre. This iconic film, with its famous ending, takes audiences on an engrossing journey of two women on the run. Khouri’s writing, coupled with Ridley Scott’s direction, makes Thelma & Louise a well-balanced and character-driven classic.

20. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Screenwriters: Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry, and Pierre Bismuth

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind defies genre conventions with a screenplay that seamlessly blends sci-fi and romance. Charlie Kaufman, along with Michel Gondry and Pierre Bismuth, crafts a mind-bending narrative about erased memories and rekindled love. The film’s intense, perplexing, and relatable material showcases the trio’s exceptional writing skills.

19. Schindler’s List (1993)

Screenwriter: Steven Zaillian

In the realm of historical dramas, Schindler’s List stands tall as an emotionally powerful narrative. Steven Zaillian’s screenplay, based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, captures the horrors of the Holocaust with utmost sensitivity. The film’s impact on audiences is a testament to Zaillian’s ability to translate historical events into an engaging and poignant screenplay.

18. Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Screenwriter: Cesare Zavattini

The simplicity of Bicycle Thieves belies the skill required to craft a compelling narrative. Cesare Zavattini’s screenplay, a pinnacle of Italian Neorealism, tells a timeless story of a man searching for his stolen bicycle. Seventy-five years later, the film’s narrative power remains undiminished, showcasing Zavattini’s ability to elevate ordinary life into cinematic brilliance.

17. Fargo (1996)

Screenwriters: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Joel and Ethan Coen’s dark comedy/crime film, Fargo, exemplifies their knack for fantastic scripts. This 1996 classic, featuring incompetent criminals and a charming Police Chief, showcases the Coen Brothers’ ability to create a funny, tense, and quotable screenplay. Fargo stands out as one of their best-written films, contributing to its enduring acclaim.

16. Network (1976)

Screenwriter: Paddy Chayefsky

Paddy Chayefsky’s satirical masterpiece, Network, remains a relevant exploration of media manipulation. Released in 1976, the film delves into the extremes TV networks go to for ratings, providing biting commentary. Chayefsky’s darkly effective screenplay continues to resonate, with its insights into the exploitation for exposure remaining applicable across various forms of media.

15. Taxi Driver (1976)

Screenwriter: Paul Schrader

Taxi Driver stands as one of Martin Scorsese’s most complete and psychologically intense films. Paul Schrader’s screenplay tracks a man’s deterioration due to PTSD and insomnia. While not recognized at the Oscars, the film’s writing perspective makes it a standout in 1976, a year notable for exceptional screenplays.

14. Annie Hall (1977)

Screenwriters: Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman

Woody Allen’s Annie Hall remains a celebrated romantic comedy, earning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Allen and co-writer Marshall Brickman deliver a realistic portrayal of 20th-century romance, infusing the film with snappy dialogue and a well-paced screenplay. Despite the complexities of Allen’s reputation, Annie Hall remains a milestone in the romantic comedy genre.

13. Get Out (2017)

Screenwriter: Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele’s transition from comedy to horror proved groundbreaking with Get Out. Peele’s exceptional screenplay satirizes neoliberalist attitudes while delivering a tense and thrilling narrative. The film, earning Peele an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, solidified his position as a visionary director and screenwriter, with subsequent successes further cementing his impact.

12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Screenwriters: Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest stands as a pinnacle of cinematic achievement, winning the “Big Five” at the Oscars. Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman’s screenplay provides a foundation for an emotionally resonant narrative with exceptional characters and dialogue. The film remains a triumph of screenwriting within the drama genre.

11. Some Like It Hot (1959)

Screenwriters: Billy Wilder and I. A. L. Diamond

Billy Wilder’s comedic genius shines in Some Like It Hot, a film that effortlessly blends genres. Co-written with I. A. L. Diamond, the screenplay weaves a hilarious tale of musicians on the run, showcasing Wilder’s ability to balance various elements seamlessly. Some Like It Hot earned Wilder and Diamond an Oscar nomination, a testament to its enduring comedic brilliance.

10. 12 Angry Men (1957)

Screenwriter: Reginald Rose

12 Angry Men is a dialogue-driven masterpiece that relies on Reginald Rose’s exceptional screenplay to captivate audiences. The film, set almost entirely in one room, skillfully balances 12 primary characters debating a murder case. Rose’s screenplay, adapted from his own television play, earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination, highlighting its impact on cinematic storytelling.

9. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Screenwriter: William Goldman

William Goldman’s brilliance as a screenwriter is evident in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This genre-defying film seamlessly merges action, crime, comedy, and Western elements, showcasing Goldman’s ability to balance diverse themes. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid stands as one of Goldman’s best works, earning him a well-deserved screenplay Oscar.

8. Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Screenwriters: Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder, and D. M. Marshman Jr.

In Sunset Boulevard, Billy Wilder, along with Charles Brackett and D. M. Marshman Jr., crafts a film noir masterpiece that delves into the harsh realities of Hollywood. The screenplay, recognized with an Oscar for Best Story and Screenplay, refuses to pull punches, offering a savagely satirical exploration of a screenwriter’s life changed forever.

7. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Screenwriters: Stanley Kubrick, Terry Southern, and Peter George

Dr. Strangelove remains a wild ride through chaos, showcasing Stanley Kubrick’s comedic brilliance. Co-written with Terry Southern and Peter George, the screenplay navigates the edge of nuclear war with dark humor. The film, nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, endures as one of the best of the 1960s, highlighting the trio’s contribution to cinematic satire.

6. All About Eve (1950)

Screenwriter: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s All About Eve explores the darker sides of showbiz with a focus on Broadway. Winning an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, the film delves into the complexities of aging and fame. Mankiewicz’s screenplay, based on Mary Orr’s short story, remains a benchmark in cinematic storytelling, influencing subsequent generations of writers and filmmakers.

5. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Screenwriters: Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary

Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction revolutionized narrative structure in cinema. Co-written with Roger Avary, the screenplay weaves together interconnected stories, creating a non-linear narrative that remains influential. The film’s sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and cultural impact showcase Tarantino’s exceptional storytelling prowess, earning him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

4. Casablanca (1942)

Screenwriters: Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard E. Koch

Casablanca stands as a testament to the power of classic storytelling. The collaboration between Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard E. Koch resulted in an iconic screenplay that has become synonymous with timeless romance and wartime intrigue. The film’s enduring popularity, marked by unforgettable lines and characters, cements its place among the greatest screenplays in history.

3. The Godfather (1972)

Screenwriters: Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola

Based on Mario Puzo’s novel, The Godfather is a masterclass in adapting literature to the screen. Puzo, along with director Francis Ford Coppola, created a script that delves into the intricacies of power, family, and organized crime. The screenplay’s impact on cinema is immeasurable, spawning a cultural phenomenon and earning Puzo and Coppola the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

2. Citizen Kane (1941)

Screenwriter: Herman J. Mankiewicz and Orson Welles

Citizen Kane is a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, and its screenplay, written by Herman J. Mankiewicz and Orson Welles, played a pivotal role. The narrative structure, innovative techniques, and deep character exploration set the standard for storytelling in film. Mankiewicz and Welles’ collaboration left an indelible mark, with Citizen Kane often regarded as the greatest film of all time.

1. Gone with the Wind (1939)

Screenwriter: Sidney Howard (adaptation) and others uncredited

At the top of our list is Gone with the Wind, a monumental achievement in storytelling. Adapted by Sidney Howard from Margaret Mitchell’s novel, this screenplay embodies the epic scope and emotional depth of a nation torn by war. The film’s iconic characters, memorable lines, and grand narrative secured its place as a cultural touchstone, earning Sidney Howard a posthumous Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

This engaging journey through the 25 best screenplays provides a glimpse into the evolution of cinematic storytelling, from the golden age of Hollywood to contemporary masterpieces. Stay tuned as we delve into the top five screenplays that have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.

Author Profile

Holli Greaves: Meet Holly, our versatile freelance journalist and featuers writer who has a passion for dissecting the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Your guide to understanding the forces driving our digital age with insightful perspectives and in-depth storytelling.