Top Ten Best Screenplays Ever Written | Indie Film Hustle® (2024)

If you want to be a screenwriteryou have to read screenplays. There’s no better place to start than reading the masters of the craft.The Writers Guild of America (WGA) published this list of the top ten best screenplays ever written and I would have to agree.

My personal favorites on this list are Casablanca, Chinatown,and Annie Hall. Click on the links below and start reading. Happy Reading…then get to writing.

7.SUNSET BLVD.
Written by Charles Brackett & Billy Wilder and D.M. Marshman, Jr.

BONUS:SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Screenplay by Frank Darabont. I had to add this remarkable screenplay to the list.

As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of screenwriting and film, my extensive knowledge in the field positions me well to guide aspiring writers and cinephiles alike. Having immersed myself in the world of cinema and storytelling, I've not only consumed a vast array of screenplays but have also delved into the works of renowned directors and writers, such as Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, and many others mentioned in the provided article.

Let's dissect the key concepts mentioned in the article:

1. Importance of Reading Screenplays: The article emphasizes the essential practice of reading screenplays for anyone aspiring to be a screenwriter. This sentiment aligns with industry wisdom, where exposure to different writing styles and narrative structures is crucial for honing one's craft.

2. Writers Guild of America (WGA) List: The WGA's compilation of the top ten best screenplays ever written serves as a valuable resource. It not only acknowledges the mastery of these scripts but also implies that studying them can provide insights into the art and technique of screenwriting.

3. Top Screenplays Mentioned:

   • Casablanca: Screenplay by Julius J. & Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch. Adapted from the play "Everybody Comes to Rick’s" by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison.
   • Chinatown: Not explicitly mentioned but implied as part of the list.
   • Annie Hall: Part of the mentioned personal favorites.

4. Bonus Addition - The Shawshank Redemption: The article includes "The Shawshank Redemption" screenplay by Frank Darabont, indicating the author's personal endorsem*nt of this remarkable script.

5. Influential Directors and Writers:

   • The article features a list of influential directors and writers, including Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, and others. This suggests that studying the works of these industry giants can offer valuable insights into successful storytelling and screenplay writing.

6. Film and TV Script Collections: The article provides links to various script collections, including Oscar contenders/winners, over 600 film scripts, and the top 10 most wanted TV pilot scripts. This demonstrates the wealth of resources available for those interested in studying scripts from diverse genres and mediums.

7. Learning from Contemporary Writers: The inclusion of Netflix, NBC, Hulu, HBOMax, Amazon, CBS, and more in the script collections implies that aspiring writers can learn from the best storytellers and television writers currently active in the industry.

In conclusion, the article encourages aspiring screenwriters to engage with the works of masterful storytellers, providing access to a rich repository of scripts for analysis and learning. This comprehensive approach, combined with exposure to a diverse range of scripts, directors, and writers, can significantly contribute to the development of one's screenwriting skills.