The Best Scripts of All Time

Writing screenplays is not easy. Not only do you have to worry about formatting, you have to worry about content. You want the characters to jump off the page and hold the audience’s attention throughout each and every scene. One of the best ways to home your craft is by reading various scripts to see how the best in the business do it.

You can craft amazing scenes and develop unforgettable characters. You have the creativity to do such a thing. However, without reading some of the better scripts out there, you may not have a very good guide. If you have a favourite play or movie, read the script and see how they created the scenes that you love so much. This will give you the know-how and the inspiration to create your own memorable screenplay. Once you have read the script over a few times watch the movie again and you will have a whole new appreciation for the film. Don’t forget to program your DVR for the below films for some great examples. You can pick up the DirecTV genie using DirectSelectTV and at the same time get special pricing for first time subscriptions.

Below are the top 5 scripts of all time.

Some Like it Hot

This 1950s comedy is unforgettable because there are two musicians who have dressed up as women because they are on the run from the mob. Marilyn Monroe delivers flirtatious lines one after another and Jack Lemmon has some unforgettable lines as well. The chemistry between the characters is palpable and this is all because it was a well-written script to begin with.

Goodfellas

This is a classic gangster movie where dreams come true and then it all goes belly up. The life of a gangster is romanticized, making everyone who saw the movie want to become one. This is all because the script developed empathy for the main characters.

Taxi Driver

This is a classic Scorsese movie about a Vietnam vet that goes to NYC and becomes a taxi driver. It doesn’t sound like the start of a great movie, yet it became a classic because of how it was written. De Niro certainly helped the movie along, but it never would have gone anywhere without the talented writing.

Godfather (I and II)

The largest New York crime family comes to life, showing that being in the mob is not as easy as it sounds. There were some great one-liners from the books and movies and that’s why it became as popular as it did.

Pulp Fiction

The Tarantino movie is violent, yes, but it also tells the story of two losers who happen to be hit men in LA. The cult classic offers wisdom and pop philosophy without being over the top. The characters are unforgettable and each scene adds something to the overall development of the movie and the characters.

There are lots of movies out there that have become popular over the years. Whether you want to read about gangsters or hopeless romantics or hardened criminals, choose a movie that was a hit and that touched your soul. Then grab the script and read it cover to cover to see how the writer managed to create empathy and form connections between the characters. Reading the scripts will teach you more than any screenwriting class can.

You will be able to find scripts online and even in the library. Take advantage of them and you will soon be able to create your own magic on the page and on the screen.