These Are Must-Read Screenplays for Any Writer

If you want to be a writer, you need to be a reader, too. The best way to find your voice is to read more established writers and see how the professionals put details on the page.

Whether it's learning about story structure, character development, or dialogue, studying the works of successful screenwriters can provide valuable insights and techniques that can be applied to your own writing.

In this article, we'll explore some must-read screenplays that offer valuable lessons for any writer looking to improve their craft.

Let's dive in.

What Are Some Must Read Screenplays?

Ask any writer and you're going to get a list of different screenplays that have influenced them over time.

There are so many movies out there to learn from, so when I was thinking about this post, I had to take into account my personal taste, and the movies I felt like helped me find my individual voice.

Here are some scripts I think every writer should read.

'Juno'Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures

As I said up top, this is a personal list of scripts I think every writer should read. So Don't hold it against me, just make your own list later.

• The Godfatherby Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola: This screenplay is a classic example of how to adapt a novel into a successful film. It's a masterclass in character development, dialogue, and pacing.
• Chinatown by Robert Towne: This screenplay is often cited as one of the best ever written. It's a complex and layered story with unforgettable characters and a twist ending that will leave you reeling.
• Casablanca by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch: This screenplay is a timeless classic, with unforgettable dialogue and a story that still resonates today.
• Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary: This screenplay is a great example of non-linear storytelling and the use of dialogue to drive the plot. It's a fun and entertaining read.
• The Social Network by Aaron Sorkin: This screenplay is a great example of how to make a film about something seemingly mundane (the founding of Facebook) into a compelling and entertaining story. Sorkin's dialogue is sharp and witty, and the pacing is excellent.
• Annie Hallby Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman: This screenplay is a great example of how to write a romantic comedy that is both funny and touching. It's a classic for a reason.
• Juno by Diablo Cody: This witty and heartfelt screenplay is about a teenage girl who unexpectedly becomes pregnant, exploring themes of family, friendship, and identity.
• Thelma & Louise by Callie Khouri: This groundbreaking screenplay is about two women who embark on a road trip that turns into a crime spree, exploring themes of gender, friendship, and rebellion.
• Networkby Paddy Chayefsky: This screenplay is a great example of how to write a satire that is both funny and prescient. The story is a scathing commentary on the media and the power of television.
• Taxi Driver by Paul Schrader: A classic screenplay about a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a vigilante, exploring themes of isolation, violence, and redemption.
• The Shawshank Redemption by Frank Darabont: An adaptation of Stephen King's novella that tells the story of two prisoners who form a bond and find hope in the most unlikely of places.
• Jaws by Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb: A suspenseful and thrilling screenplay that has become a cultural phenomenon and redefined the summer blockbuster.
• The Silence of the Lambs by Ted Tally: A psychological thriller that explores the complex relationship between a young FBI agent and a cannibalistic serial killer.

'Jaws'Credit: Universal Pictures