If there are film workers who are underestimated and underpaid, they are undoubtedly screenwriters. A part of it is because film directors are also screenwriters for their movies. Another is because they aren’t just screenwriters since it’s usually their side job.
The movie industry pays the actors and actresses the most. Essentially, who’s seen more gets more money. On the other hand, it’s logical since it’s the same in sports. Players are paid a lot more than coaches or other staff members.
Still, the best screenwriters have been able to make a name for themselves. And rightfully so, because without them, there won’t be any great movies.
Let’s begin with the basics and define screenwriting.
What is Screenwriting?
Screenwriting is the craft and art of writing screenplays for films, TV shows, and OTT shows.
The process involves creating interesting characters, engaging dialogue, and a narrative (structured or not) that drives the story forward. An excellent screenplay should be a guiding model for directors, actors, and cinematographers to bring an idea to life.
A screenplay is the backbone of every movie. There’s an excellent saying that describes screenplays perfectly – “You can make a bad movie from a great screenplay. You can’t make a great movie from a bad screenplay.”
Still, there’s a difference between screenwriting and scriptwriting.
Screenwriting vs Scriptwriting
People sometimes mix the job of screenwriters and scriptwriters. No worries, it’s a common mistake and a logical one. Nevertheless, there’s a difference between the two.
A screenwriter is someone who writes stories/screenplays for movies, TV shows, and OTT shows. A scriptwriter is someone who writes for recorded and live programs, talk shows, video games, etc.
Of course, a screenwriter can be a scriptwriter and vice versa.
Why is Screenwriting Important?
A well-written screenplay is the foundation of any great film. There have been examples of excellent movies made without a good screenplay or none at all. However, this is an extremely rare case and typically pulled off by directors who are geniuses. Or, it has been made for art, underground, or experimental films.
Still, no matter how skilled a director is, a weak screenplay usually results in an uninspiring and bad movie. Good screenwriting shapes emotions, builds tension, and delivers themes that resonate with audiences worldwide.
It is what makes films memorable and impactful.
What Makes a Great Screenwriter?
It’s almost impossible to define what makes a great screenwriter. If we could do that, we would write fantastic screenplays a lot more easily.
Nevertheless, several basic aspects are important. The best screenwriters possess creativity, discipline, and technical knowledge. They understand story structure, character development, and pacing. They can craft compelling dialogue and create worlds that feel real, no matter how fantastical. The best screenwriters also take risks, pushing the boundaries of storytelling to deliver unique and thought-provoking narratives.
Now, let’s see some of the best screenplays to study.
Best Screenplays to Read for Aspiring Screenwriters
Reading great screenplays is one of the best ways to learn the craft. Here are some of the best screenplays to read and study:
- Casablanca (1942) – Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch
- Chinatown (1974) – Robert Towne
- Pulp Fiction (1994) – Quentin Tarantino
- The Social Network (2010) – Aaron Sorkin
- Get Out (2017) – Jordan Peele
- Parasite (2019) – Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won
- The Godfather – Mario Puzo & Francis Ford Coppola
- The Matrix – Lilly Wachowski & Lana Wachowski
These are only some of the best screenplays of all time. However, you don’t need more since it’s better to start by reading a few.
Best Screenwriters of All Time
Here is a list of some of the best screenwriters ever, known for their exceptional storytelling and contributions to cinema:
- Billy Wilder
- Charlie Kaufman
- Aaron Sorkin
- Herman J. Mankiewicz
- Federico Fellini
- Quentin Tarantino
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Stanley Kubrick
- Woody Allen
- Joel & Ethan Coen
- Paul Schrader
- Ingmar Bergman
- Akira Kurosawa
- Paddy Chayefsky
- Bong Joon-ho
- Christopher Nolan
- Greta Gerwig
- Richard Linklater
- Diablo Cody
- David Mamet
- Oliver Stone
- Spike Lee
- Jordan Peele
- Ben Hecht
- Leigh Brackett
- Martin MacDonagh
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge
- Robert Towne
- Krzysztof Piesiewicz
- François Truffaut
- Paolo Sorrentino
- Jean-Claude Carrière
- Pedro Almodóvar
- Boris Vian
- Aaron Sorkin
- David Mamet
- The Wachowskis
- Emir Kusturica
These are some of the best screenwriters in Hollywood and across the globe. Of course, many others are worth mentioning but it’s impossible to list them all.
Best Screenplays Ever
Here’s a list of some of the best screenplays of all time:
- Citizen Kane by Herman J. Mankiewicz & Orson Welles
- Taxi Driver by Paul Schrader
- Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino
- The Godfather by Mario Puzo & Francis Ford Coppola
- Chinatown by Robert Towne
- Casablanca by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch
- The Shawshank Redemption by Frank Darabont
- Sunset Boulevard by Billy Wilder & Charles Brackett
- Annie Hall by Woody Allen & Marshall Brickman
- The Big Lebowski by Joel and Ethan Coen
- Schindler’s List by Steven Zaillian
- Goodfellas by Nicholas Pileggi & Martin Scorsese
- A Clockwork Orange by Stanley Kubrick & Anthony Burgess
- Whiplash by Damien Chazelle
- The Matrix by Lilly Wachowski & Lana Wachowski
The Role of Screenwriting Software
Today, screenwriters rely on software to streamline their writing. The best screenwriting software includes:
- Final Draft – Industry standard for professional screenwriting
- Celtx – Great for beginners and collaboration
- Fade In – Affordable alternative to Final Draft
- WriterDuet – Best for real-time collaboration
- Scrivener – Ideal for detailed outlining and research
If you feel more comfortable using pen and paper, you should do so. Tarantino does it, so why shouldn’t you?
Final Thoughts on the Best Screenwriters of All Time
Screenwriting is the backbone of great cinema. From classic Hollywood masterpieces to modern indie hits, the work of brilliant screenwriters continues to shape the film industry.
By studying their craft and utilizing the right tools, you can develop a unique voice and contribute to original storytelling.
And remember, the best screenwriters working today were also beginners once!
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