The 101 BEST Screenplays EVER Written and WHY They Rank

What does it take to write one of the best screenplays ever written? You’re probably already familiar with the key elements that constitute a cohesive and compelling screenplay. A basic list of core facets might look a little something like this:

• Strong premise
• Well-crafted characters
• Logical structure
• Deliberate pacing
• Interesting themes
• Satisfying conclusion

However, it’s one thing to know how to construct a good story and another thing entirely to be able to implement these aspects into your writing.

Regardless of what stage you’re at – whether you’re starting out on your first screenplay or you’re a screenwriting veteran, whether you’re laying out plans for your first draft or brushing up on your second, whether you’re pulling yourself out of a creative rut or bursting with ideas – it’s always wise to learn from those that have come before you.

In this business, that means reading and analyzing a lot of screenplays! And where better to start than with those considered the best screenplays ever written? In this article, we’ll take a look at a widely cited list of the best screenplays ever written, before delving into some of these screenplays to see what makes them so great.

What Are the Best Screenplays Ever Written?

Now, it’s important to mention that such a question is (of course!) subjective. There are many factors that might influence the way that any given person thinks about the subject.

Even with a list of structural and stylistic elements to consider, the process of choosing the best screenplays is a personal one. For instance, your thoughts on the subject are likely to reflect your preferences – for certain genres, character types, themes, etc. What’s more, you may find that your impression of the screenplay is closely linked to your thoughts on the film.

That being said, we may find it useful to take stock of the general consensus. One such source is the 101 Greatest Screenplays ever written, polled by the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) in 2006.