Great movies don’t get started without excellent work written before it gets green-lit. The greatest movies in history wouldn’t have their place in our hearts without an amazing screenplay to back them up.
This list goes over the eight best screenplays of all time, so sit back and enjoy a look at the greatest cinematic treasures ever written.
Contents
Casablanca (1942)
Arguably considered the greatest movie ever made, Casablanca is an easy choice for the top spot in this list.
Casablanca was written by Julius and Philip Epstein (with work by Howard Koch left out of the movie). The screenplay focuses on Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart). He helps his ex-girlfriend Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband Laszlo (Paul Henreid), escape Casablanca.
Casablanca also produced some of the most memorable quotes in movie history, including “We’ll always have Paris”.
The Godfather (1972)
When you think of Italian mob movies, the first one that normally comes to mind is The Godfather. Written by Mario Puzo and film director Francis Coppola, based on Puzo’s best selling novel.
The screenplay revolves around a 10-year window of the infamous Corleone crime family in New York City. The family transitions from leader Vito Corleone (played by Marlon Brando) to his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino).
The Godfather quickly cemented itself as one of the greatest films of its generation and is easily considered an all-time classic.
Gone With the Wind (1939)
Another timeless classic enters our list with Gone With the Wind. Originally written by Sidney Howard, the story revolves around Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh). Her relationship with Clark Gable (Rhett Butler) is the focus of the movie as they are both currently taken.
Some of the most memorable lines from the movie include “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn”, and “As God as my witness, I’ll never go hungry again!”. If you want to find a memorable screenplay it doesn’t get much better than Gone With the Wind.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
To Kill a Mockingbird was originally a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel written by Harper Lee. The screenplay was created by Horton Foote and the quick release of the film after the book’s publishing date was rarely seen during its time.
The story focuses on Jeremy Atticus (Gregory Peck), a white attorney. He finds himself defending the innocence of African-American Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) who has been accused of rape.
The most telling quote from the movie came from Jeremy Atticus: “It’s a sin to kill a Mockingbird”.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The screenplay for the film adaption of 1982 novel was written by the movie’s film director Frank Darabont. (Click here to learn more about tips for writing your own screenplay).
The film received seven Academy Award nominations including Best Adapted Screenplay.
The plot of the film focuses on the friendship of inmates Andy (Tim Robbins) and Ellis (Morgan Freeman) at Shawshank State Penitentiary. There are a number of twists and turns in the movie, including a daring prison escape.
“Get busy living or get busy dying” is still one of the best quotes you will find in the screenplay.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was the inspiration for the 1939 classic. The majority of the screenplay was written by Herman J. Mankiewicz. It includes many popular songs that have become timeless classics of cinematic lore.
The character arcs were also developed excellently. Dorothy (Judy Garland), and the three other main characters all carved out significant moments of triumph throughout the movie.
With a plot full of fantasy and magical elements, the screenplay focuses on young Dorothy trying to get back home to Kansas, while her three friends help her fight the Wicked Witch of the West on her way to meeting the great and powerful Oz.
The list of songs is extensive, but if you haven’t heard Garland’s rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” download it now and see how hard it will be not to click your heels together and say “there’s no place like home” three times.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
The critically acclaimed historical drama was inspired by the life of Thomas Edward Lawrence. It was written by Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson and starred Peter O’Toole as Thomas Lawrence.
The film focuses on Lawrence’s actions as a member of the British army during World War I in the Arabian desert, while also portraying the struggles of his allegiance to his nation, and Arab comrades fighting on the ground.
The movie is full of memorable action scenes and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture while being nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Lawrence famously quoted: “I had to execute someone, and there is something about it I didn’t like.”
The Graduate (1967)
The only film on our list with a sly sense of humor, the film is based on the 1963 novel written by Charles Webb. The screenplay focuses on the life of 21-year-old, Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) who ends up in a love triangle with an older woman Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), and her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross).
The film grossed over $104 million and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay.
Two of the movies infamous quotes include “Oh no, Mrs. Robinson, I find you very desirable.”, and “Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me”.
What Are Your Best Screenplays of All Time?
So now that we have gone through our list of the top 8 best screenplays of all time, which ones stand out to you? Leave us a comment below and click here to get more information on news and facts about the entertainment industry.