Top Ten Screenplays

"American History X" (1998)
"City of God" (2002)
"Donnie Darko" (2001)
"Forrest Gump" (1994)
"Harold and Maude" (1971)
"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975)
"The Princess Bride" (1987)
"Requiem for a Dream" (2000)
"Schindler's List" (1993)

A good movie is not based on box-office success or production value. The ten greatest screenplays of all time share little in common when it comes to the stories told. Each one is set in a different place and different time, but each has made an outsized impact on viewers.

These movies were successful because of their ability to reflect the realities of historical events and speculate about the possibilities of the future. Each film shapes socially unacceptable concepts in ways in which audiences can relate. The viewer is empowered to make a difference in the world and change the norms of society. The theme of a screenplay is crucial to its merit, but there are countless further contributing factors.

Acting, music, cinematography, and writing are the four key elements that contribute to the success of a movie. Well-known actors are able to add to the movie's success, but they are not essential.  That said, the acting must be done well. The actors must make a connection with the audience; viewers must credibly perceive them as real people. Music is a similarly valuable factor in a movie. The music in "Forrest Gump" communicates the turmoil that the U.S. was experiencing during the Vietnam War. Cinematography is usually overlooked by the typical viewer, but it contributes to a movie's tone. Also, cinematography maintains the attention of an audience. The last key component in a successful movie is its writing. The words used should reflect a story's setting and capture viewers' emotions.

Each of the ten movies listed above fulfill these essential requirements, establishing them as exceptional films.