Classic Movie Screenplays: Top 10 Ranked Picks

The Golden Age of Hollywood is renowned for producing some of the most remarkable films in cinematic history, including the timeless classics Casablanca, All About Eve, and It Happened One Night. This illustrious era gifted audiences with an array of legendary stars like Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, and Marlon Brando, along with visionary filmmakers such as Billy Wilder, John Huston, and Orson Welles. However, what often goes unappreciated is the screenplay—the very heart and soul of every memorable classic film—crafted by talented writers who shaped these cinematic treasures.

While assembling an all-star cast and pairing them with a skilled director can create a successful film, the true measure of a movie’s quality lies within its plot. This makes the screenplay an essential component of any cinematic work. Classic cinema is overflowing with unforgettable screenplays that continue to resonate with film enthusiasts today. Noteworthy examples include On the Waterfront, The Best Years of Our Lives, and Sunset Boulevard, each recognized for their outstanding screenwriting during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

10 ‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959): A Timeless Comedy Classic

Directed by the Legendary Billy Wilder

Josephine and Jerraldine looking in the same direction in Some Like It Hot
Image via United Artists

The iconic comedy Some Like It Hot, directed by Billy Wilder, features an unforgettable performance by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as musicians who witness a mob hit and are forced to escape from Chicago to sunny Florida, disguising themselves as women in an all-female band. Their initial plan unfolds smoothly until Curtis finds himself falling for a fellow bandmate, the enchanting Marilyn Monroe, while a persistent suitor, Joe E. Brown, sets his sights on Lemmon. This leads to a whirlwind of humorous escapades that keep audiences laughing.

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Some Like It Hot showcases a clever and quick-witted screenplay co-written by Wilder, who is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. The script is filled with clever one-liners and hilarious gags, including a memorable jab at George Raft, known for his iconic gangster roles and the infamous coin-flipping scene. The film garnered several Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, ultimately winning an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

Some Like It Hot Film Poster

Some Like It Hot

After two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.

Release Date
March 19, 1959

Director
Billy Wilder

Runtime
121 minutes

Writers
Billy Wilder , I.A.L. Diamond , Robert Thoeren

9 ‘The Philadelphia Story’ (1940): A Romantic Comedy Masterpiece

Directed by the Innovative George Cukor

Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart looking in the same direction with shocked expressions in 'The Philadelphia Story'
Image via MGM

Katharine Hepburn shines in the romantic comedy classic The Philadelphia Story, portraying the beautiful socialite Tracy Lord, who is on the verge of marrying the affluent George Kittredge (John Howard). However, her wedding plans take an unexpected twist when her ex-husband, Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), reenters her life, attempting to win her back. Furthermore, a reporter (James Stewart) complicates matters, forcing Lord to confront her feelings for all three men just before she is set to walk down the aisle.

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Following the success of The Philadelphia Story on Broadway, Hepburn secured the film rights and reprised her stage role as Lord in this adaptation. The film is not only celebrated for revitalizing Hepburn’s career but also for its exemplary screenplay that masterfully weaves together romance and humor, creating a compelling and believable love story. This classic romantic comedy garnered six Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning two Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor, awarded to Stewart for his outstanding performance.

8 ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ (1946): A Powerful Post-War Drama

Directed by the Acclaimed William Wyler

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