10 Of The Greatest Horror Movie Scripts
There’s just something about horror movies that makes us all love them. Maybe it’s the suspense, the fear, or the adrenaline rush we get from watching people being killed on screen. No matter what it is, horror movies are here to stay. And while there are plenty of great horror films out there, the horror movie scripts that are written are often just as good, if not better than the actual film. So, with Halloween just a month away, I’ve decided to take a look at 10 of the greatest horror movie scripts of all time. Keep reading to find out which ones made the list!
1. Get Out
Get Out is a 2017 American horror film written and directed by Jordan Peele. The film follows Chris Washington, a young black man who visits the family estate of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage.
Soon after arrival, Chris realizes that something is amiss and that he may not be able to leave the estate alive.
Get Out is a subversive take on the classic horror film, using the genre to explore issues of race and racism in America.
The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Peele an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Get Out is an essential work of modern horror that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
Get Out is one of the most talked-about horror films in recent years, and for good reason. The premise is simple but effective: a black man named Chris goes to meet his white girlfriend’s family for the first time, only to find that they have a sinister plan for him.
However, what makes Get Out so special is the way it handles race. The film is unafraid to explore the issue of racism in an honest and thoughtful way, using the horror genre to highlight the everyday fears and dangers that black people face.
In addition, the film is also remarkably suspenseful, with a number of truly unsettling moments. As a result, Get Out is not only a great horror film, but an important work of social commentary.
2. The Cabin In The Woods
The Cabin in the Woods is a 2012 American horror film directed by Drew Goddard. The screenplay was co-written by Whedon and Goddard.
The film tells the story of five college students who are vacationing in an isolated cabin in the woods. Little do they know that they are being watched by a group of scientists who have taken them there for an experiment.
The Cabin in the Woods is a highly original and clever take on the horror genre that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
The Cabin in the Woods is a great horror script for a number of reasons. First, it takes the classic horror trope of a group of young people venturing into the woods and turns it on its head. The second reason is that it is full of suspense and twists that keep the audience guessing. Finally, it has some truly iconic scares that will stay with viewers long after they have left the theater.
In all, The Cabin in the Woods is a great example of how to take a familiar concept and breathe new life into it. As a result, it is sure to please both horror aficionados and casual fans alike.
3. The Exorcist
The Exorcist is a 1973 American horror film directed by William Friedkin, adapted from the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty.
The book, inspired by a 1949 case of demonic possession, tells the story of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil, who is possessed by a demon and begins to exhibit disturbing behavior, including levitating out of her bed.
Her mother hires two priests, Father Damien Karras and Father Merrin, to perform an exorcism on her. After a battle of wills between the demon and the priests, Regan is finally freed from the demon’s possession.
The Exorcist was both a critical and commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It also won two Academy Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay for Blatty and Best Sound Mixing.
The film has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
What makes the movie so effective is not just its shocking images, but also its well-crafted script. The story follows a young girl who is possessed by a demon, and the efforts of two priests to save her, but instead of resorting to cheap scares, the movie intelligently explores the characters’ inner struggles with faith and doubt. As a result, The Exorcist is not only one of the most terrifying movies ever made, but also one of the most intelligent. It’s a perfect example of how a great script can elevate a movie to true masterpiece status.
4. Rosemary’s Baby
Rosemary’s Baby is a 1968 American psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski, based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Ira Levin.
The plot follows a young pregnant woman named Rosemary Woodhouse (Farrow) who is slowly persuaded by her neighbor Minnie Castevet (Gordon) that an evil cult is conspiring to take her baby for use in their Satanic rituals.
The film received widespread acclaim from critics and was nominated for several awards, including Oscars for Best Supporting Actress (Gordon) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Polanski).
In 2019, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
While there are many theories about the meaning of Rosemary’s Baby, one popular interpretation is that the film is actually about the dangers of female empowerment.
In particular, some believe that the character of Rosemary is meant to represent the changing role of women in society at the time.
Prior to the 1960s, women were largely seen as homemakers and mothers; however, the rise of feminism led to a shift in thinking, with more and more women pursuing careers outside the home.
This change can be seen as a threat by some men, who may feel threatened by women’s growing independence. As such, Rosemary’s Baby can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving women too much power.
Whether you agree with this interpretation or not, there’s no denying that Rosemary’s Baby is a classic film with plenty of food for thought.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
What makes the script truly stand out, however, is its masterful use of tension and atmosphere.
From the very first scene, director Roman Polanski creates a sense of unease that only intensifies as the story progresses.
He expertly builds suspense, making clever use of light and sound to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
By the time the shocking conclusion arrives, it’s clear that Rosemary’s Baby is not only a great horror script, but a cinematic masterpiece.
5. The Silence Of The Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, and Scott Glenn.
Based on Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel of the same name, the film tells the story of FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer, known only as “Buffalo Bill”.
The Silence of the Lambs was released to critical acclaim and box office success, grossing $272 million worldwide against its $19 million budget.
It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Hopkins, Best Actress for Foster, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Ted Tally.
In 2003, The Silence of the Lambs was deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the United States National Film Preservation Board and selected for preservation in the Library of Congress National Film Registry.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
What really sets The Silence of the Lambs apart from other horror movies is its willingness to subvert genre conventions.
For example, instead of the usual damsel in distress, we have a strong and resourceful heroine. And instead of a traditional monster, we have a complex and sympathetic villain.
These choices make The Silence of the Lambs a fresh and unique entry in the horror genre, and a must-read for any fan of horror movie scripts.
6. Halloween
The 1978 cult classic Halloween tells the story of Michael Myers, a killer who returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois on the anniversary of his sister’s murder.
While the townspeople are preparing for Halloween, Michael begins stalking and murdering his victims one by one. Among his targets is Laurie Strode, the sister of his first victim.
As the body count rises, Laurie realizes that she must find a way to stop Michael before he kills her too. Halloween is a suspenseful and terrifying film that has become one of the most iconic horror movies of all time.
Today, it is widely celebrated by fans of the genre, and its success has spawned numerous sequels and imitators.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
When it comes to horror movies, there are a few key elements that must be present in order to create a truly chilling experience.
First and foremost, the script must be well-written, with believable characters and a tight plot. Secondly, the setting must be appropriate for the story, and thirdly, the atmosphere must be tense and foreboding.
The 1978 movie Halloween hits all of these marks, which is one of the reasons why it is still considered one of the best horror movies ever made.
Additionally, the eerie score by John Carpenter creates a perfect sense of dread, further adding to the film’s impact. Halloween is a masterclass in horror movie scripts, and it is sure to send chills down your spine.
7. A Nightmare On Elm Street
A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 1984 American supernatural horror film directed by Wes Craven and written by Craven and Bruce Wagner.
The plot concerns four teenagers living on one street in the fictional town of Springwood, Ohio, who are terrorized by Freddy Krueger.
The teenagers are unaware of the past of Freddy Krueger, who was burned to death by their parents after he killed several children in the area. He returns in their dreams and kills them with a gloved hand with long knives.
Nancy Thompson is the only teenager who knows how to defeat him for good. A Nightmare on Elm Street was released on November 9, 1984 and grossed over $25 million at the US box office.
It received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success and spawned a franchise consisting of seven sequels, a television series, books, comic books, merchandise, and two remakes.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
There are many reasons why the movie A Nightmare On Elm Street is a great horror script. For starters, it features a unique and interesting premise.
The story revolves around a group of teenagers who are being stalked by a serial killer in their dreams. This makes for some very suspenseful and scary moments.
Additionally, the movie is well-paced and full of surprises. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, something else entirely different happens instead.
This keeps the viewer on edge for the entire duration of the film. Finally, the movie has some great characters.
Freddy Krueger is a particularly creepy and fascinating villain, and the teenage protagonists are likable and relatable. All of these factors come together to put A Nightmare On Elm Street on the list greatest horror movie scripts.
8. Eden Lake
Eden Lake is a British thriller film released in 2008. The movie takes place in Eden Lake, a remote location in the countryside of England.
The story follows a young couple, Jenny and Steve, who are on a romantic getaway. However, their peaceful trip quickly turns into a nightmare when they encounter a group of violent teenagers.
The teenagers proceed to terrorize the couple, and eventually, Steve is killed. Jenny is left alone to face the dangers of the night.
Throughout the movie, she is forced to fight for her life as she tries to escape from her tormentors.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
What makes the movie so effective is the way it builds tension throughout. From the first few scenes, it is clear that something is not right with the group of teenagers.
As the couple tries to escape, the audience is left wondering whether they will make it out alive. Eden Lake is one of the best horror movie scripts that is well worth reading.
9. The Blair With Project
The Blair Witch Project is a 1999 American horror film that tells the story of three student filmmakers who disappeared while filming a documentary about the local legend of the Blair Witch.
The film, which was written, directed, and edited by Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick, stars Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Leonard as the three students.
The Blair Witch Project was a commercial success, Grossing over $248 million dollars against its $60,000 budget, and is credited with popularizing the found footage subgenre of horror films.
The movie has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, as well as imitators from other filmmakers looking to capitalize on its success.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
One of the things that makes the script so effective is its use of found footage, which gives the audience a feeling of authenticity.
In addition, the script expertly builds suspense, making the viewer afraid of what might happen next.
The ending is also perfect, providing a sense of closure while still leaving some unanswered questions. As a result, The Blair Witch Project is one of the greatest horror movie scripts out there.
10. It Follows
It Follows is a 2014 horror movie that tells the story of Jay height, a high school senior who is pursued by a malevolent entity after a sexual encounter.
The entity takes the form of different people, all of whom look normal at first, but are actually grotesque monsters in disguise.
The only way to get rid of the entity is to have sex with someone else, who then becomes the new target.
As Jay and her friends attempt to escape the entity, they must also come to terms with their own sexuality and relationships.
It Follows is a clever and terrifying movie that deconstructs the genre by delving into the psychological fears that underpin it. In doing so, the film provides a thoughtful commentary on sexuality and relationships.
Why It’s A Great Horror Script
The movie It Follows is a great horror script because the force takes the form of a person, always maintaining the same distance from Jay, no matter where she runs. This creates a sense of constant menace and dread, as the viewer never knows when or where the creature will strike. The movie also makes excellent use of its setting, using deserted streets and shadowy figures to further heighten the sense of menace. As a result, It Follows is a truly one of the most effective horror movie scripts that is sure to leave readers feeling unsettled long after the last word has been read.
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