What are the best movies to watch to help screenwriters?

Watch classics in the genre you want to write about.

Also, anything by Pixar if you are looking for standard structure stuff.

But most important, I think, is this, Steph: don't just WATCH the movies. Write down the plot points while you watch. Write down notes about observations, things that work.

After you do this for a lot of movies, it becomes second nature, and at some point you really don't even have to write much down. But doing this will help you see patterns.

Also, compare the structure to some of the standard models you probably have read by now. You will find that no single model applies. But the models will help you a little to gain insight on some of the patterns successful movies use.

I have watched a lot of movies on Netflix and youtube this way, and I seldom watch to the end. Often I watch the first half to get the set up and structure down.

I promise you, if you write out the main plot points, and there will usually be at least  one every 5 or 6 minutes, and do this for a couple weeks, you will come back to this thread and tell us you see movies in a whole new light. Good luck!

Quoted from KevinLenihan Also, anything by Pixar if you are looking for standard structure stuff.

You stole the words from my mouth, Kev.

Pixar movies are great examples of classic structure and always fun to watch let me add. Well, they have to be when you have kids.

If you're looking for good examples of dialogue, character development, etc, check out the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Structure/pacing? Transformers 3.

Wait...

Seriously, though, "Manhattan" by Woody Allen is a film I go back to over and over again. It's pretty extraordinary. What I'd give to write dialogue that witty and natural...

Also, anything written by Aaron Sorkin. He's a master.

Yeah, watch those animations like Kev mentioned. Some good stuff with structure there.

I'd also suggest giving The Big Lebowski a watch.

Check the IMDb Top 250 for reference to some "classics", but I'd definitely recommend Network above all others. It took the writer years to hone this slice of perfection - and it shows. Brilliant screenplay and film. Aaron Sorkin raved about it when winning for Social Network, which speaks volumes.

I still don't think much tops In Bruges for dialogue. I guess that's what you get when an accomplished playwright writes a screenplay.

Thanks everyone.. great tips!!!!

My advice, in all honesty, is to watch bad movies.  Really crapfests that are poorly written and poorly put together.

Why, you ask?  How in the world can that help?

It actually helps alot.  If you pay attention, you'll see exactly what doesn't work and why.  You'll wonder why in the world anyone would not see these obvious problems before releasing...before shooting, for God's sake.

Basically, it will help you understand what not to do in a script, and that's more than half the battle.

I have to agree with Jeff....every movie you watch...you can learn something...what did work..what didn't work...structured...poorly structured...movies are invaluable ....and reading scripts. Read as many scripts as you can.

I strongly recommend The Big Chill for dialog and character development.  All you have is seven people sitting around, talking.  Despite this, it's a movie that keeps your attention.


Phil

Watch the movies you love to see what makes them tick.  Chances are the scripts you're going to be writing, especially in the beginning, are for films that you would enjoy yourself -- it makes sense to understand these movies.

Quoted from mcornetto Watch the movies you love to see what makes them tick.  Chances are the scripts you're going to be writing, especially in the beginning, are for films that you would enjoy yourself -- it makes sense to understand these movies.

Yep, well said.  I agree 100%.

I do not agree about watching "classics".  Most of the classics from yesteryear would not work at all in these days.

Quoted from Dreamscale I do not agree about watching "classics".  Most of the classics from yesteryear would not work at all in these days.

...if "work" means "make a ton of money." Most of the "classics" from yesteryear are, as it turns out, classic. And extremely, extremely good.

A lot of great advice already put up.

Can't say I can add much but I suggest getting ahold of the script of some of your favorite movies and reading them.  Take special notes on your favorite scenes in particular.  What made those scenes so great?  How did they tie in with the rest of the story?

I think writing a great scene is a big step towards writing a great script.