The holidays are here, and while everyone else is winding down, screenwriters know better because inspiration strikes when you least expect it.
And what better way to spark those storytelling muscles than with a lineup of films that do it right? From razor-sharp dialogue to subtle emotional punches, these movies are more than entertainment—they’re masterclasses in the art of storytelling.
It’s a good time to tackle a new script, revise an old one, or simply indulge in the kind of procrastination that still feels productive, either way these 10 movies are a good binge line up if you’re a screenwriters and as bonus, we added why you should, too:
1. Barbie (2023)
Even a pink plastic doll can deliver existential dread. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie proves that satire can be both playful and profound. This is a film that says, “Take the silliest idea you’ve got and write it with the weight of the world.” Audiences laughed, cried, and felt seen—a reminder that smart, sharp writing never goes unnoticed.
Screenwriter takeaway: No idea is too small or absurd if you lean in and make it sing.
2. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Who knew “It’s not you, it’s me” could unravel into a darkly comedic masterpiece? Martin McDonagh’s writing elevates the mundane to the magnificent with killer dialogue, escalating stakes, and a gripping simplicity. This is conflict at its purest form—relationships breaking, quiet moments unraveling, and unspoken words screaming.
Screenwriter takeaway: Tension lives in the ordinary, and dialogue is an art form.
3. Past Lives (2023)
Celine Song’s Past Lives is proof that silence often carries the heaviest weight. It’s a slow burn, where longing and unsaid emotions resonate more than any monologue ever could. This film understands that what you don’t say matters as much as what you do.
Screenwriter takeaway: Give your audience room to feel the silence. Let moments breathe.
4. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
If this chaotic masterpiece taught us anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as a “bad idea.” Everything Everywhere All At Once is unhinged, heartfelt, and genre-bending in ways that scream: commit to your vision. Daniels took a wildly absurd premise and turned it into a tender, multi-universal story about love, family, and hotdog fingers.
Screenwriter takeaway: If you commit to the madness, the audience will follow.
5. Aftersun (2022)
There’s subtlety, and then there’s Aftersun. This heart-wrenching film by Charlotte Wells doesn’t hit you over the head with its emotions; it quietly settles into your bones. It’s a masterclass in restraint—trusting the audience to see what’s unsaid and feel what’s hidden.
Screenwriter takeaway: Sometimes, the softest beats land the hardest.
6. Dune: Part Two (2024)
Epic world-building can feel intimidating, but Denis Villeneuve’s Dune proves it’s not just about spectacle. It’s about grounding your universe in soul, character, and stakes. Sandworms, deserts, and power struggles aside, Dune remains deeply human at its core.
Screenwriter takeaway: Build big, but never lose the emotional heartbeat of your story.
7. Challengers (2024)
Love triangles don’t have to be cliché. Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers delivers sharp, sexy storytelling packed with tension that doesn’t let up. With layered characters and narrative stakes, this film proves that interpersonal dynamics are often the most gripping drama you can write.
Screenwriter takeaway: Characters drive conflict—make them messy, complex, and real.
8. The Fall Guy (2024)
Screenwriting and stunt work share one golden rule: timing. The Fall Guy is here to remind you that action can be more than explosions—it’s rhythm, humor, and heart. Plus, it’s a tribute to the unsung heroes of filmmaking: stunt performers who make scripts move.
Screenwriter takeaway: Action without purpose is empty. Nail your beats.
9. Civil War (2024)
When politics get personal, stories hit harder. Alex Garland’s Civil War is bold, visceral, and unflinchingly human. It’s not just about the big-picture stakes; it’s about the people within the chaos. Screenwriters, take notes: there’s always a human story beneath the headlines.
Screenwriter takeaway: Ground bold themes in personal, relatable stakes.
10. Inside Out 2 (2024)
If screenwriting feels like managing your emotions (spoiler: it does), then Inside Out 2 is practically research. Pixar once again turns the complexities of feelings into storytelling gold. It’s a reminder to write with heart, honesty, and a little humor—because emotions are what keep audiences coming back.
Screenwriter takeaway: If it makes you feel something, it’ll make the audience feel, too.
So, What’s Next?
This holiday season, let these films remind you why you write. Whether it’s the razor-sharp wit of Barbie or the quiet ache of Past Lives, each of these movies has something to teach. Storytelling is everywhere—chaotic, subtle, messy, and human.
Which of these films are you watching first? Better yet, what are you writing this season?
And speaking of sharing, we’re running our #DecemberProudProject—a month to spotlight the projects you’re proud of on Instagram. Collaborate with us, showcase your work, and celebrate what you’ve created this year. Because your stories matter, and we’re here to amplify them.
Hit reply, drop us a DM, or tag us—we’re waiting.
