Our team compiled the Best Original Screenplay movies and here is what they came up with
The Academy Awards’ “Best Original Screenplay” category is one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry, recognizing the best in original storytelling. This award is given to the writer or team of writers who have created an original story that has been adapted into a feature-length film.
The nominees for the award are typically a diverse group of writers, ranging from first-time screenwriters to seasoned veterans. The nominees are usually a mix of independent and studio films, with a wide range of genres and styles represented. The category has seen some iconic winners over the years, including Quentin Tarantino for “Pulp Fiction” and Jordan Peele for “Get Out”.
Winning this award is a significant achievement for any writer, as it recognizes the value of original storytelling in the film industry. The award also often serves as a predictor of future success, with many past winners going on to become successful and respected writers in the industry.
The competition in this category is always fierce, as the nominees are chosen from a wide range of films. The winners are often surprises, with lesser-known films and first-time writers taking home the award. However, it is not uncommon for critically acclaimed and commercially successful films to also win in this category.
In the recent years, the Original Screenplay category has seen a lot of new talents and fresh stories, with a good representation of diversity and inclusion. The Academy has been also actively working towards fostering more diverse voices in this category, which is a positive sign for the future of storytelling in Hollywood.
Best Original Screenplay category of the Academy Awards is a celebration of creativity, originality and diversity in the film industry. It recognizes the importance of fresh ideas and new voices in storytelling, which is the backbone of the film industry and the reason it continues to evolve and grow.
Here are the Best Original Screenplay movies to check out on the streaming service.
1. Get Out (2017)
Directed by Jordan Peele and starring Daniel Kaluuya, this is a horror-thriller about a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family and uncovers a sinister secret. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $176 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its biting social commentary, its clever twist ending, and its unique blend of horror and comedy. Kaluuya was nominated for Best Actor, and Peele won Best Original Screenplay.
2. Her (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze and starring Joaquin Phoenix, this is a science fiction romance about a man who falls in love with a computer operating system. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $44 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its imaginative concept, its exploration of loneliness and technology, and its strong performances. Phoenix was nominated for Best Actor, and Jonze won Best Original Screenplay.
3. Birdman (2014)
Directed by Alejandro G. Inarritu and starring Michael Keaton, this is a dark comedy about a washed-up actor who attempts to revive his career. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $69 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its innovative cinematography, its meta-themes, and its dark humor. Keaton was nominated for Best Actor, and Inarritu won Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
4. Gandhi (1982)
Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley, this biopic tells the story of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his fight for India’s independence from Britain. The film was praised for its honest portrayal of Gandhi’s struggle and the performances of Kingsley and the supporting cast. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG and earned $179 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office.
5. Terms of Endearment (1983)
Directed by James L. Brooks and starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson, this drama follows a mother and daughter’s tumultuous relationship over the course of 30 years. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG and earned $102 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its honest and heartfelt performances and its exploration of the complexities of family relationships.
6. Amadeus (1984)
Directed by Miloš Forman and starring F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce, this biopic tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life and his rivalry with Antonio Salieri. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG and earned $88 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its thoughtful and detailed examination of Mozart’s life and its performances.
7. Witness (1985)
Directed by Peter Weir and starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis, this crime drama follows an Amish boy who witnesses a murder and is protected by a police officer. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $68 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its exploration of the Amish culture and its nuanced performances.
8. The Last Emperor (1987)
Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starring John Lone, this historical drama follows the life of the last emperor of China. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG-13 and earned $58 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its sweeping scope and its stunning visuals.
9. Rain Man (1988)
Directed by Barry Levinson and starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, this drama follows two estranged brothers who embark on a cross-country road trip. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $182 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its honest and heartfelt performances and its exploration of family dynamics.
10. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Directed by Bruce Beresford and starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy, this drama follows the relationship between an elderly woman and her African-American chauffeur over the course of 25 years. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG and earned $106 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its sensitive and nuanced exploration of race and class in the American South.
11. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, this western follows an American soldier who befriends a Native American tribe. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG-13 and earned $184 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its thoughtful exploration of Native American culture and its epic scope.
12. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, this thriller follows an FBI agent as she attempts to track down a serial killer. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $193 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its thrilling plot, its nuanced performances, and its exploration of gender and power dynamics.
13. Unforgiven (1992)
Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this western follows a retired gunslinger who is hired to take care of a violent criminal. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $159 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its gritty realism and its examination of the consequences of violence.
14. The Piano (1993)
Directed by Jane Campion and starring Holly Hunter, this drama follows a mute woman and her daughter as they travel to New Zealand in the 1800s. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $54 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its unique story, its powerful performances, and its exploration of gender and sexuality. Hunter was awarded an Oscar for her performance, and Campion received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
15. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert de Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, this is a drama about a group of friends in Pennsylvania who are sent off to fight in the Vietnam War. The film received an MPAA rating of R and earned $86 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its realism and its exploration of the effects of war on its characters. The film won Best Picture and Best Director, and Cimino was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
16. Annie Hall (1977)
Directed by Woody Allen and starring Allen and Diane Keaton, this is a romantic comedy about a neurotic comedian and a singer as they try to make it work in New York City. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG and earned $90 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its humor, its satire of modern culture, and its innovative use of narration. Allen won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for Best Director.
17. The Usual Suspects (1995)
Directed by Bryan Singer and starring Kevin Spacey, this is a crime thriller about a group of criminals who are brought together to plan a heist. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $57 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its twist ending, its sharp dialogue, and its complex characters. Spacey won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and Singer was nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
18. The King’s Speech (2010)
Directed by Tom Hooper and starring Colin Firth, this is a historical drama about the relationship between King George VI and a speech therapist who helps him overcome his stutter. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $133 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its emotional depth, its strong performances, and its exploration of the power of friendship. Firth won an Oscar for Best Actor, and Hooper was nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
19. The Social Network (2010)
Directed by David Fincher and starring Jesse Eisenberg, this is a drama about the rise of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG-13 and earned $124 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its smart dialogue, its authentic portrayal of Silicon Valley culture, and its exploration of power and ambition. Eisenberg was nominated for Best Actor, and Fincher was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
20. Lost in Translation (2003)
Directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Bill Murray, this is a drama about an aging actor and a young woman who form an unlikely bond in Tokyo. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $44 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its subtle humor, its exploration of loneliness and identity, and its strong performances. Murray was nominated for Best Actor, and Coppola won Best Original Screenplay.
21. The Artist (2011)
Directed by Michel Hazanavicius and starring Jean Dujardin, this is a black-and-white silent film about a silent film star who struggles to adjust to the coming of sound. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG-13 and earned $42 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its unique format, its homage to classic cinema, and its charming performances. Dujardin won an Oscar for Best Actor, and Hazanavicius won Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
22. The Shape of Water (2017)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Sally Hawkins, this is a fantasy-romance about a mute woman who falls in love with a mysterious creature. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $63 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its lush visuals, its exploration of love and acceptance, and its strong performances. Hawkins was nominated for Best Actress, and del Toro won Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
23. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Directed by Ron Howard and starring Russell Crowe, this is a biopic about the mathematician John Nash and his struggle with schizophrenia. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG-13 and earned $120 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its moving story, its accurate portrayal of mental illness, and its strong performances. Crowe won an Oscar for Best Actor, and Howard was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
24. Milk (2008)
Directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Sean Penn, this is a biopic about the gay rights activist Harvey Milk and his fight for equality. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $60 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its authentic portrayal of the struggle for LGBT rights, its powerful performances, and its timely themes. Penn won an Oscar for Best Actor, and Van Sant was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
25. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Directed by Wes Anderson and starring Ralph Fiennes, this is a comedy-drama about a legendary concierge at a European hotel and his adventures with a young employee. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $58 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its humor, its colorful visuals, and its strong performances. Fiennes was nominated for Best Actor, and Anderson won Best Original Screenplay.
26. Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Directed by Kenneth Lonergan and starring Casey Affleck, this is a drama about a man who must take care of his nephew after his brother’s death. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $54 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its emotional depth, its realistic characters, and its exploration of grief. Affleck won an Oscar for Best Actor, and Lonergan won Best Original Screenplay.
27. Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Directed by John Madden and starring Gwyneth Paltrow, this is a romantic comedy about a young William Shakespeare and his love for a noblewoman. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $137 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its witty dialogue, its charming performances, and its celebration of the power of love and art. Paltrow won an Oscar for Best Actress, and Madden was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
28. The Big Sick (2017)
Directed by Michael Showalter and starring Kumail Nanjiani, this is a romantic comedy about a Pakistani comedian who falls in love with a white woman. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $55 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its honest portrayal of interracial relationships, its humor, and its strong performances. Nanjiani was nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
29. Gladiator (2000)
Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, this is an epic action-drama about a Roman general who is betrayed and forced into slavery. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $187 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its thrilling action scenes, its grand scale, and its strong performances. Crowe won an Oscar for Best Actor, and Scott was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
30. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and starring Javier Bardem, this is a crime thriller about a Vietnam veteran who finds himself on the run from a psychopathic killer. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $74 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its tense atmosphere, its moral ambiguity, and its brilliant performances. Bardem won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and the Coens won Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
31. Spotlight (2015)
Directed by Tom McCarthy and starring Mark Ruffalo, this is a drama about a team of journalists who uncover a massive cover-up by the Catholic Church. The film earned an MPAA rating of R and earned $45 million (adjusted for inflation) at the box office. It was praised for its authentic portrayal of investigative journalism, its exploration of the power of truth, and its strong performances. Ruffalo was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and McCarthy won Best Original Screenplay.