The Most Famous Screenwriter, Ranked

Choose the screenwriter you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 07:12
Screenwriters craft the worlds and characters that captivate film and television audiences worldwide. Their deft storytelling has the potent ability to engage, inspire, and challenge viewers, making the role pivotal in the success of a production. Yet, despite their influence, these creatives often remain lesser-known compared to the stars they propel to the limelight. This gap highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the wordsmiths behind our favorite shows and movies. By casting a vote for your top screenwriters, you help acknowledge their integral contributions to entertainment. This dynamic list serves not only as a celebration of talent but also as a guide for those looking to discover more about the artisans behind the scripts. Each vote impacts the ranking directly, ensuring that the list is continually refreshed and reflective of collective appreciation. Engage with the list today to see who ranks at the top and contribute to the appreciation of these narrative architects.

Who Is the Most Famous Screenwriter?

  1. 1
    51
    votes
    He is known for his fast-paced and witty dialogue, and has won numerous awards for his work on films like The Social Network and TV shows like The West Wing.
    Aaron Sorkin in other rankings
  2. 2
    34
    votes
    Quentin Tarantino
    Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Known for his unique storytelling style and non-linear narratives, Tarantino has written and directed some of the most iconic films of our time, including Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill.
    Quentin Tarantino in other rankings
  3. 3
    30
    votes
    Woody Allen
    Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Allen is a prolific screenwriter, director, and actor who has been making films since the 1960s. He is known for his neurotic characters and witty dialogue, and has won four Academy Awards for his screenplays.
  4. 4
    24
    votes
    Known for his epic films like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, Coppola is one of the most respected and influential filmmakers of all time. He has won five Academy Awards, including two for his screenwriting.
    Francis Ford Coppola in other rankings
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    Billy Wilder
    Studio · Public domain
    Wilder was a German-born American filmmaker who is best known for his work on classic films like Some Like It Hot and Sunset Boulevard. He won six Academy Awards in his career, including three for his screenwriting.
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Kaufman is known for his surreal and thought-provoking screenplays, including Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He has been nominated for four Academy Awards and won one for his work on Eternal Sunshine.
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    Robert Towne
    Sarah Morris · Attribution
    Towne is best known for his work on classic films like Chinatown and The Last Detail. He has been nominated for four Academy Awards and won one for his screenplay for Chinatown.
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Nora Ephron
    David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0
    Ephron was a talented writer, director, and producer who is best known for her work on films like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. She was nominated for three Academy Awards during her career.
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Mamet is known for his gritty and realistic dialogue, and has written screenplays for films like The Untouchables and Glengarry Glen Ross. He has won numerous awards for his work, including a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
    David Mamet in other rankings
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    John Hughes
    Glenbrook North High School · Public domain
    Hughes was a prolific writer, director, and producer who is best known for his work on classic 1980s films like The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. His films have become iconic of the era and continue to be popular with audiences today.

Missing your favorite screenwriter?

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Ranking factors for famous screenwriter

  1. Body of Work
    Consider the screenwriter's body of work, including the number of successful and critically acclaimed films they have written. A screenwriter who has consistently delivered high-quality scripts for popular films is likely to be regarded as more famous. 2. Box Office Success: Evaluate the commercial success of the films written by the screenwriter. The number of box office hits and the total box office earnings can indicate the screenwriter's popularity and their impact on the film industry.
  2. Awards and Recognition
    Examine the screenwriter's awards and recognition from prestigious film organizations, such as the Academy Awards (Oscars), Golden Globe Awards, or BAFTA Awards. Winning or being nominated for major awards is a significant indicator of a screenwriter's talent and fame.
  3. Influence and Legacy
    Consider the screenwriter's influence on the industry and their impact on other writers. A screenwriter who has inspired and influenced other filmmakers or whose writing style has become influential in the industry is likely to be regarded as famous.
  4. Critical Acclaim
    Analyze the critical reception of the screenwriter's work. Positive reviews and critical acclaim from film critics can establish the screenwriter's reputation and contribute to their fame.
  5. Popularity and Recognition
    Assess the screenwriter's overall popularity and recognition among both film enthusiasts and general audiences. factors such as their presence in media interviews, public appearances, and media coverage can indicate their level of fame.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous screenwriter. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Screenwriter is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1383 views
  • 195 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Screenwriter once every 24 hours. The rank of each Screenwriter is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous screenwriter

Screenwriting is an essential element in the film industry, and the people behind the scripts play a significant role in shaping the stories that we love. Over the years, several screenwriters have made a name for themselves, with their work earning them critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. When it comes to the most famous screenwriters, it's challenging to pinpoint a single individual as the definitive answer. However, there are a few names that stand out above the rest. William Goldman, for instance, is widely regarded as one of the greatest screenwriters of all time, with iconic works such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Princess Bride cementing his legacy. Other notable names in the world of screenwriting include Aaron Sorkin, Quentin Tarantino, and Woody Allen, all of whom have made significant contributions to the industry. With so many talented individuals in the field, it's no wonder that screenwriting continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of writers.

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