As filmmakers one of the best resources that we have is the work of others. This work can come in many formats from classic films, to musical scores, to just about any other work of art that is relevant to this medium. For many of us though, the most powerful resource that we can tap into are screenplays. Reading screenplays not only makes you a better writer, but it allows you to have a deeper understanding of the rest of the creative process. It will put into perspective how every other element of the film fell into place as a result of the screenplay – for better or for worse. I’ve read some amazing scripts that ended up being terrible films, and to me this is one of the best ways of learning what not to do. Or conversely, I’ve read some terrible scripts that became masterpiece works of art thanks to changes that were made on set, great direction, fantastic casting, and a powerful score.

Each year before the Oscars, studios go through the process of submitting films for consideration to the Academy, and recently some of those screenplays have started to pop up online and become available. I’ve made 8 of those screenplays available for download below, and I’m going to update this page in the near future if I come across any other scripts that are readily available. For now, be sure to check out these!

Before Midnight – Written by Richard Linklater & Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy

The Bling Ring – Written by Sofia Coppola

The Place Beyond The Pines – Written by Derek Cianfrance & Ben Coccio & Darius Marder

Kill Your Darlings – Written by John Krokidas & Ausitn Bunn

Mud – Written by Jeff Nichols

Lone Survivor – Written by Peter Berg

The Spectacular Now – Written by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber

Spring Breakers – Written by Harmony Korine

The Croods – Written by Kirk DeMicco & Chris Sanders

Monsters University – Written by Daniel Gerson & Robert L. Baird

Frozen – Written by Jennifer Lee

Wadjda – Written by Haifaa Al Mansour

The Past – Written by Asghar Farhadi

The Invisible Woman – Written by Abi Morgan

Rush – Written by Peter Morgan

Despicable Me 2 – Written by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio

Please leave a comment if you have links to any of the other 2013 screenplays that are being submitted for consideration this year! And for those of you writers out there, check out my recent article on 5 Tips For Writing Better Characters Into Your Screenplay.