Top 10 Films That Broke Story Structure: Read Their Scripts Here!

With screenwriting, adherence to story structure is often considered sacrosanct. However, some films have dared to challenge these conventions, pushing the boundaries of narrative storytelling. Personally, when I found the courage and desire to write a script that broke structure it ended up winning awards across the globe and helped me get my foot in the door with producers. So, here are ten groundbreaking films that defied traditional story structures and captivated audiences with their innovative approaches:

1: Arrival (2016) – Directed by Denis Villeneuve, “Arrival” mesmerized audiences with its intricate use of flash forwards. By manipulating time, the film immerses viewers in a non-linear narrative, offering glimpses of the future to unravel its profound themes of communication and perception.

2: Annihilation (2018) – Alex Garland’s “Annihilation” employs an unreliable narrator to blur the lines between reality and perception. As the protagonist navigates a mysterious and dangerous landscape, the audience is kept on edge, questioning the reliability of the narrative unfolding before them.

3. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece, “Pulp Fiction,” is renowned for its bold narrative structure, weaving together multiple storylines with precision and flair. By interconnecting disparate characters and events, Tarantino creates a tapestry of crime, wit, and dark humor that defies linear storytelling conventions.

4. Rashomon (1950) – Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon” is a seminal work of cinematic storytelling, renowned for its exploration of subjective truth. Through a series of conflicting accounts of a single event, the film challenges viewers to question the reliability of perception and memory, offering multiple perspectives on the human experience.

5. Interstellar (2014) – Christopher Nolan’s epic sci-fi odyssey, “Interstellar,” bends time and space to craft a narrative that transcends traditional storytelling boundaries. As humanity faces extinction, the film explores the intricacies of time dilation and relativity, inviting audiences on a mind-bending journey through the cosmos.

6. The Usual Suspects (1995) – Bryan Singer’s “The Usual Suspects” is a masterclass in deception and misdirection, anchored by an unreliable narrator. As the enigmatic Keyser Söze weaves a web of intrigue, the audience is drawn into a labyrinth of twists and turns, culminating in one of cinema’s most iconic plot twists.

7. Memento (2000) – Christopher Nolan’s “Memento” subverts audience expectations with its unique reverse narrative structure. As the protagonist grapples with short-term memory loss, the film unfolds in reverse chronological order, challenging viewers to piece together the fragmented puzzle of his life.

8. Manchester by the Sea (2016) – Kenneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea” employs flashbacks to delve into the complexities of grief and loss. Through a non-linear narrative, the film explores the haunting past of its protagonist, illuminating the emotional landscape of trauma and redemption.

9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – Michel Gondry’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” defies traditional storytelling conventions with its inventive exploration of memory and identity. As characters undergo a procedure to erase painful memories, the film unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, blurring the boundaries between past and present.

10. Inception (2010) – Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” is a visionary masterpiece that delves into the depths of the subconscious mind. Through its labyrinthine narrative structure, the film explores the intricacies of dreams within dreams, challenging viewers to question the nature of reality itself.

These ten films stand as testament to the power of cinematic storytelling to push boundaries and defy conventions. By daring to break free from traditional story structures, they have enriched the medium of film and inspired generations of storytellers to think outside the box. Whatever you plan to write make sure that it excites and inspires you!