The Best Films About the Writing Process Ranked

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as writing. Since the 1990’s, movies about writers have earned a huge audience. Whether its shining authors, little women publishers or wallflower teenagers, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about writers that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the whole world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, writer’s block has often impacted my ability to write reviews effectively. I have often faced trouble putting pen to paper to come up with great ideas as a writer. There have been times when I have struggled to engage being unable put a single word on a page. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the frustration faced by authors with writer’s block as powerfully as “Adaptation”. Ever since its release in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about the writing process. With the greatest film of his career, Jonze used captivating cinematic techniques to capture the mind of a writer facing despair. Jonze has often had an aptitude for making great movies about writers whose lives are in danger, and “Adaptation” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter affected by writer’s block that causes depression. For instance, the scene in which Charlie stares at his typewriter struggling to put a word on the page causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Nicolas Cage, who embodies a regretful screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” my favourite film about the writing process of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about writing which resonates with everyone. Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about writer’s block causing lives of screenwriters to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which audiences always appreciate.

2. Bright Star

Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2008, Jane Campion’s movie captured the lives of poetry writers facing adversity. Campion successfully used montages capturing the struggles of a legendary poet with a lifelong love for writing. For instance, the scene in which John Keats first meets Fanny beginning their lifelong romantic affair in a bygone era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Ben Whishaw, who portrayed a poet whose stories inspire awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about illness which would resonate with everyone. As strong as John Keats’ love for poetry, its a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which audiences have always adored dearly.

3. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. His wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie depicted the lives of poetic professors in a society. Weir used captivating montages capturing a poetry professor seeking to teach students about the process of writing.  For instance, the final scene in which John Keating bids emotional farewell to his students that stand atop chairs reciting poetry causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robin Williams, who proves how legendary of an actor he once was before he passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its universal appeal. Despite focusing on writers during the 1980’s, its themes remain relevant today. The film delivers a bold message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of the essential role teachers play motivating students to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies which definitely deserve to be celebrated today.

4. Little Women

Criticism is a common obstacle that every writer faces causing frustration. Recently, I found it hard to forgive a cyberbully that harassed me online. He would insult me by criticizing my writing in ways that were demeaning. I felt humiliated being insulted by a bully that criticized my writing leaving me emotionally affected. As someone that has witnessed rejection as a writer causing frustration, I adored “Little Women”. Released in 2019, Greta Gerwig’s movie honoured a beloved book about feminist writers. Gerwig effectively used emotional monologues to capture a female writer impacted by rejection causing depression. For instance, the scene in which Jo has a nervous breakdown after her book is burned by Amy destroying her writing causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodies a female writer facing rejection. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about sibling rivalry which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a beloved book about women with a writing passion, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which definitely deserve celebration.

5. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary writer that always impressed my mother. I remember my mother was once a huge fan of a legendary author in English literature. She grew up to cherish a writer with timeless stories to publish. My mother often yearned to see Charles Dickens’ timeless stories depicted on the big-screen. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the iconic author whose stories have appealed in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Iannucci used captivating montages capturing an orphan rising from poverty to pursue his passion for writing. For instance, the scene in which David Copperfield seeks to prepare his first story engaging in the writing process during the Victorian era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dev Patel, who embodied a writer seeking to be successful. Ultimately, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Charles Dickens to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about orphans which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a legendary English author that penned timeless literature, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about iconic wrtiers that audiences always treasure.

6. American Fiction

Stories penned by minorities are rarely recognized by the publishing industry. The publishing profession has built tight barriers against stories black authors write. In an industry mistreating black authors with discrimination, it’s worth praising “American Fiction”. Released in 2023, Cord Jefferson’s movie depicted barriers black authors fight. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “American Fiction” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Jefferson effectively uses satire to capture barriers faced by black authors that are dire. Assisted by Jeffrey Wright who is extraordinary in the leading role, Jefferson created a spectacular satire about race. As precious as stories Monk seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has managed to accomplish impressive feats manufacturing memorable movies that audiences always cherish.

7. Becoming Jane

When it comes to the most beloved authors of the 19th Century, nobody beats Jane Austen. Ever since she rose to prominence in the 1800’s, Austen has built a lasting legacy. With their timeless themes, strong storytelling and compelling characters, Austen earned a huge following. In 2007, Julian Jarrold honoured the author whose stories entertain in his movie “Becoming Jane”. Unlike most movies in the genre, wha tmakes “Becoming Jane” stand out is its feminist perspective. Jarrold uses captivating montages capturing hardships a female writer seeking to publish stories is facing. Assisted by Anne Hathaway who is extraordinary in the lead role, Jarrold honoured an author that’s beloved today. A beautiful biopic about an author that’s iconic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies captivating the worldwide public.

8. Misery

Obsession is a dangerous emotion that can affect writers’ recognition. Writers that are obsessive often struggle to write stories which are effective. The misery faced by writers struggling to publish stories is beautifully depicted in the movie “Misery”. Released in 1991, Rob Reiner’s movie captured obsessive writers struggling to publish stories. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Misery” stand out is its depiction of obsession. Reiner uses captivating voice-over narration capturing struggles that an obsessive fan stalking a famous author is facing. Assisted by Kathy Bates who is amazing in the lead role, Reiner created a compelling writing drama. A powerful portrayal of authors that are miserable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies that audiences consider special.

9. Mank

Herman J. Mankiewicz is a legendary poet that built a lasting legacy. During the 1940’s, Mank managed to gain praise when he wrote the script for the film “Citizen Kane”. An awe-inspiring poet, Mank penned scripts that are captivating. In 2019, David Fincher honoured the iconic screenwriter in his movie “Mank”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Mank” stand out is its depiction of Hollywood. Fincher uses black-and-white visuals to capture a legendary screenwriter in Hollywood that loved to write. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is amazing in the lead role, Fincher honoured Mank’s commemorated legacy. As precious as the script for “Citizen Kane”, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has managed to gain a huge fan following by making great movies about the lives of legendary poets which always entertain.

10. The Shining

Few movies ever made about the writing process are as beloved as “The Shining”. Released in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s horror movie captured writers facing adversity. Kubrick used stunning foreshadowing to capture hardships that a writer isolated in frightening hotels is facing. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is spectacular in the lead role, Kubrick created a compelling horror movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of writing that drives authors towards the brink of insanity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Jack’s alcoholism, it’s a shining reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies offering wisdom about the writing process which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.