My Favourite Films About Writers of All-Time

Not many figures attract audiences to theatres like writers. 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. The Shining

Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, isolation affected my abilities to write movie reviews causing sorrow. When I was diagnosed with COVID during the dire pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in my room by taking measures which were drastic. Unable to step outside for a walk in the fresh air, I struggled to write film reviews about which I had grown to care. Driven towards the brink of insanity, I couldn’t cope with isolation that affected by ability to write effectively. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how isolation can impact a person’s writing as powerfully as “The Shining”. Ever since its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about writers. With the most frightening film of his career, Kubrick did an extraordinary job of adapting Stephen King’s beloved book about isolation. Kubrick has an aptitude for using foreshadowing to build tension, and his strengths shine through in “The Shining”. Kubrick effectively used foreshadowing to capture a writer facing isolation in a hotel that’s frightening. For instance, the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” sequence in which Jack attacks his wife and child with an axe causing a dilemma remains one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodies a self-destructive author impacted by isolation. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” my favourite writer film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most horror movies targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about dangers of isolation which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic horror film about writers facing isolated hotels that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has made strong movies honouring the art of writing which are worth celebrating.

2. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, writer’s block has impacted by ability to write effectively. I have often faced trouble putting pen to paper coming 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. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I appreciated “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie captured hardships screenwriters with writer’s block go through. 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 screenwriter facing emotional damage. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about writing which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of writer’s block causing screenwriters to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences appreciate.

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 captured inspirational teachers. Weir used stunning montages capturing the positive impact teachers have on students. 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 message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about teachers, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. A heartwarming portrait of the role teachers play motivating students to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured astonishing 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 message. The film delivers a meaningful message about identity 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 deserve celebration.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. At an early age, I developed tendencies for feeling anxiety causing emotional damage. As a shy teenager, I remember being under pressure. This anxiety began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Anxiety became a barrier that impacted my abilities to become a successful writer. As someone that has often faced anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about writers. Chbosky uses stunning montages to capture the lives of teenagers with severe mental health issues. For instance, the scene in which Charlie faces a breakdown causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, capturing a thought-provoking teenager. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to become a writer, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has manufactured movies which audiences 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 cherish.

7. Almost Famous

Rock bands are great musicians that inspired me. I recall with nostalgia a love for rock music in a past era. I would often love writing about bands that shaped my identity. As someone treasuring rock bands that are famous, I appreciated “Almost Famous”. Released in 2000, Cameron Crowe’s movie captured a teenager writing about a rock band that’s famous. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Almost Famous” stand out is its depiction of rock music. Crowe uses montages capturing a teenager writing about a band that’s inspiring. Assisted by Frances McDormand who is amazing, Crowe created a portrait of rock music that’s compelling. As strong as William’s love for rock bands that are famous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences consider precious.

8. Her

Technology has always been a pivotal part of my writing. As far as I remember, I have always relied on technology to be a writer. The internet has become a powerful medium allowing me to achieve writing stardom. As someone cherishing technology as a writer, I adored “Her”. Released in 2013, Spike Jonze’s movie captured the impact of technology on writers’ identities. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Her” stand out is its depiction of technology. Jonze uses montages to capture the bond between a lonely writer and his phone. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is amazing in the lead role, Jonze created a compelling portrait of technology. A dazzling depiction of technology writers use to achieve prosperity, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies audiences love dearly.

9. The Hours

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about writers, it’s worth discussing The Hours. Since its publication in 1998, Michael Cunningham’s book has become a literary classic that audiences appreciate. In 2002, Stephen Daldry celebrated the book about women writing over many hours in his movie “The Hours”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hours” stand out is its sensitive depiction of mental health. Daldry uses clever non-linear storytelling to capture hardships three female writers are facing. Assisted by Meryl Streep who is exceptional in the lead role, Daldry honours literature that’s lasting. A spectacular adaptation of a celebrated book about writers committing suicide, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which have always left audiences satisfied.

10. Mank

Few screenwriters in cinematic history are as beloved as Herman J. Mankiewicz. During the 1940’s, Mank managed to gain praise when he made the film “Citizen Kane”. In 2019, David Fincher celebrated Mank in his movie “Mank”. Fincher used black-and-white visuals to capture an artist with love to write. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is spectacular in the lead role, Fincher honoured Mank’s legacy. Although I’m a fan of the movie, it’s not quite perfect. Historical inaccuracy regarding Orson Welles has tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable addition to the genre. As strong as Mank’s desire to be recognized by the studio system, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies offering valuable wisdom on writers which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.