3. Jordan Peele

Like Gerwig, although he is more known for his directing and even his longtime acting career, Jordan Peele is still an amazing screenwriter. Again, like Gerwig, Peele is not scared of themes that might be considered “uncomfortable” to some. With something like Get Out (2017), he can craft a story that talks about issues such as “color blindness”. Another great element of Peele’s writing abilities is that he is great at creating suspenseful moments. Whether it is the climax of Nope (2022) or the home invasion from Us (2019), he can write scenes that have audience members on the edge of their seats. They feel meticulously planned out, and that is not to be overlooked. 

Of course, one cannot talk about Peele’s writing without mentioning his comedy. Peele does a great job of adding humor in his horror films that helps flesh out the characters and add levity to an otherwise serious film. Then there is the sketch-comedy series that he not only wrote but co-starred with actor and comedian Keegan Micheal Key, Key & Peele (2012-2015). The show has gotten much acclaim for being one of the funniest sketch-comedy series of all time. While Peele wasn’t the only writer for that show, his contribution could certainly be felt, especially in sketches where he plays himself. In the end, Jordan Peele is someone of many talents with his writing. He can do horror, comedy, or even sci-fi, such as with Nope. Either way, it’s always something special. 

2. Tony Gilroy

This is a writer who does not get as much recognition as he deserves. Through the Bourne series, Gilroy writes captivating spy-thrillers that have audiences glued to the screen. He will keep everyone guessing with many unpredictable moments, such as the opening to The Bourne Supremacy (2004). It never gets dull, but rather continuously gets more engaging as the story goes on.

Similar to Lawrence Kasdan, Gilroy is more recently known for his contributions to the Star Wars franchise. Whether it is Rogue One (2016) or the series Andor (2022-present) that he is also the showrunner of, Gilroy has been considered to be a “saving grace” in the Disney-era of Star Wars. His writing brings a down-to-earth element that the franchise never really had before, or at least, not in this capacity. He shows off a darker side of the good guys in Rogue One and Andor by committing horrific acts as a “means to an end.” He elevates the series by having the characters speak more like people in the real world, just with a Star Wars skin, which allows for viewers to connect with them more. Gilroy is also good at juggling multiple plotlines, which isn’t easy for a writer, yet he does it in a way that feels smooth. All in all, if someone needs a writer to make well-grounded thrillers with intriguing characters, Tony Gilroy is the screenwriter that they are looking for. He always continues to do excellent work with whatever he is attached to.  

1. Aaron Sorkin 

It wouldn’t be a list of Hollywood screenwriters without mentioning the one and only, Aaron Sorkin. Sorkin is a writer that many have strived to be. His style comes from a theater background, much like other screenwriters, including Lawrence Kasdan, and involves a lot of monologues done at a much quicker pace, which many have described as the “walk and talk.” This is perfectly depicted in shows like The West Wing (1999-2007), or even 30 Rock (2006-2013) where he appeared in a cameo role as himself explaining the process. He can have dialogue that practically has 1000 words a minute, and yet audiences are hanging on to every single one of those words. 

Another example of Sorkin’s brilliant writing is the film The Social Network (2010). The movie, which follows the story of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and the founding of Facebook, is incredibly engaging. His writing has many compelling scenes of the character discussing the site and all of the various legal troubles that follow. Even if someone might not be able to understand everything that is going on, it will still stay with them, since the dialogue  is very mesmerizing. That is the best way to describe Sorkin’s writing: mesmerizing. Whether or not people like his work, it still leaves an impact on them. No other person writes the way he does, and that is the best thing a writer can achieve: not necessarily being the best, but having a voice unlike any other. Ultimately, Aaron Sorkin is one of the reasons why screenwriters need to be treated with more respect. 

Movies and shows by these writers can be found on Amazon Prime Video.