Horror films aim to terrify and disturb audiences through tension, suspense, and chilling plot lines. As a horror screenwriter, determining the right length for your script is crucial to delivering those scares efficiently while leaving viewers wanting more. But how many pages should your horror screenplay actually be?
The generally accepted standard length for a feature film horror script falls between 90-120 pages. Going significantly shorter risks underdeveloping the characters, relationships, and plot details that ground the horror elements.
Overextending the page count increases the chances of a dragging pace with unnecessary scenes, redundant dialogue, and filler that dilute the horror aspects.
By sticking within the 90-120 page range, horror screenwriters can craft tight, focused scripts that make the most of every blood-curdling minute.
Typical Screenplay Page Length Guidelines
Before diving into horror specifically, it helps to understand typical screenplay page count conventions across other genres.
The general rule of thumb is that each page of a screenplay translates to approximately one minute of screen time. So for a standard 120-minute feature film, the script would land in the 120-page range.
However, actual page counts can vary based on the genre:
- Comedies often clock in on the shorter side, around 90-110 pages. The fast, joke-driven pace means less screen time is needed.
- Dramas run longer, averaging 120-130 pages. The increased character development and plot detail require more script length.
- Horror screenplays tend to hit above comedy but below dramas, in that 90-120 page sweet spot.
- Thriller scripts follow similar conventions to horror in terms of ideal length.
This guideline of each page equaling one minute of film helps establish a rough estimate of your script’s runtime based on page count alone. Of course, the director’s creative liberties can alter the exact conversion, but it provides a useful standard for gauging length.
Why 90-120 Pages is the Horror Sweet Spot
Given horror’s balance of character-driven plot with frightening set pieces, the 90-120 page range has emerged as the industry standard for maximizing scares within a typical runtime.
Going shorter neuters vital elements of the horror formula while overextending can breed fatigue. Here’s why this page count hits the horror sweet spot:
-
Allows adequate time for plot and protagonist development while still packing in scary scenes. Unlike a comedy which can thrive on simply being funny, horror relies on authentic characters that the audience connects with so that when danger strikes, the stakes feel real. But well-developed characters and storyline threads take page space. The 90-120 page span gives horror screenwriters leeway to lay the narrative groundwork and construct multi-dimensional characters without eating up too many pages before the horror elements kick in.
-
Provides flexibility for different pacing styles. Some horror films gradually build tension across the runtime before reaching a terrifying climax. This slow-burn approach benefits from ample pages to steadily develop an ominous tone. Meanwhile, faster-paced horrors can utilize rapid editing, intense action, and constant peril throughout, which also fill script pages quickly. The 90-120 range accommodates both styles.
-
Matches the page lengths of successful horror films. Many classic and recent horror hits fall within or near the standard page count guidelines. For example:
- The Conjuring (2013) – 105 pages
- A Quiet Place (2018) – 95 pages
- It Follows (2015) – 99 pages
- The Sixth Sense (1999) – 110 pages
- Saw (2004) – 103 pages
This shows that keeping your horror script within the 90-120 page span aligns with films that effectively maximize the scare factor while still developing the atmosphere and characters judiciously.
Keys to Making a 90-120 Page Horror Script Work
When working within the conventional page count range for horror screenplays, there are several ways to hone an economical, impactful script:
- Focus on the story. Be ruthless in cutting any fluff, unnecessary side plots or excessive backstories that don’t directly connect to the central horror storyline. Every scene should build tension and lead the protagonist closer to the terror.
- Allow some mystery to the horror. The unknown can be scarier than the explicit. While you want enough horror action to satisfy genre expectations, leave some details to the imagination rather than over-explaining the villain/monster and spoiling surprises. Let the director fill in gaps later for added intrigue.
- Use concise yet creepy descriptions. Vivid visual details are crucial for immersing the reader in the scare, but avoid flowery language that merely burns up the page. Similarly, economize your action lines to keep the pace brisk.
- Develop relationships efficiently. Audiences need to care about the characters to feel invested when the horror strikes. But plausible bonds between characters don’t require long winding backstories. Use just enough devastating detail and pivotal shared moments.
- Capitalize on the reader’s imagination for scares. The frightening images you suggest can be scarier than what you show outright. Clever use of suspense, ambiguity, and off-screen occurrences can build dread without heavy visual effects descriptions that drag down the page count.
What If Your Script is Currently Too Long or Too Short?
Not every screenplay draft will immediately conform to the 90-120 page convention. Here’s guidance for tightening an overwritten script or adding depth if your current draft falls short:
Overwritten Horror Script:
- Pare down overly verbose descriptions. Remove filler lines that state the obvious without purpose.
- Check for redundant or rambling dialogue. If conversations aren’t efficiently driving the plot and horror momentum, trim them.
- Consolidate or cut unnecessary characters. Streamline your cast to the core protagonists and secondary roles that truly need to be there.
- Check for pointless or drawn-out scenes between the horror set pieces. If they drag without building meaningful character connections or plot movement, revise or remove them.
- Reduce unnecessary backstories or side plots. Keep only details directly relevant to the central horror storyline.
Underdeveloped Horror Script:
- Flesh out the protagonist and supporting cast. Add pivotal backstory moments, personality quirks and relationship dynamics.
- Introduce plot complications, obstacles, and escalating challenges as the protagonist pursues their goal. These hurdles add page length while deepening the story.
- Use vivid scene descriptions to add detail and atmosphere leading up to horror sequences.
- Develop the antagonist’s/monster’s backstory and motivations to bring chilling depth without explaining everything.
- Add new scary sequences or extend existing horror/action scenes that align with plot points.
By following these tips to refine overwritten or underdeveloped scripts, horror writers can home in on that 90-120 page sweet spot more efficiently. Remember that high quality trumps arbitrary length concerns.
The Terror is Within Reach
Like a chilling jump scare, great horror screenplays grab audiences instantly and refuse to let go. Yet they also take time to lay the groundwork in character, relationships, and plot so terror sequences feel truly earned.
By adhering to industry standard lengths of 90-120 pages, horror screenwriters maximize their scare potential while eliminating any weak spots or dull stretches that lessen the fright factor.
Use the flexibility within that page range to fine-tune the rhythm and proportions that your particular story requires. Just make sure the end result is taut, and terrifying and never telegraphs the next shock.
Your audience is waiting eagerly, heart rates already accelerating at the thought of being genuinely scared by your horrific vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pages should a horror screenplay be?
The ideal length for a horror screenplay is 90-120 pages. This provides enough space to develop compelling characters and an engaging plot while still leaving ample room for suspenseful horror sequences. Many successful horror movies like The Conjuring and It Follows fall within that page range.
Is 80 pages too short for a screenplay?
Generally, 80 pages is considered too short for a feature film screenplay. Most produced scripts are between 90-120 pages, with each page approximately equaling 1 minute of screen time. An 80-page script would likely feel rushed or underdeveloped when converted into a film. Exceptions could be very simple high-concept stories.
How long is a 120-page screenplay?
A screenplay of 120 pages typically translates to a 2-hour (120-minute) movie when produced. One script page generally equates to 1 minute of screen time. This is just a general guideline, the actual run time depends on filming and editing choices.
How many pages is a 2-hour movie script?
A feature film script resulting in a 2-hour (120 minutes) movie generally runs between 110-130 pages. Most commonly, 2-hour films are based on 120-page screenplays as each script page typically equates to 1 minute of screen time. But some genres may run slightly shorter or longer.
Is horror a hard genre to write?
Horror is considered one of the more challenging genres to write. It requires crafting genuinely frightening concepts, high stakes, and compelling yet vulnerable characters. Striking the right balance between showing just enough without revealing too much and delivering earned scares through skillful build-up takes talent.
What is the shortest screenplay?
Among well-known produced films, the original Saw has one of the shortest scripts at around just 103 pages. Many other short film screenplays can be just a few pages long. Feature films tend not to go below 90 pages even for simple stories. An extremely short script risks feeling underdeveloped on screen.
What is the #1 rule when writing a screenplay?
The most important rule is to keep your reader engaged. Use vivid, concise descriptions, snappy dialogue, memorable characters, escalating stakes, and immersive scenes. Eliminate any unnecessary exposition or moments that slow down the pacing and don’t advance the plot. Every element should serve the story.
How many scenes are in a 2-hour movie?
The number of scenes varies based on filming style, but most 2-hour Hollywood films have between 60-100 distinct scenes featuring different locations, characters, or moments. Scenes often average 1-3 minutes in length. More complex stories may contain additional short scenes when accounting for transitions.
How many pages is a 1 hour TV script?
A standard 1 hour TV drama or comedy script generally runs between 45-65 pages. An hour-long show typically only has 42 minutes of actual aired content once commercials are accounted for. So those page counts fit the tighter runtime television requires.
