High-concept films are heavily [plot-driven](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-plot-driven-vs-character-driven-stories), and their high-stakes nature generates immediate interest from the audience. High-concept films usually have a central idea writers and producers can summarize quickly to <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> the project to financial backers and the audience. 

In Hollywood, high-concept films contrast with low-concept ones. While high-concept films have a simple, catchy, and vivid premise, low-concept films rely on less dramatic plots and focus instead on character development. [Character studies](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/character-study-film-guide) are an excellent example of low-concept films. Historical dramas and [romantic comedies](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-romantic-comedy-screenplay-plus-15-classic-rom-coms-to-watch-for-screenwriting-inspiration) also depend on the audience’s interest in the characters over an obvious hook.
Many of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters have been high-concept movies, and some have lingered in the public imagination for years, becoming beloved classics. Consider these examples:

1. __*Groundhog Day* (1993)__: Harold Ramis’s high-concept [comedy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/judd-apatows-8-essential-tips-for-aspiring-comedy-filmmakers) follows a shallow, emotionally shutoff man who must live the same day repeatedly until he learns both decency and love.
2. __*Jurassic Park* (1993)__: In director Steven Spielberg’s action-adventure blockbuster, humanity develops the technology to clone dinosaurs.
3. __*Liar Liar* (1997)__: Tom Shadyac directed this comedy, which stars Jim Carrey at the height of his fame and imagines a scenario wherein a successful but dishonest lawyer is suddenly unable to lie, complicating his professional career but ultimately bringing him closer to his family.
4. __*The Truman Show* (1998)__: This high-concept movie from director Peter Weir blends melodrama and comedy with [science fiction](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/science-fiction-movies) elements, riffing on the then-novel phenomenon of reality television. The premise explores the concept of a man who is the star of the world’s most popular reality TV show but doesn’t know it.
5. __*Snakes on a Plane* (2006)__: This film by director David R. Ellis begins with the absurd-but-catchy premise its title encapsulates. Audiences immediately know what to expect from this film starring [Samuel L. Jackson](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/samuel-l-jackson-teaches-acting): something scary, tense, and ridiculous.
6. __*Inception* (2010)__: Director Christopher Nolan’s work illustrates an impressive knack for the high-concept premise, including this box office smash in which professional thieves use sci-fi technology to infiltrate other people’s dreams to steal valuable ideas.
Writing a high-concept film can be a fun and rewarding exercise, and if successful, it can be a lucrative job for <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-becoming-a-screenwriter' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-becoming-a-screenwriter","linkCopy":"screenwriters","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>screenwriters</a>. When writing a high-concept film, follow these steps:

1. __Brainstorm big ideas__. Start with simple [brainstorming](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-story-ideas) sessions of high-concept story ideas on your own or with collaborators. See how many high-concept ideas you can come up with in a set amount of time, then rank them for simplicity and mass appeal.
2. __Do your research__. Before writing a [logline](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/screenwriting-tips-how-to-write-a-logline) for your idea, watching high-concept films for reference can be helpful. Come up with your own loglines for high-concept movies like *Star Trek* (1966-1969), *Star Wars* (1978), and *The Matrix* (1999) as a [writing exercise](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/creative-writing-exercises-to-strengthen-your-writing).
3. __Prepare your high-concept pitch__. Ideally, a high-concept film has a simple logline of up to three sentences. This summary sets up the concept and the [stakes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-stakes-in-a-story) in a simple and attention-getting manner to excite studio executives.
Become a better filmmaker with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Aaron Sorkin, Shonda Rhimes, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Jodie Foster, Martin Scorsese, and more.
In filmmaking, the term “high concept” refers to a type of movie with a simple yet compelling premise. Typically, a high-concept film has the chance of mass audience appeal. Learn about examples of high-concept films and tips for writing a high-concept screenplay.

In filmmaking, the term “high concept” refers to a type of movie with a simple yet compelling premise. Typically, a high-concept film has the chance of mass audience appeal. Learn about examples of high-concept films and tips for writing a high-concept screenplay.

High-Concept Movies: How to Write High-Concept Screenplays

High-concept films are heavily <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-plot-driven-vs-character-driven-stories' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-plot-driven-vs-character-driven-stories","linkCopy":"plot-driven","category":null}'>plot-driven</a>, and their high-stakes nature generates immediate interest from the audience. High-concept films usually have a central idea writers and producers can summarize quickly to <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> the project to financial backers and the audience. In Hollywood, high-concept films contrast with low-concept ones. While high-concept films have a simple, catchy, and vivid premise, low-concept films rely on less dramatic plots and focus instead on character development. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/character-study-film-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/character-study-film-guide","linkCopy":"Character studies","category":null}'>Character studies</a> are an excellent example of low-concept films. Historical dramas and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-romantic-comedy-screenplay-plus-15-classic-rom-coms-to-watch-for-screenwriting-inspiration' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-romantic-comedy-screenplay-plus-15-classic-rom-coms-to-watch-for-screenwriting-inspiration","linkCopy":"romantic comedies","category":null}'>romantic comedies</a> also depend on the audience’s interest in the characters over an obvious hook.

What Are High-Concept Movies?

Many of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters have been high-concept movies, and some have lingered in the public imagination for years, becoming beloved classics. Consider these examples:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Groundhog Day (1993): Harold Ramis’s high-concept <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/judd-apatows-8-essential-tips-for-aspiring-comedy-filmmakers' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/judd-apatows-8-essential-tips-for-aspiring-comedy-filmmakers","linkCopy":"comedy","category":null}'>comedy</a> follows a shallow, emotionally shutoff man who must live the same day repeatedly until he learns both decency and love. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Jurassic Park (1993): In director Steven Spielberg’s action-adventure blockbuster, humanity develops the technology to clone dinosaurs. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Liar Liar (1997): Tom Shadyac directed this comedy, which stars Jim Carrey at the height of his fame and imagines a scenario wherein a successful but dishonest lawyer is suddenly unable to lie, complicating his professional career but ultimately bringing him closer to his family. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. The Truman Show (1998): This high-concept movie from director Peter Weir blends melodrama and comedy with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/science-fiction-movies' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/science-fiction-movies","linkCopy":"science fiction","category":null}'>science fiction</a> elements, riffing on the then-novel phenomenon of reality television. The premise explores the concept of a man who is the star of the world’s most popular reality TV show but doesn’t know it. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Snakes on a Plane (2006): This film by director David R. Ellis begins with the absurd-but-catchy premise its title encapsulates. Audiences immediately know what to expect from this film starring <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/samuel-l-jackson-teaches-acting' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/samuel-l-jackson-teaches-acting","linkCopy":"Samuel L. Jackson","category":null}'>Samuel L. Jackson</a>: something scary, tense, and ridiculous. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Inception (2010): Director Christopher Nolan’s work illustrates an impressive knack for the high-concept premise, including this box office smash in which professional thieves use sci-fi technology to infiltrate other people’s dreams to steal valuable ideas. </li></ol>

6 Examples of High-Concept Movies

Writing a high-concept film can be a fun and rewarding exercise, and if successful, it can be a lucrative job for <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-becoming-a-screenwriter' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-becoming-a-screenwriter","linkCopy":"screenwriters","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>screenwriters</a>. When writing a high-concept film, follow these steps:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Brainstorm big ideas. Start with simple <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-story-ideas' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-story-ideas","linkCopy":"brainstorming","category":null}'>brainstorming</a> sessions of high-concept story ideas on your own or with collaborators. See how many high-concept ideas you can come up with in a set amount of time, then rank them for simplicity and mass appeal. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Do your research. Before writing a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/screenwriting-tips-how-to-write-a-logline' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/screenwriting-tips-how-to-write-a-logline","linkCopy":"logline","category":null}'>logline</a> for your idea, watching high-concept films for reference can be helpful. Come up with your own loglines for high-concept movies like Star Trek (1966-1969), Star Wars (1978), and The Matrix (1999) as a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/creative-writing-exercises-to-strengthen-your-writing' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/creative-writing-exercises-to-strengthen-your-writing","linkCopy":"writing exercise","category":null}'>writing exercise</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Prepare your high-concept pitch. Ideally, a high-concept film has a simple logline of up to three sentences. This summary sets up the concept and the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-stakes-in-a-story' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-stakes-in-a-story","linkCopy":"stakes","category":null}'>stakes</a> in a simple and attention-getting manner to excite studio executives. </li></ol>

How to Write a High-Concept Screenplay

Become a better filmmaker with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Aaron Sorkin, Shonda Rhimes, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Jodie Foster, Martin Scorsese, and more.

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In filmmaking, the term “high concept” refers to a type of movie with a simple yet compelling premise. Typically, a high-concept film has the chance of mass audience appeal. Learn about examples of high-concept films and tips for writing a high-concept screenplay.

In filmmaking, the term “high concept” refers to a type of movie with a simple yet compelling premise. Typically, a high-concept film has the chance of mass audience appeal. Learn about examples of high-concept films and tips for writing a high-concept screenplay.


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High-Concept Movies: How to Write High-Concept Screenplays