10 Most Common Story Concepts of 2025

Studios, producers and reps are all looking for original, high concept ideas right now. But how do you know if your concept is original enough?

There is often a disconnect between what writers see as original ideas and what producers & execs consider original. That’s because writers are only judging from the movies that get made, so it’s easier to say, “This has never been seen before!” But execs are taking into consideration the hundreds – or thousands – of unproduced scripts that circulate around Hollywood every year that never sell or get made.

After reviewing over 200 scripts this past year, I’ve identified several prominent story concepts that keep appearing. DISCLAIMER: I’m just ONE guy reading a limited number of scripts. But if I keep seeing the SAME concepts over and over, from writers all over the world, you can only imagine how many more of these are out there.

Here are the 10 most prevalent concepts I’ve read this year (in order):

1.  Artificial Intelligence. I can’t tell you how many scripts about AI I’ve read in the last year. Its rise, its positive and negative effects on humanity, and the ethical challenges it creates. Genres range from erotic dramas (yes, sex robots) to cautionary thrillers to sci-fi action to romcom. Quite a few have sold, so if you’re writing an AI story, you better have a really original take.

2.  Surviving & Fighting Fascism. This concept has been on the rise since 2017, but it’s been HUGELY popular the last year. I’m sure you can guess why. The struggle against fascism and authoritarian regimes — whether set in dystopian futures, historical periods (WW2 especially), or the present.

3.  Crime Thrillers & Crime Dramas. Gritty or corrupt detective/cop stories, inner city crime/drug-related stories, intricate gang stories (a la The Wire), and the pursuit of justice. Though set in different cities, the stories are always similar. Probably because watching the news will make you think crime is what everyone cares about right now (it’s not).

4.  Time Travel/Time-Bending Adventures. They are more popular than ever even though I think they are the Third Rail of Screenwriting. Whether it’s a classic time travel premise, a time loop, or saving our future thru changing our past, they almost never work because of major plot holes, lack of rules, or the obsession with killing Hitler.

5.  Heist Movies. Now across all genres and budget ranges – comedy, sci-fi, big action, even horror. But the stakes of what is being stolen, how, why & by whom, are often where these stories fall short, as well as having enough major beats to the heist itself to keep the story going.

6.  Aliens & Vampires – I’m grouping these together as they’ve always been popular and still are, which is why if you’re going to write about them, it needs to have a new angle. I’ve seen the “aliens are trying to save us from ourselves” twist and “the rules you know about vampires are all wrong” twist way too much. Find a new twist on the lore.

7.  Supernatural Horror. Okay, this one is a genre and not a specific concept. But if you’re writing a ghost story, haunted house story, supernatural/demon entity, or possession story – you need to do something NEW and SCARY. The horror scripts I’m reading are either trying too hard to be Blumhouse fare or too hard to be A24. Don’t force your stories & scares to match a single model.

8.  Holiday Movies. Whether it’s Netflix romcoms, diverse dysfunctional families, family adventures, or Hallmark-style, holiday fare has been hugely popular. The key is to have a high concept hook, universal themes, and know your audience. And don’t make it all about Santa, make it about your characters.

9.  Dysfunctional Family Road Trips. How many times can a young teen go on a trip with their eccentric grandparent? Or estranged siblings go on an adventure to find some family secret or spread ashes and realize the importance of family? You need to think of a bigger, more original hook to your road trips and characters we’re going to invest in.

10. Environmental Thrillers. Enviro-centric projects have been on the rise because of the climate change happening around us. But make sure your eco-terrorism stories, greedy corporate conspiracies, enviro-thrillers and disaster films have a hook, story, and characters that are more engaging than your message.

While these concepts seem to dominate the landscape (at least in my reading experience), originality, execution and personal voice remain the keys to making your screenplay shine. Consider how you’ll surprise, move, and challenge your audience in new ways because the most memorable stories always find a way to stand out.