How to Optimize Your Logline for a Specific Genre

A logline is a brief, one- to two-sentence summary of a film or TV show that captures the essence of the story. It highlights the main character, their goal, and the central conflict they face, all while conveying the tone and genre of the project. A well-crafted logline is designed to intrigue and entice, providing enough information to generate interest without revealing too much.

The purpose of a logline is to quickly communicate the core idea of a story to potential viewers, producers, or investors. It serves as a pitch, giving a clear sense of what the film is about and what makes it unique. A strong logline can hook the audience, spark curiosity, and make them want to learn more. It’s a crucial tool in the marketing and selling of a screenplay or film, often being the first impression someone has of the project.

The type of movie heavily influences how you write a logline, as fans of specific genres look for certain elements. For example, an action film logline should emphasize high stakes and urgency, while a thriller logline should focus on suspense and twists. A romance logline would highlight the central love story and emotional stakes, whereas a horror logline would emphasize the source of fear and danger. Tailoring the logline to the genre ensures it resonates with the target audience and aligns with their expectations.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular film genres and provide insights on what to emphasize in the loglines for each. For each genre, we’ll also include a selection of well-known films along with their loglines, using familiar examples to illustrate how to craft genre-specific loglines effectively. By analyzing these examples, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to write your own tailored, genre-optimized loglines that capture the essence of your story and appeal to the intended audience.

Action and Adventure Loglines

A logline for an action film should emphasize high stakes, physical conflict, and a clear sense of urgency, setting it apart from other genres. Unlike dramas, which might focus on character development, or thrillers, which build tension through suspense, an action logline must convey the intensity and pace of the story.

The protagonist is usually on a mission—often involving a race against time, a dangerous enemy, or a life-or-death situation—that requires them to confront obstacles head-on, often through feats of physical prowess or daring escapades. The logline should highlight the central conflict, the highest stakes involved, and the relentless momentum that drives the narrative forward, ensuring that the audience understands they’re in for a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled experience. The focus is on the external conflict and the heroic journey, often with an emphasis on spectacle and excitement. Here are some examples of action movie loglines:

Die Hard (1988) A New York cop visiting Los Angeles for Christmas must single-handedly take on a group of terrorists who have taken his wife and others hostage in a high-rise building.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) A daring archaeologist races against Nazi forces to recover the lost Ark of the Covenant, an ancient relic with unimaginable power that could change the course of history.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a hardened survivor and a rebellious warrior join forces to escape a tyrannical warlord in a high-octane chase across the desert.

Gladiator (2000) Betrayed by the emperor’s son and left for dead, a once-great Roman general becomes a gladiator and fights his way to vengeance in the Colosseum.

The Dark Knight (2008) As Gotham City descends into chaos, a vigilante hero must face his greatest challenge yet: a cunning and sadistic criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who seeks to bring the city to its knees.

The Bourne Identity (2002) A man with no memory of his past discovers he’s being hunted by assassins and must use his deadly skills to uncover his identity and survive a relentless pursuit.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) When an IMF mission goes wrong, a skilled operative must race against time to prevent a global catastrophe while being pursued by both allies and enemies who question his loyalty.

Speed (1994) A Los Angeles cop must keep a city bus above 50 mph to prevent a bomb from detonating, while racing to find and stop the terrorist responsible.

The Avengers (2012) Earth’s mightiest heroes must team up for the first time to stop an alien invasion led by a vengeful demigod intent on conquering the planet.

John Wick (2014) A retired hitman is forced back into the criminal underworld to avenge the death of his beloved dog, unleashing a relentless and brutal campaign of vengeance against those who wronged him.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) A charming pirate teams up with a blacksmith to rescue the governor’s kidnapped daughter from cursed pirates who cannot die, and must battle the supernatural to break the curse.

Rambo: First Blood (1982) A highly trained Vietnam veteran is forced into a one-man war against a small-town sheriff and his deputies who push him too far, leading to a deadly confrontation in the wilderness.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) A street-smart teenager is recruited into a secret spy organization, where he must stop a tech billionaire’s diabolical plot to cull humanity through a global SIM card network.

The Rock (1996) A mild-mannered chemist and a hardened ex-con are the only hope to stop a group of rogue soldiers who have seized Alcatraz Island and are threatening to unleash chemical weapons on San Francisco.

Skyfall (2012) James Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her, while he must track down and stop a cyber-terrorist determined to destroy MI6 and exact his revenge.

Casino Royale (2006) In his first mission as 007, James Bond must defeat a ruthless banker at a high-stakes poker game, while uncovering a sinister conspiracy that could cost him more than just the game.

Jurassic Park (1993) When a group of scientists and visitors tour a revolutionary theme park filled with living dinosaurs, they must survive when the park’s security systems fail, releasing the deadly creatures.

The Mummy (1999) A roguish adventurer and a bookish archaeologist accidentally awaken an ancient and vengeful mummy, leading them on a perilous quest to stop him from unleashing a curse upon the world.

Lethal Weapon (1987) A by-the-book veteran detective and his unhinged new partner must put aside their differences to take down a deadly drug-smuggling ring in Los Angeles.

Taken (2008) A retired CIA operative uses his lethal skills to track down and rescue his daughter after she is kidnapped by human traffickers during a trip to Paris.

Thriller Loglines

Thriller movie loglines stand apart from other genres by emphasizing suspense, danger, and an ever-present sense of dread that keeps the audience on edge. Unlike action films, which may focus on physical confrontations and high-octane sequences, thrillers often involve psychological tension and complex plots filled with twists and turns. The logline should hint at the lurking danger and the high stakes, often involving a race against time, an impending threat, or an unraveling mystery. In contrast to dramas, where the focus is on character development and emotional depth, thrillers prioritize plot-driven tension and the gradual build-up of suspense.

The logline for a thriller must tease the unexpected twists and the protagonist’s perilous situation, setting the stage for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience where the outcome is uncertain until the very end. Here are some examples of thriller movie loglines:

Se7en (1995) Two detectives, one a rookie and the other about to retire, hunt a brutal serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi, leading them into a dark and twisted game of cat and mouse.

Silence of the Lambs (1991) An FBI trainee seeks the help of a brilliant but incarcerated cannibalistic serial killer to catch another sadistic murderer who is on the loose, plunging her into a psychological battle of wits.

Gone Girl (2014) When a man’s wife goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary, his life unravels as the media and public suspicion turn against him, revealing dark secrets and shocking twists.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) A disgraced journalist and a brilliant but troubled hacker team up to solve a 40-year-old cold case involving a wealthy family, uncovering shocking secrets and deadly dangers along the way.

Prisoners (2013) After his daughter and her friend are abducted, a desperate father takes matters into his own hands, crossing moral lines in his relentless pursuit of the truth, while a detective struggles to solve the case.

Shutter Island (2010) A U.S. Marshal is sent to a remote mental institution to investigate the disappearance of a dangerous patient, but as he delves deeper, he begins to question his own sanity and the reality around him.

Cape Fear (1991) A convicted rapist, recently released from prison, begins stalking the lawyer who put him away, threatening the man’s family in a relentless pursuit of vengeance.

No Country for Old Men (2007) After a hunter stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and takes a suitcase of cash, he becomes the target of a ruthless and relentless hitman, igniting a deadly game of survival across the Texas desert.

Zodiac (2007) A cartoonist becomes obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, who terrorizes San Francisco in the late 1960s and 1970s, as he and others get drawn into the chilling mystery that remains unsolved.

The Fugitive (1993) A doctor wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife escapes custody and embarks on a desperate quest to find the real killer, while being pursued by a relentless U.S. Marshal.

Mystic River (2003) Three childhood friends are reunited by a tragic event: the murder of one of their daughters, leading them into a web of suspicion, guilt, and hidden truths.

Black Swan (2010) A dedicated ballerina’s pursuit of perfection in a demanding production spirals into paranoia and hallucinations, as she becomes consumed by her dark, obsessive alter ego.

Nightcrawler (2014) An ambitious but morally bankrupt man discovers a lucrative career in crime journalism, capturing gruesome footage of accidents and crimes, but his obsession with success leads him down a deadly path.

Arlington Road (1999) A college professor becomes suspicious of his seemingly perfect neighbors, uncovering a terrifying plot that forces him into a deadly game of deception and mistrust.

Enemy of the State (1998) A lawyer inadvertently receives evidence of a politically motivated murder, making him the target of a government conspiracy and forcing him to go on the run as he uncovers the truth.

Panic Room (2002) A mother and daughter are trapped in their home’s impenetrable panic room by intruders searching for a hidden fortune, leading to a tense and dangerous standoff.

The Game (1997) A wealthy businessman’s life is turned upside down when he becomes the unwitting participant in an elaborate and dangerous “game” designed to prey on his deepest fears and insecurities.

Double Jeopardy (1999) After being framed for her husband’s murder, a woman discovers he is still alive, leading her on a thrilling chase to find him and clear her name, knowing she cannot be tried for the same crime twice.

Fatal Attraction (1987) A married man’s brief affair with a woman spirals into terror when she becomes obsessed with him, refusing to let go and threatening to destroy everything he holds dear.

Collateral (2004) A cab driver’s ordinary night turns deadly when he’s forced to drive a hitman on a series of hits across Los Angeles, leaving him to figure out how to survive the night and escape the killer’s grip.

Comedy Loglines

A comedy film logline should focus on the humor, highlighting the situations, character quirks, or misunderstandings that drive the comedic tone of the story. Unlike other genres that may prioritize drama, action, or suspense, a comedy logline must convey the lightheartedness or absurdity that will make the audience laugh. The logline should introduce the central conflict or premise in a way that immediately suggests the potential for humor, whether through unlikely pairings, ridiculous circumstances, or exaggerated personalities. It’s also important to hint at the resolution, typically involving a twist or reversal that underscores the comedic nature of the film.

A comedy logline should promise entertainment through wit, fun, and the unpredictable chaos of the characters’ antics. Let’s take a look at some comedy loglines:

Groundhog Day (1993) A cynical weatherman finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again, forcing him to change his ways if he ever wants to escape.

Superbad (2007) On the brink of graduation, two awkward high school friends set out on a wild adventure to score alcohol for a party, hoping it will be their ticket to popularity and romance.

The Hangover (2009) After a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas, three groomsmen wake up with no memory of the previous night and must piece together the clues to find their missing friend before the wedding.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) A charming high school slacker fakes an illness to skip school and embarks on a day of fun-filled adventures in Chicago, outsmarting his principal at every turn.

Dumb and Dumber (1994) Two dim-witted friends embark on a cross-country road trip to return a briefcase full of money, completely unaware that they are being chased by criminals who want it back.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) A quirky concierge and his loyal protégé become embroiled in a madcap adventure involving a stolen painting, a family inheritance, and a murder plot at a legendary European hotel.

Bridesmaids (2011) When a down-on-her-luck woman is asked to be her best friend’s maid of honor, she finds herself competing with a seemingly perfect bridesmaid, leading to a series of outrageous mishaps.

Office Space (1999) A frustrated office worker who loathes his job decides to rebel against the corporate grind by sabotaging his company, only to accidentally uncover a massive embezzlement scheme.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) In this absurdist take on the legend of King Arthur, a band of bumbling knights embarks on a surreal quest for the Holy Grail, encountering a series of ridiculous and hilarious challenges along the way.

Caddyshack (1980) At an exclusive country club, a mischievous groundskeeper, a wealthy playboy, and a snarky teen caddie engage in a series of outrageous antics that threaten to upend a prestigious golf tournament.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) A high-strung businessman and a bumbling, kind-hearted salesman are forced to travel together in a series of disastrous mishaps as they try to get home for Thanksgiving.

Airplane! (1980) When a commercial flight’s crew becomes incapacitated, a traumatized ex-pilot with a fear of flying must step in to land the plane, leading to a series of absurd and hilarious situations.

Tropic Thunder (2008) A group of self-absorbed actors shooting a war movie in the jungle find themselves in real danger when they inadvertently stumble into a real conflict with a local drug cartel.

Mean Girls (2004) A naïve homeschooled girl enters public high school for the first time and becomes entangled in the vicious social hierarchy of teenage girls, ultimately learning the hard way about friendship and loyalty.

Ghostbusters (1984) Three eccentric scientists start a ghost-catching business in New York City, battling supernatural forces while trying to save the city from a paranormal apocalypse.

Step Brothers (2008) Two middle-aged, immature men are forced to live together as stepbrothers when their parents marry, leading to a hilariously chaotic battle for dominance that evolves into an unlikely friendship.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004) A socially awkward high school student with a quirky sense of style helps his new friend run for class president while navigating the oddities of his small-town life and eccentric family.

Hot Fuzz (2007) A by-the-book London cop is transferred to a sleepy village where he uncovers a shocking conspiracy behind the town’s seemingly perfect exterior, all while trying to fit in with his bumbling new partner.

Horror Loglines

A horror film logline should focus on evoking a sense of fear, suspense, and dread, setting up the terrifying premise that drives the story. Unlike other genres, where the emphasis might be on character development or plot complexity, a horror logline needs to quickly establish the source of danger—be it supernatural, psychological, or monstrous—and the stakes for the protagonist. It should hint at the escalating tension and the unavoidable confrontation with the unknown or the evil force. The logline must also convey the atmosphere, whether it’s an isolated setting, a haunted location, or an insidious presence, to immediately immerse the audience in the terror to come.

Ultimately, the goal is to promise a chilling and unnerving experience that keeps the audience on edge, which is central to the horror and thriller genres. Here are some horror movie loglines for your inspiration.

The Shining (1980) A struggling writer takes a job as the winter caretaker of a remote hotel, only to be driven to madness by the malevolent forces within, putting his family in deadly danger.

Halloween (1978) Fifteen years after murdering his sister, a masked killer escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to stalk a babysitter and her friends on Halloween night.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) A group of teenagers is terrorized in their dreams by a vengeful, disfigured killer who can kill them in their sleep, forcing them to stay awake to survive.

The Exorcist (1973) When a young girl is possessed by a malevolent demon, her desperate mother enlists the help of two priests to perform a dangerous exorcism that tests their faith and sanity.

Psycho (1960) A secretary on the run after embezzling money checks into a secluded motel, where she encounters a disturbed young man living under the shadow of his overbearing mother.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) A group of friends traveling through rural Texas falls prey to a family of cannibals, led by a chainsaw-wielding maniac, in a nightmarish struggle for survival.

Hereditary (2018) After the death of her secretive mother, a woman and her family begin to unravel horrifying and supernatural secrets about their ancestry, leading to a terrifying fate.

Get Out (2017) A young Black man’s weekend visit to meet his white girlfriend’s family turns into a nightmare as he uncovers the sinister and deadly secrets they’re hiding.

It (2017) A group of kids in a small town faces their worst fears when they confront an ancient, shape-shifting entity that emerges from the sewers every 27 years to prey on children.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) A young pregnant woman suspects her neighbors of having sinister intentions for her unborn child, as a series of disturbing events leads her to question her sanity.

The Conjuring (2013) Paranormal investigators are called to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse, only to discover that the haunting is more dangerous than they ever imagined.

The Ring (2002) A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die seven days later, racing against time to uncover the source of the curse before it’s too late.

Scream (1996) A high school girl becomes the target of a masked killer obsessed with horror movies, as the killer terrorizes her friends and exposes the dark secrets of her small town.

Jaws (1975) A small coastal town’s summer season is thrown into chaos when a monstrous great white shark begins terrorizing beachgoers, forcing the local sheriff to hunt it down.

The Babadook (2014) A widowed mother and her troubled young son are tormented by a sinister presence from a mysterious book, pushing them to the brink of madness and terror.

Friday the 13th (1980) Counselors at a summer camp begin to be picked off one by one by an unseen killer as they try to reopen the camp years after a child’s tragic drowning.

Carrie (1976) A shy, bullied high school girl discovers her telekinetic powers and unleashes them in a night of horrifying vengeance when her classmates push her too far.

Paranormal Activity (2007) A young couple sets up a video camera in their home to capture evidence of the disturbing supernatural events that have been haunting them, only to find themselves in grave danger.

The Witch (2015) In 17th-century New England, a family exiled to a remote farm becomes paranoid and divided as they suspect that a malevolent witch is living in the nearby woods.

Science Fiction Log Lines

Science fiction often revolves around an imaginative or futuristic idea, technology, or setting. Unlike other genres, science fiction frequently involves complex world-building, whether it’s a distant planet, a dystopian society, or an alternate reality. Science fiction often tackles profound themes like the nature of humanity, the consequences of technological advancement, or the potential future of society.

Highlight the central idea or technology that drives the plot, giving the audience a glimpse of the imaginative world you’ve created. Here are some examples of loglines from the science fiction genre:

Blade Runner (1982) In a dystopian future where synthetic humans are created for slave labor, a retired cop is forced to hunt down rogue replicants who have returned to Earth in search of their creator.

The Matrix (1999) A hacker discovers that reality is a simulated construct controlled by machines, and joins a rebellion to free humanity from their digital prison.

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) A young farm boy teams up with a rogue smuggler, a warrior princess, and a wise old knight to overthrow a tyrannical empire and restore peace to the galaxy.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) A space mission to Jupiter, guided by a sentient computer, unravels into a mind-bending journey exploring the origins and future of human intelligence.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) A lonely boy befriends a gentle alien stranded on Earth, and together they embark on a quest to return the creature home while evading government agents.

Inception (2010) A skilled thief who steals corporate secrets through dream-sharing technology is given the ultimate challenge: plant an idea in someone’s mind without them knowing.

The Terminator (1984) In a future where machines have taken over the world, a relentless cyborg assassin is sent back in time to kill the mother of humanity’s last hope.

Jurassic Park (1993) A wealthy entrepreneur’s dream of creating a theme park filled with genetically engineered dinosaurs turns into a nightmare when the creatures break loose.

Minority Report (2002) In a future where crimes can be predicted and prevented before they happen, a top officer is accused of a murder he has yet to commit, forcing him to unravel the conspiracy before it’s too late.

The Fifth Element (1997) In a futuristic world, a cab driver becomes an unlikely hero when he teams up with a mysterious woman to prevent an ancient evil from destroying the Earth.

Gattaca (1997) In a society where genetic perfection determines one’s destiny, a man with inferior genes assumes a false identity to pursue his dream of space travel.

Children of Men (2006) In a bleak future where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to global infertility, a disillusioned bureaucrat must protect the world’s only pregnant woman from those who would use her as a pawn.

District 9 (2009) After aliens are stranded on Earth and forced into slums, a government agent’s exposure to their biotechnology leads him to sympathize with their plight as he undergoes a horrifying transformation.

Interstellar (2014) In a desperate bid to save humanity from a dying Earth, a group of astronauts travels through a wormhole in search of a new habitable planet.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) An alien visitor lands on Earth with a powerful robot, delivering an ultimatum to the human race: abandon war, or face destruction.

Planet of the Apes (1968) An astronaut crash-lands on a mysterious planet where intelligent apes dominate a primitive human race, leading to a shocking discovery about the planet’s true nature.

Arrival (2016) When mysterious alien spacecraft land around the world, a linguist is recruited to communicate with the extraterrestrials and discovers a language that could alter humanity’s perception of time.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a lone drifter teams up with a group of rebels to escape a tyrannical warlord in a high-octane chase across the desert.

The War of the Worlds (1953) When Martians launch a devastating attack on Earth, a scientist must find a way to stop the invaders before humanity is wiped out.

The Andromeda Strain (1971) A team of scientists races against time to contain and understand a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism that threatens all life on Earth.

Fantasy Loglines

A fantasy logline should focus on elements that transport the audience to a world beyond the ordinary, emphasizing the unique setting, magical elements, and epic scale that define the genre. Unlike other genres, where the plot might hinge on realistic or contemporary conflicts, a fantasy logline needs to highlight the existence of a mystical world or extraordinary circumstances—be it through magic, mythical creatures, or legendary quests.

The protagonist’s journey often involves a clear good-versus-evil dynamic, an epic quest, or a transformative adventure that goes beyond personal stakes, affecting entire kingdoms or worlds. Additionally, the logline should evoke a sense of wonder and the allure of the unknown, inviting the audience into a realm where the impossible becomes possible, which is a hallmark of the fantasy genre. Here are some popular fantasy movies with their loglines:

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) A young hobbit must leave his peaceful home and embark on an epic quest to destroy a powerful ring before it falls into the hands of a dark lord bent on conquering Middle-earth.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) An orphaned boy discovers he is a wizard and attends a magical school where he uncovers the truth about his parents’ death and faces a dark force intent on his destruction.

The Princess Bride (1987) A young woman’s true love embarks on a daring quest to rescue her from an evil prince, facing giants, sword fights, and a treacherous miracle man along the way.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) Four siblings step through a wardrobe into a magical world ruled by an evil witch, where they must join forces with a noble lion to free the land from eternal winter.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) In post-Civil War Spain, a young girl discovers a mystical labyrinth where she must complete three dangerous tasks to prove herself worthy of entering a magical kingdom.

The NeverEnding Story (1984) A lonely boy discovers a magical book that draws him into the world of Fantasia, where he must help a young warrior defeat a malevolent force called The Nothing.

Willow (1988) A humble farmer is thrust into a quest to protect a newborn princess from an evil sorceress who will stop at nothing to maintain her tyrannical rule.

The Dark Crystal (1982) In a world where a dark crystal holds the balance between good and evil, a young Gelfling embarks on a journey to heal the crystal and save his world from darkness.

Labyrinth (1986) A teenage girl must navigate a magical labyrinth filled with strange creatures and dangerous puzzles to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) After a tornado sweeps her away to a magical land, a young girl must travel to the Emerald City with her new friends to find a wizard who can help her return home.

Stardust (2007) A young man crosses a forbidden wall into a magical kingdom to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, only to discover that the star is a living woman and they are being hunted by an evil witch.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) A reluctant hobbit is swept into an epic adventure with a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from a fearsome dragon.

Excalibur (1981) In a time of myth and magic, a young Arthur pulls the sword Excalibur from the stone and must unite the warring kingdoms of Britain to bring peace and prosperity to the land.

The Golden Compass (2007) In a world where every human has a soul in the form of an animal companion, a young girl uncovers a sinister plot to control children’s souls and embarks on a journey to stop it.

The Last Unicorn (1982) The last unicorn on Earth sets out on a quest to find her lost kin, facing dangerous creatures and a mad king who wants to possess her beauty forever.

Legend (1985) In a world where darkness threatens to consume all light, a young hero must rescue his beloved and prevent a demon lord from destroying the last unicorns.

The Secret of NIMH (1982) A brave mouse seeks the help of a group of genetically enhanced rats to save her sick son, uncovering a secret society and a past she never knew existed.

Conan the Barbarian (1982) A warrior embarks on a quest for vengeance against the sorcerer who slaughtered his tribe, facing monstrous foes and magical dangers in a brutal, ancient world.

Spirited Away (2001) A young girl becomes trapped in a magical and mysterious world of spirits, where she must find the courage to free her parents and return to the human world.

Eragon (2006) A farm boy discovers a dragon egg and realizes he is the last of the Dragon Riders, destined to overthrow an evil king and restore peace to the land.

Example: “In a kingdom where magic is forbidden, a young thief discovers she is the last descendant of a powerful sorcerer destined to overthrow the tyrannical king.”

Fantasy loglines should transport the reader to another world, hinting at magic, adventure, and epic battles. Emphasize the unique elements of your fantasy setting that will captivate the audience.

Romance

A romance movie logline should center on the emotional stakes and character relationships, making the love story the focal point. Unlike other genres that may prioritize action, suspense, or world-building, a romance logline must convey the intensity and complexity of the central relationship, highlighting the obstacles and conflicts that keep the characters apart. T

he logline should tease the journey of love, whether it’s the characters’ initial meeting, a reunion, or a love that develops over time, while also hinting at the emotional challenges they will face. The focus should be on the connection between the characters, the chemistry that draws them together, and the internal or external forces that could tear them apart, ensuring that the audience is invested in the outcome of their love story. Fall in love with some of these romance movie loglines.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) In 19th century England, a spirited young woman navigates societal expectations and her own prejudice as she finds herself drawn to a seemingly arrogant but secretly tender-hearted gentleman.

The Notebook (2004) A young couple from different social backgrounds falls deeply in love, but their relationship is tested by time, distance, and class differences, leading to a love story that spans decades.

Casablanca (1942) In WWII-era Morocco, a cynical nightclub owner must choose between the love of his life and the greater good when her resistance leader husband arrives seeking his help to escape the Nazis.

Titanic (1997) On the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, a young aristocratic woman and a poor artist defy social conventions to fall passionately in love, only to face an unspeakable tragedy.

Notting Hill (1999) An unassuming London bookstore owner’s life is turned upside down when he falls for a famous Hollywood actress, leading to a charming and complicated love affair that captures the world’s attention.

When Harry Met Sally… (1989) Over years of chance encounters, a man and a woman debate whether men and women can ever truly be just friends, only to discover that love may have been right in front of them all along.

La La Land (2016) An aspiring actress and a jazz musician fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles, but as their careers take off, they must decide whether their relationship can survive the demands of fame and ambition.

Romeo + Juliet (1996) In a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale, two young lovers from rival families are doomed by their passionate love in a world of violence, betrayal, and tragic fate.

The Princess Bride (1987) A young woman’s true love, thought lost at sea, returns as a masked hero to rescue her from an unwanted marriage, leading to a whimsical adventure full of romance, wit, and sword fights.

Pretty Woman (1990) A wealthy businessman and a down-on-her-luck prostitute form an unexpected connection during a week-long arrangement, leading them both to discover love in the unlikeliest of places.

Gone with the Wind (1939) In the American South during the Civil War, a headstrong woman’s unrequited love for a married man drives her through the trials of war and Reconstruction, while a roguish suitor vies for her heart.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) After a painful breakup, a couple undergoes a procedure to erase each other from their memories, only to rediscover their love during the process of forgetting.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993) A widower’s young son calls into a radio talk show to find his father a new wife, sparking a long-distance connection between the widower and a woman who believes they are meant to be together.

A Walk to Remember (2002) In a small Southern town, a rebellious teenager falls in love with a reserved minister’s daughter, who teaches him the true meaning of love and life before revealing a heartbreaking secret.

500 Days of Summer (2009) A hopeless romantic reflects on his failed relationship with a woman who doesn’t believe in love, recounting the highs and lows of their 500 days together to understand where it all went wrong.

Annie Hall (1977) A neurotic comedian reflects on his tumultuous relationship with an eccentric singer, exploring the nature of love, attraction, and the difficulties of maintaining a connection in modern life.

Moulin Rouge! (2001) In the dazzling world of a bohemian Paris nightclub, a penniless writer falls in love with a beautiful courtesan, but their love is threatened by a wealthy duke who demands her hand.

Before Sunrise (1995) Two strangers, an American man and a French woman, meet on a train and spend a romantic evening exploring Vienna, knowing they only have one night before they must part ways.

Love Actually (2003) A series of interconnected stories explore the complexities of love during the Christmas season, from first crushes to enduring marriages, all set against the backdrop of London in December.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014) Two teenagers with terminal illnesses fall in love after meeting at a cancer support group, facing the joys and heartbreaks of a relationship knowing their time together is limited.

Drama

Drama loglines differ from other genres by focusing on the emotional depth, character development, and internal conflicts that drive the story. Unlike action films, where the emphasis is on physical challenges, or thrillers, which prioritize suspense and danger, drama loglines should highlight the personal struggles, relationships, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The stakes in a drama are often more introspective, dealing with themes like love, loss, identity, or redemption. A screenwriter crafting a logline for a drama should aim to capture the essence of the character’s journey and the profound changes they undergo, while also conveying the story’s emotional resonance.

The goal is to intrigue the audience with the promise of a rich, character-driven narrative that explores the complexities of the human experience. Consider some of these drama movie loglines:

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Wrongfully convicted of murder, a quiet banker forms an unlikely friendship with a fellow inmate and devises a plan to escape the oppressive confines of Shawshank prison.

Good Will Hunting (1997) A janitor at MIT with a hidden genius for mathematics must confront his troubled past and insecurities when a professor and a therapist challenge him to reach his potential.

The Godfather (1972) The aging patriarch of an organized crime family transfers control of his empire to his reluctant son, who struggles to balance family loyalty with his own moral compass.

12 Years a Slave (2013) A free Black man from New York is abducted and sold into slavery, enduring unimaginable cruelty while fighting to reclaim his freedom and reunite with his family.

A Beautiful Mind (2001) A brilliant but troubled mathematician battles schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to economics, struggling to differentiate between reality and his delusions.

Schindler’s List (1993) A German businessman and member of the Nazi Party risks everything to save over a thousand Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.

Requiem for a Dream (2000) Four individuals in Brooklyn fall into destructive paths as they chase their dreams, leading to devastating consequences as addiction and desperation take hold.

American Beauty (1999) A disillusioned suburban father undergoes a midlife crisis, leading him to quit his job, pursue his daughter’s friend, and attempt to reclaim his lost youth, with tragic results.

Dead Poets Society (1989) At a strict all-boys preparatory school, an unconventional English teacher inspires his students to seize the day and embrace poetry, challenging the institution’s rigid conformity.

Boyhood (2014) Filmed over 12 years, this coming-of-age story follows a boy as he grows from childhood to young adulthood, navigating the challenges of family, school, and self-discovery.

Manchester by the Sea (2016) A grief-stricken janitor returns to his hometown after his brother’s death, where he must confront his tragic past while unexpectedly becoming the guardian of his teenage nephew.

There Will Be Blood (2007) A ruthless oilman’s obsession with wealth and power drives him to the brink of madness, as he clashes with a local preacher in a small California town during the oil boom.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) An impoverished young man from the slums of Mumbai rises to fame on a game show, where his life story and experiences provide the answers to the questions, revealing his journey of survival and love.

The Green Mile (1999) A death row prison guard forms an unlikely bond with a condemned man who possesses extraordinary, otherworldly powers, leading him to question justice, humanity, and the supernatural.

The Pianist (2002) A talented Jewish pianist struggles to survive the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II, using his music and wits to evade capture and death.

The Revenant (2015) After being left for dead by his companions, a frontiersman embarks on a harrowing journey of survival and revenge across the frozen wilderness.

The Color Purple (1985) Over several decades, an African American woman in the early 20th-century South endures abuse and discrimination, eventually finding her voice and reclaiming her life.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) During World War II, a group of soldiers is sent on a perilous mission behind enemy lines to rescue a paratrooper whose brothers have all been killed in action.

12 Angry Men (1957) In a tense jury room, one man stands alone against eleven others, fighting to prevent a miscarriage of justice as they deliberate the fate of a young man accused of murder.

Ordinary People (1980) A suburban family is torn apart by grief and guilt after the death of their eldest son, as the surviving son struggles with depression and his parents face the fractures in their marriage.

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) A fragile Southern belle’s life unravels when she moves in with her sister and her brutish brother-in-law, leading to a devastating clash of wills and desires.

Amadeus (1984) A bitter and envious court composer recounts his rivalry with the prodigiously talented Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whom he both admires and despises.

Chinatown (1974) A private detective investigating an adultery case in 1930s Los Angeles uncovers a web of corruption, greed, and murder that leads him into dangerous waters.

The English Patient (1996) A mysterious, critically burned man is tended to by a nurse in an abandoned Italian monastery during World War II, as flashbacks reveal his tragic love affair and the secrets that haunt him.

A great logline does more than summarize the plot—it communicates the tone, genre, and emotional core of your story. By tailoring your logline to match the expectations of different genres, you not only grab attention but also attract the right audience. Each genre comes with its own unique set of conventions, so understanding these will help you craft a logline that resonates and entices.