5 Common Story Structures Used in Blockbuster Movies

Are blockbusters going away? Or have we become numb to what makes a great blockbuster since theatres aren’t what they used to be? No one knows the answer, but there’s plenty to learn from blockbusters as writers, particularly the story structures often utilized in these massive films. Even if you have no aspirations to write the next Avatar, there’s much to appreciate and recognize as writers.

Still from 'Blade Runner 2049' (2017). Photo credit: IMDb

The Structures

1. The Three-Act Structure

The three-act structure is one of the most widely used frameworks in screenwriting because it’s the easiest to learn for novice writers. This storytelling framework divides a narrative into three distinct sections: Act One, Act Two, and Act Three, which are essentially the beginning, middle, and end.

Some writers refer to these acts as the Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. Each act follows specific guidelines to establish, develop, and resolve the story. For example:

●      Act 1: Put the protagonist up a tree.

●      Act 2: Pelt them with stones.

●      Act 3: Get them down.

A variation expands this into a four-act structure:

1. Up the tree.

2. Stones are thrown.

3. The protagonist fights back.

4. They climb down on their terms.

In this model, Act 1 thrusts the character into the story’s conflict, Act 2 escalates the struggle, Act 3 shifts them from reactive to proactive, and Act 4 explores the consequences when they take complete control.

Example - Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

Act 1: Introduce all the key characters: Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan, the droid duo, and the primary antagonist, Darth Vader.

The act ends with the tragic death of Luke’s family, prompting him to join forces with his friends to rescue Princess Leia.

Act 2: Luke begins his Jedi training with Obi-Wan, and the story concludes with Obi-Wan’s death, which marks a significant loss.

Act 3: Luke and the team regroup at the Rebel base, causing the end of the Death Star.

Ending: Luke and Han receive medals for their bravery.

2. The Hero’s Journey

Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, or the Hero’s Journey, is a storytelling template used in myths and modern films. It consists of stages in which a hero embarks on an adventure, faces trials, and ultimately returns transformed.

Key stages include:

●      The Call to Adventure: The hero receives a challenge or mission.

●      Refusal of the Call: The hero hesitates or initially rejects the challenge.

●      Meeting the Mentor: A guide or mentor provides wisdom or training.

●      Crossing the Threshold: The hero enters an unfamiliar world.

●      Trials and Tribulations: The hero faces obstacles, mentors, and allies.

●      The Ordeal: The hero faces their greatest challenge.

●      Reward (Seizing the Sword): The hero attains a vital victory or lesson.

●      The Road Back: The hero returns to the ordinary world.

●      Resurrection: A final test solidifies the hero’s transformation.

●      Return with the Elixir: The hero brings newfound wisdom or a gift home.

Example - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

It follows Frodo Baggins as he leaves the Shire, overcomes dangers, and embraces his destiny.

The Hero’s Journey is compelling because it resonates with themes of universal self-discovery, growth, and transformation. It emotionally connects audiences who see themselves reflected in the hero’s struggles and triumphs.

3. Save the Cat

The Save the Cat formula is a popular storytelling method among screenwriters. It outlines a film's key “beats” or moments, ensuring a tight and engaging structure. The key beats include:

●      Opening Image: Establishes the story’s tone.

●      Theme Stated: Introduces the movie’s core theme.

●      Set-Up: Introduces the world and characters.

●      Catalyst: The inciting incident that disrupts the status quo.

●      Debate: The protagonist hesitates before committing.

●      Break into Two: The protagonist steps into a new world.

●      Fun and Games: The “promise of the premise” unfolds.

●      Midpoint: A significant twist or reveal.

●      Bad Guys Close In: Obstacles intensify.

●      All is Lost: The protagonist reaches rock bottom.

●      Break into Three: The final plan is set into motion.

●      Finale: The climactic showdown.

●      Final Image: A contrast to the opening image, showing the transformation.

Example - Parasite (2019) or Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Both films are good recent ones, with both characters in each movie culminating in a decisive battle against the antagonist.

The “Save the Cat” structure benefits commercial filmmaking by ensuring an engaging rhythm that keeps audiences entertained. By hitting specific beats, writers can effectively maintain pacing and build anticipation.

4. The Rashomon Structure

The Rashomon effect is a storytelling technique popularized by Akira Kurosawa’s film Rashomon. This technique recounts a single narrative multiple times from different perspectives.

In Rashomon, four conflicting accounts of the same event challenge the audience to confront the unreliability of human perception and memory. Since its release, many filmmakers have adopted this technique to explore subjectivity and truth in storytelling.

A Rashomon-style narrative offers a multidimensional view of characters and events, allowing the audience to piece together different perspectives and question the nature of reality.

The Usual Suspects (1995)

In The Usual Suspects, Verbal Kent narrates the story, giving the audience different versions of the same events. By the end—without giving away spoilers for those who haven't seen it—it’s revealed that Verbal has been lying all along, leaving the audience with no definitive answers.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Reservoir Dogs is similar to Rashomon. Several gang members offer conflicting accounts of a jewel heist gone awry, and the lies told throughout the film conceal the protagonist’s true motivations.

5. The Nested Story (Frame Narrative)

A story within a story occurs when characters within the primary narrative hear or experience their tale. This technique is used in various media, including live theater, TV shows, films, and literature.

It layers a secondary narrative within the main story, sometimes creating a narrative chain where the embedded story contains its nested tale. This setup forms a structure akin to a Russian doll, with multiple stories nested inside one another, each contributing to the broader plot.

A common variation of this layered storytelling is the frame story, in which the central narrative is a story told within another story. One classic example is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, in which the central tale of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster is narrated through a series of letters written by Robert Walton.

Final Thoughts On Story Structures in Blockbuster Movies

Although there’s plenty to learn from these structures and how to utilize them for your writing, remember you don’t need to follow a rigid schedule to become a great writer. The story structures and tools are out there to help, but that matters most as long as you’re putting in the work with your creativity.