If you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, or film student, you’ve probably asked:
“How long should my script be for a 2-hour movie?”
It’s one of the most common and most misunderstood questions in screenwriting.
The truth is, the length of your script isn’t just about page count.
It reflects pacing, structure, and how efficiently you tell your story.
In this guide, we’ll determine exactly how many pages a two-hour movie script should be, analyze industry standards, and explore a page-by-page breakdown that mirrors Hollywood-level storytelling.
The Industry Rule: 1 Page Equals 1 Minute of Screen Time
There’s a widely accepted principle in professional screenwriting:
1 page of screenplay = approximately 1 minute of screen time.
This rule assumes that your script is written in standard screenplay format, using Courier 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and proper spacing between dialogue, action lines, and scene headings.
That means if your movie is 2 hours long (roughly 120 minutes), your screenplay will likely fall between 110 and 125 pages.
But while this formula is accurate on average, it’s not absolute. Certain genres, pacing styles, and directorial choices can affect how long your story feels on screen, even if the page count stays the same.
Ideal Script Length for a 2-Hour Movie
| Genre | Average Runtime | Recommended Script Length |
| Drama / Thriller | 120 mins | 110–125 pages |
| Action / Adventure | 120 mins | 100–115 pages |
| Comedy | 120 mins | 95–110 pages |
| Romance | 120 mins | 100–115 pages |
| Psychological / Mystery | 120 mins | 110–120 pages |
Why the variation?
Because pacing differs between genres. Action scripts often contain minimal dialogue and more visual sequences, while dramas or comedies have more lines of dialogue, which read faster on the page but take less time onscreen.
Understanding Script Formatting and Timing
To appreciate the “page-per-minute” rule, you must understand how scripts are written. A properly formatted script uses the Courier 12-point font, which ensures uniform line spacing and timing.
- Scene headings (slug lines) mark every new location and time of day.
- Action lines describe what the audience sees.
- Dialogue blocks are indented, taking up vertical space.
This layout gives each page a near-consistent visual rhythm that translates well to real screen time.
Deviating from this format, for example, using Times New Roman or removing spacing, breaks the rule entirely.
Page-by-Page Breakdown for a 2-Hour Script
Professional screenplays are typically divided into three acts, mirroring the traditional storytelling structure: setup, confrontation, and resolution. Here’s how it breaks down page by page:
Act 1 — The Setup (Pages 1–30)
This is where everything begins, the introduction to your world, characters, and central problem.
Key Elements:
- Establish protagonist and normal life (Pages 1–10)
- Introduce tone and main conflict (Pages 10–20)
- Trigger the Inciting Incident that disrupts the status quo (Pages 12–15)
- End with the First Turning Point that propels Act 2 (Pages 25–30)
Goal: Hook the reader and set the story in motion.
Example: In “Gladiator”, the first 25 pages establish Maximus’s world and loyalty to Rome before the betrayal that launches the story.
Act 2 — The Confrontation (Pages 31–90)
Act 2 forms the heart of the story, about 60 pages of escalating tension and rising stakes.
Key Elements:
- The protagonist reacts to the new situation (Pages 30–45)
- The story deepens with subplots and complications (Pages 45–60)
- Midpoint (Page 60–65): a major twist or revelation shifts direction
- The protagonist transitions from reactive to proactive (Pages 65–90)
Goal: Build tension, test character flaws, and move toward an emotional breaking point.
Example: In “The Dark Knight”, the midpoint comes when Joker disrupts Gotham with chaos, forcing Batman to question his methods.
Act 3 — The Resolution (Pages 91–120)
This act delivers the climax and emotional payoff of your story.
Key Elements:
- The final confrontation begins (Pages 90–105)
- Climax, the emotional and narrative peak (Pages 105–115)
- Resolution, loose ends are tied, or a twist changes everything (Pages 115–120)
Goal: Satisfy or shock the audience with a fulfilling ending.
Example: In “Avengers: Endgame”, Act 3 (around Pages 100–125) delivers the massive battle, sacrifice, and emotional closure.
How Script Length Varies in Real Productions
Not every 2-hour movie follows the 120-page standard. Let’s look at why:
1. Pacing and Scene Style
Some scripts read shorter but play longer because of slow camera movement, silence, or visual storytelling. A 100-page action script can easily stretch to two hours when scenes are visually dense.
2. Dialogue Density
A dialogue-heavy film (like The Social Network) reads faster but still runs long because of rapid-fire exchanges and minimal pauses.
3. Directorial Interpretation
Directors often modify pacing through editing, extending shots or cutting scenes. A 110-page script can become a 130-minute movie after production.
4. Genre Expectations
- Action: More visuals, fewer words = shorter scripts, longer movies.
- Drama: More dialogue, more pages = shorter screen time.
- Animation: Usually shorter scripts (~90 pages) but longer run times due to pacing.
Examples of Real Movie Scripts and Their Lengths
| Movie | Script Length | Final Runtime | Notes |
| Inception (2010) | 148 pages | 148 minutes | Complex pacing and dream sequences |
| Titanic (1997) | 120 pages | 195 minutes | Long runtime due to visual storytelling |
| The Dark Knight (2008) | 126 pages | 152 minutes | Action sequences extend runtime |
| Forrest Gump (1994) | 121 pages | 142 minutes | Balanced pacing |
| A Quiet Place (2018) | 67 pages | 91 minutes | Minimal dialogue, strong visuals |
These examples prove that runtime ≠ script length, pacing, genre, and directorial choices can dramatically alter how long your film feels.
What Really Matters: Story Structure and Rhythm
It’s tempting to obsess over page count, but professional screenwriters know that story flow matters more than math.
Here’s what to focus on instead:
- End each act with a strong turning point.
- Trim unnecessary exposition.
- Use subtext and silence.
- Ensure every scene drives the story forward.
- Maintain visual momentum — don’t over-describe.
A well-paced 110-page script with emotional stakes beats a bloated 130-page draft every time.
Practical Tips for Hitting the Right Length
- Use Screenwriting Software:
Tools like Final Draft, Fade In, or WriterDuet maintain correct formatting automatically.
- Outline Before You Write
Mapping your acts and beats prevents uneven pacing and unnecessary pages.
- Cut to the Core of Each Scene:
Every scene should have a purpose; if it doesn’t change something, delete it.
- Read Professional Scripts:
Analyze pacing and formatting from produced screenplays available online.
- Time Your Scenes
When revising, imagine each page playing onscreen. If a 3-page conversation feels slow, tighten it.
Page-by-Page Example Timeline for a 120-Minute Movie
| Page Range | Story Beat | Purpose |
| 1–10 | Opening & setup | Establish world, tone, and protagonist |
| 10–15 | Inciting incident | Introduce core conflict |
| 25–30 | First turning point | Story kicks into Act 2 |
| 55–65 | Midpoint | Major revelation or reversal |
| 85–90 | Crisis | The protagonist hits a low point |
| 100–115 | Climax | Final confrontation |
| 115–120 | Resolution | Closure or final twist |
This timeline keeps your script professional and emotionally structured, the hallmark of great screenwriting.
Conclusion
So, how long should a script be for a 2-hour movie?
Between 110 and 125 pages, following the 1-page-per-minute rule.
But remember, the best screenplays don’t follow formulas blindly. They balance structure, pacing, and emotion to create stories that feel cinematic.
A tight, well-structured 110-page script can outperform a 130-page one if every moment matters. Focus on rhythm, impact, and flow, and your story will always find its perfect length.