Prizes include:
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Cash
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Exclusive publishing deals for screenplay contest winners and finalists
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Film distribution via Amazon Prime for selected winners and finalists
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A place in the 13Horror.com Hall of Fame
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Horror merchandise, including the 13Horror.com Silver Skull necklace and horror models from Diamond Select Toys
Includes feedback from our Hollywood horror industry judges on every single entry.
13HORROR.COM FILM & SCREENPLAY CONTEST 2025
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Welcome to THE go-to horror film and screenplay competition for filmmakers and screenwriters! At 13Horror.com, we are proud to offer an unparalleled contest experience with feedback provided on every single entry. This unique feature sets us apart and makes our contest a favorite among creatives in the horror genre.
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Categories
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Our 2025 contest includes the following categories:
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Feature-Length Screenplays
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Short Screenplays (up to 30 pages)
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Feature-Length Films
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Short Films (up to 30 mins)
Feedback From Hollywood Judges
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Every entry receives detailed feedback from our panel of Hollywood judges, explaining how your screenplay or film performs against our judging criteria. This invaluable insight has made 13Horror.com one of the most recognized and respected horror screenplay competitions in the industry.
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Our judges include Andrew Hannon, editor of the international best-selling Thirteen horror anthologies and acclaimed writer of screenplays, films, novels, and stage plays such as Stage Fright, Creepy Hill, CarnEvil, and the Dwell In These Demons series.
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Why submit to 13Horror.com?
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At 13Horror.com, we take a broad approach to horror, celebrating both the genre's timeless staples and its bold boundary-pushers. Whether it's traditional scares, innovative hybrids blending horror with comedy, sci-fi, historical narratives, or experimental styles—if it’s got horror in its veins, we’re interested. We embrace the full spectrum of the genre, offering ample opportunities for recognition with a large number of winning slots.
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We love honoring films and screenplays that uphold the foundations of what makes horror so iconic, as well as those that stand out from the crowd with originality and daring creativity. We deeply respect the dedication and passion it takes to craft a screenplay or make a film, and our detailed feedback reflects that. Designed to be constructive and supportive, our feedback aims to inspire growth, helping you refine your craft, uncover unique strengths, and perhaps spark ideas you’ve never explored before.
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We read every single screenplay and watch every film we receive and send comprehensive feedback on all of them. Hundreds of screenwriters have benefitted from their participation in our contest and gone on to publish their screenplays as part of our contest prize.
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Rules & Judging Criteria
Winning entries will be judged on:
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Originality
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Story
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Characterization
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Presentation
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Overall Impression
Key Dates
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Entry Deadline: April 30, 2025
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Finalists & Winners Announced: May 15, 2025
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Every writer and filmmaker will receive feedback on their entry as soon as the judging process is completed.
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Don’t miss your chance to take part in one of the best horror screenplay contests in the world! Enter now at 13Horror.com and let your horror story be seen by industry professionals. With prizes, publishing opportunities, and feedback guaranteed for every entry, this is the ultimate competition for horror creatives.
No FilmFreeway account? No problem! Simply email your short or feature-length horror screenplay to editor@13horror.com and we'll send you a PayPal request for the entry fee.