With feedback sent on every single entry, 13Horror.com returns for its eleventh year as one of the leading contests for horror screenwriters and filmmakers.

The categories for the contest are:

- Feature-length screenplays
- Short screenplays
- Feature-length films
- Short films

Every entry receives detailed feedback from one of our Hollywood judges, explaining how the screenplay or film performs against our judging criteria. This has become one of the most valued aspects of the contest and a key reason it continues to attract writers and filmmakers from around the world.

Our judges include Andrew Hannon, editor of the international best-selling Thirteen horror anthologies and writer of screenplays, films, novels and stage plays including Stage Fright, Creepy Hill, CarnEvil and the Dwell In These Demons series.

Awards & Prizes

FEATURE-LENGTH SCREENPLAY CONTEST
One grand prize winner will receive:
- $1,000.00
- Professional publication of their screenplay, including a professional cover design and royalties for life
- The coveted 13Horror.com Golden Skull award
- A letter of introduction from 13Horror.com
- A framed winner’s certificate
- A horror movie model
- A place in the 13Horror.com Hall of Fame

Second and third place winners will receive:
- $500.00 and $350.00
- Professional publication of their screenplay, including a professional cover design and royalties for life
- The coveted 13Horror.com Silver Skull award
- A letter of introduction from 13Horror.com
- A framed winner's certificate
- A horror movie model
- A place in the 13Horror.com Hall of Fame

10 x additional winners will receive:
- Professional publication of their screenplay, including a professional cover design and royalties for life
- A winner’s certificate including their laurels
- A place in the 13Horror.com Hall of Fame

SHORT SCREENPLAY CONTEST
One grand prize winner will receive:
- $500.00
- Professional publication of their screenplay, including a professional cover design and royalties for life
- A letter of introduction from 13Horror.com
- A framed winner’s certificate
- A place in the 13Horror.com Hall of Fame

Second place and third place winners will receive:
- $300.00 and $200.00
- Professional publication of their screenplay, including a professional cover design and royalties for life
- A letter of introduction from 13Horror.com
- A framed winner's certificate
- A place in the 13Horror.com Hall of Fame

10 additional winners will receive:
- Professional publication of their screenplay, including a professional cover design and royalties for life
- A winner's certificate
- A place in the 13Horror.com Hall of Fame

In addition to the above winners in both screenplay categories, entrants who score highly enough to qualify as Finalists will be eligible for exclusive discounted publishing packages and awarded Finalist laurels.

FILM CATEGORIES (FEATURE & SHORT)

Laurels will be awarded across key categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor & Actress, Best Horror Baddy and Best Special Effects.

Selected winners and finalists will be presented to Black Mandala, an international sales and production company working with distributors, festivals and buyers worldwide. This creates a potential route beyond the festival circuit, with opportunities that may include international sales, festival strategy and inclusion in anthology productions.

Selected films may also be released under the “13Horror.com Presents” banner, a curated label for standout work from the competition.

Rules & Terms

Winning screenplays and films will be chosen based on the following criteria:

(i) originality
(ii) story
(iii) characterization
(iv) presentation
(v) overall impression

Feedback will be sent on every single entry to each writer and filmmaker regarding their respective work as soon as a judge has completed their review. The deadline for entries is October 31, 2026. Screenplays and movies selected as finalists and winners will be announced on November 15, 2026.
366 Reviews
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  • Bryan Howard

    Working with Andrew at 13Horror was a great experience from start to finish. I really appreciated how thoughtful and constructive his feedback was, and how it pushed me to make the script stronger. It’s rare to get notes that are both encouraging and genuinely useful, and Andrew struck that balance perfectly. He clearly cares about the work and about helping writers improve, and that made the whole process feel rewarding. I’m grateful for his insight and for the support he gave my script.

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Randi Krasny

    The feedback you get from this festival is priceless. Lots of opportunities for aspiring writers to showcase their work and get genuine feedback and avenues for distribution.

    July 2026
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  • Tyson Andrews

    As a first festival submission this experience was beyond phenomenal. It's a great way to get professional critique on your film, and it's just really nice to know that your film was watched through the eyes of someone in the industry, specializing in horror makes this even better! overall, 10/10

    July 2026
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  • Larry Wilkerson

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    13Horror.com has been one of the most rewarding screenplay competitions I've entered.

    What sets this contest apart is that every screenplay receives thoughtful feedback from the judges. The notes I received were detailed, constructive, and gave me clear direction on how to strengthen my story. Rather than simply pointing out weaknesses, the feedback helped me improve the screenplay while preserving the story I wanted to tell.

    After making revisions, I took advantage of the opportunity to resubmit my screenplay for re-evaluation. That process ultimately resulted in my feature screenplay receiving a 2026 Honorable Mention, making the experience even more rewarding.

    Communication throughout the competition was professional, and I appreciate that the contest encourages writers to grow rather than simply ranking submissions.

    I've recently ordered my Honorable Mention trophy and am looking forward to displaying it with pride.

    I highly recommend 13Horror.com to horror screenwriters who are looking for meaningful feedback, a chance to improve their work, and genuine recognition for their efforts. I will absolutely be submitting future projects.

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Colin Francis Costello

    The team was great. Proud to be a finalist.

    July 2026
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