Save the Cat rankings

Monsters, Inc. script analysis

Monsters, Inc. script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Lovable monsters Mike and Sulley excel at scaring, but when they accidentally bring human child Boo into their world, they must hide her while uncovering a sinister plot. Their journey from panic to parental care tests their beliefs about fear and ultimately transforms their factory’s energy source—from screams to laughter.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 26 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

A rookie monster’s scare attempt fails, establishing the everyday world of failed scares.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

75%

Waternoose warns that a human child is deadly, foreshadowing fear vs. laughter theme.

There is nothing more toxic or deadly than a human child. A single touch could kill you!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

70%

We meet Sulley and Mike’s morning routine, workplace hierarchy, and rival Randall.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / Page 4 / 12% target

80%

Boo is spotted in the restaurant, thrusting monsters into an unprecedented crisis.

There’s a kid here! A human kid!
5

Debate

Scenes 10-12 / Pages 4-5 / 20% target

65%

Mike and Sulley argue over how to evade the CDA and what to do with Boo.

6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 5 / 25% target

70%

A news report confirms a child security breach, forcing the heroes into Act Two.

7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 3 / 30% target

60%

Mike’s date with Celia introduces a personal subplot about love and acceptance.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 14-16 / Pages 6-7 / 40% target

75%

Hijinks in the secret lab and simulator showcase monster training and Boo’s cuteness.

9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / Page 7 / 50% target

80%

Roz confronts them and orders Boo’s door destroyed—stakes are raised irreversibly.

Two and a half years of undercover work were almost wasted when you intercepted that child, Mr. Sullivan....
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 20 / Page 9 / 65% target

70%

Roz destroys the door, cutting off Boo’s way home and tightening the pressure.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 21 / Page 9 / 75% target

65%

Waternoose’s arrest signals their world collapsing, with no clear path to return Boo.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 22 / Page 10 / 80% target

70%

Sulley and Mike doubt their success and mourn losing Boo.

13

Break into Three

Scene 23 / Page 10 / 85% target

75%

Mike tests stand-up comedy to power the factory with laughter—new plan emerges.

14

Finale

Scenes 24-25 / Pages 11-12 / 95% target

80%

They convert the factory, succeed with laugh power, and rebuild Boo’s door.

15

Final Image

Scene 26 / Page 12 / 99% target

75%

Sulley opens the door to a reunited, joyful Boo, mirroring the opening with hope.