Shakespeare’s plays have offered plenty for a wide audience in the way of humor and heartbreak for centuries. His writing not only invented new phrases and created a new way to engage with theater, but his works have continued to inspire writers and directors in film concerningromance and comedy, as well as villainous characters and those with tragic ends.
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Plenty of films and television shows have sought to create new or perfectedon-screen adaptationsof Shakespeare’s works to preserve the language. However, the films featured in this list reinvent his stories to be accessible in mainstream Hollywood. They play with Shakespearean character archetypes and plot devices that leave audiences surprised.
8West Side Story (1961) - Romeo and Juliet
A deeply emotive retelling of perhaps the most famous Shakespearean play,Romeo and Juliet,the original 1961 version ofWest Side Storycontinues to be groundbreaking with its powerful musical storyline of family, love, and gang warfare. Tony and Maria’s love story remains totally heart-wrenching as they seek to get married despite their social divide from being in opposing gangs.
It remains a strikingly visual film, with memorable camera shots and many vibrant dance sequences captivating the viewer. The film remains iconic to this day, hence inspiring multiple remakes and revivals of the Broadway show. The film itself is flawless and funny, yet it also calls out social issues concerning racism very well.
7My Own Private Idaho (1991) - Henry IV
Directed by Gus Van Sant, this film is loosely based on Shakespeare’s history playsHenry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2,andHenry V. The film sees Mike (River Phoenix) and Scott (Keanu Reeves) on a journey of self-discovery as Mike seeks to make sense of his reality whilst struggling with narcolepsy. It is a tragic and complex narrative as each scene seeks to make Mike’s isolation and loneliness the standout element of the film.
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River Phoenix received several awards for his role as Mike Waters, as his performance alongside Keanu Reeves is beautifully acted. The viewer is given a real sense of the sadness that follows Mike throughout. The film itself has been praised for its avant-garde experimental style and is still considered a landmark independent queer film.
6Ran (1985) - King Lear
Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s epic historical war film is based on the tragedy ofKing Learand sees Lord Hidetora Ichimonji decide to abdicate and divide his domain between his three sons. Although a brutal picture that is inevitably tragic, the film itself is a true spectacle and is still widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Battle scenes inspire awe and fascination due to the fact that they often contain no dialogue.
This is a beautifully made epic that considers every detail down to the smallest prop. Viewers who have an appetite for historical dramas will enjoy this story of betrayal and hatred as a father’s relationship with his sons turns increasingly sour. Although a Japanese retelling, much likeKing Lear,Lord Hidetora descends deeper into madness as the film unfolds.
5Get Over It (2001) - A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A silly, yet smile-worthy American teen comedy film,Get Over Itis loosely based on the Shakespeare play,A Midsummer Night’s Dream.Situating a high school singer trying to win his ex-girlfriend back by joining the school play that she is performing in, a musical rendition ofA Midsummer Night’s Dream,this film still inspires belly laughsmore than twenty years on.
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Although receiving mixed reviews at the time,Get Over Itis a fun take onA Midsummer Night’s Dreamthat uses comedy well to tell the story with an unpredictable end. The film also holds a stellar cast with the likes of Ben Foster, Kirsten Dunst, Mila Kunis, and Carmen Electra to name a few. It is a creatively comedic snapshot of a pre-9/11 world.
4Forbidden Planet (1956) - The Tempest
A classic science fiction film with a Shakespearean twist ensures thatForbidden Planetcontinues to be acclaimed as one of the best sci-fi films of the 1950s. Although a loose adaptation of the play, its characters and isolated setting ofa distant planetrender it similar toThe Tempest.Set in the twenty-third century, a starship crew travels to a planet to uncover why it is silent. Once there, they discover an invisible threat.
This film feels very ahead of its time; with an electronic score and impressive graphics, it successfully creates a futuristic atmosphere. Also, commenting on the human desire for destruction and greed, it is hard to believe that this film was made as early as it was.
310 Things I Hate About You (1999) - The Taming of the Shrew
Based on the comedy playThe Taming of the Shrew,this American teen romantic comedy is one of the most liked Shakespeare adaptations with its quick wit and fantastic humor. It situates Cameron, who is not allowed to date Bianca until her sister, Kat, also has a boyfriend. In order to remedy the situation, Cameron pays Patrick to charm Kat and chaos ensues. Featuring A-listers like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julia Stiles, and Heath Ledger,10 Things I Hate About Youis fun and well-acted from the start.
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Ledger and Stiles' chemistry is undeniable as the two characters fall for each other. With rave reviews at the time, mostly in part due to their performances, the film developed a cult following and is still beloved today. The film contains direct references to William Shakespeare himself, and the script continues to be charming.
2She’s the Man (2006) - Twelfth Night
Funny and fueled by a ferocious Shakespearean wit, Amanda Bynes excels in her role as Viola, who pretends to be her twin brother so that she can play soccer at his boarding school. With many twists and turns in the story, Viola ultimately gets way more than she bargained for with regard to love and opportunity.
The film uses the same main character names of twins Viola and Sebastian, and focuses on the central theme of one twin masquerading as another and ultimately falling in love. It is deeply funny and pays obvious homage to the original play, as well as highlighting that women and girls should be given equal opportunities in sports.
1The Lion King (1994) - Hamlet
One of the highest-grossing animated films of all time,The Lion Kingis loosely based on Shakespeare’s tragedy,Hamlet,mostly due to the fact that both stories focus on a fatherless prince. Although it has many differences to the play, it does share the commonalities of the uncle character being treacherous and there being ghosts that appear to the prince, Simba.
Thisfilm remains one of the bestDisneyfilms of all time, with rave reviews and a fabulous soundtrack. The characters exist within a breathtaking colorful animated backdrop that brings the story to life in a new and engaging way for family audiences.
