Everything old is new again, and while this is true about fashion, makeup and hair, did you also know it's the same with movies? Just consider this list of films adapted from Shakespeare's plays...
1. Romeo + Juliet
This adaptation can be a little awkward at first, because it's set in modern times, but the language wasn't updated. But it's still great!
2. 10 Things I Hate about You
I loved The Taming of the Shrew with Liz Taylor, of course, but this adaptation is even better,and not just because of Heath Ledger's charm.
3. She's the Man
Amanda Bynes is a girl who dresses like a boy so she can do what she wants, actually a pretty darn good adaptation of Twelfth Night, minus the homophobia.
4. My Own Private Idaho
I'm betraying my age, but I had a HUGE crush on River Phoenix after this movie. You will, too.
5. Shakespeare in Love
Watch this movie, and I guarantee you'll have a crush on Shakespeare forever.
6. Hamlet
So many stars, so many fab performances! Bill Murray, in my view, steals the entire movie, as he often does. The entire cast is brilliant, though, truly.
7. The Lion King
It took a while for me to realize that The Lion King is just another retelling of Hamlet, you know, with hyenas added for fun.
8. Much Ado about Nothing
Joss Whedon and Shakespeare seem like an unlikely match, but really, this movie is brilliant and incredibly fun.
9. Gnomeo & Juliet
Yes, a re-telling of Romeo and Juliet, with... garden gnomes.
10. Warm Bodies
A Shakespeare romance with zombies isn't any stranger than a Jane Austen novel with zombies, and this movie is actually really freakin' good.
11. A Thousand Acres
A re-telling of King Lear, this movie's kind of old, but def worth a watch for any fan of the Bard.
12. Romeo Must Die
Okay, so the name of the movie is a tip-off to which play it's based on, but it's much more action-packed than you'd think.
13. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead
I love this movie! It's another Hamlet adaptation, and it's just brilliant.
14. Macbeth
Sure, there have been dozens of Macbeth movies over the years, but this one is just exceptional. Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. That's all you really need to know.
15. The Taming of the Shrew
I had to include this one; I love it.
16. West Side Story
When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way, from your first cigarette to your last... anyway. It's a classic.
17. Much Ado about Nothing
I never really "got" Shakespeare til I saw this movie. It's so, so good!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some popular modern movie adaptations of Shakespeare plays?
- Movies like '10 Things I Hate About You' and 'Romeo + Juliet' are famous modern takes on Shakespeare's works.
- Are these adaptations faithful to the original plays?
- Many adaptations keep the core story but update the setting and language to be more relatable today.
- Can I enjoy these movies without reading the original plays?
- Absolutely! These films are designed to be accessible and entertaining even if you're new to Shakespeare.
- Which Shakespeare play has the most modern movie versions?
- Romeo and Juliet has been adapted many times, with various modern twists.
- Are these modern adaptations suitable for all ages?
- Most are rated for teens and up due to mature themes, but family-friendly versions exist too.
- Do these films explore themes relevant to women today?
- Yes, many adaptations highlight strong, complex female characters and contemporary issues.
- Where can I watch these Shakespeare-based movies?
- Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu often have these films available.
- Are there any adaptations with diverse casting?
- Several modern adaptations embrace diverse casting to reflect today's society.
- How do these movies differ in style from classic Shakespeare films?
- Modern versions often feature contemporary settings, music, and language styles.
- Why should women consider watching Shakespeare adaptations?
- They offer timeless insights into love, power, and identity through relatable modern storytelling.