32 Great Shakespeare Adaptations Everyone Should See

As a connoisseur of all things Shakespearean, I must say that this list is a veritable feast for the Bard-loving soul! From the timeless classics to the lesser-known gems, each film offers a unique perspective on the immortal works of the great playwright.

Over a span of more than 400 years, the works penned by William Shakespeare have captivated and amused audiences worldwide. Nearly since the inception of filmmaking, the movie industry has drawn upon these same literary masterpieces to create some of the finest adaptations of his work. This list will focus on the adaptations that preserve Shakespeare’s original language, as there are countless exceptional examples spanning nearly all of The Bard’s plays. Some of these adaptations offer contemporary reinterpretations, but for this selection, we’ll stick to those that maintain the authenticity of his words.

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Leaving out Kenneth Branagh’s films from a list like this would be quite incomplete. Over the past three decades, this classically trained actor has not only starred in movies but also directed them, particularly those based on Shakespeare’s works. The film adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of Shakespeare’s comedies, is a prime example of Branagh’s skill. Alongside Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, and several other notable stars, Branagh breathes life into this play on the big screen.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Without a doubt, if Shakespeare had a “top-tier” list, Macbeth would undoubtedly be included. It’s one of the most renowned works from the most celebrated playwrights. Director Joel Coen, venturing out on his own for this project, masterfully portrays the grim and tragic essence of the Scottish Play in this monochrome adaptation. Denzel Washington delivered an Oscar-nominated performance as the tormented king Macbeth, while Frances McDormand mesmerized audiences with her chilling portrayal of Lady Macbeth.

Romeo and Juliet (1968)

The timeless love tale, “Romeo and Juliet,” is widely recognized as a masterpiece in the English literary world. The 1968 movie version faithfully captures this esteemed title. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, who brought the story to life, and featuring Leonard Whiting as Romeo and Olivia Hussey as Juliet, the film portrays the tale authentically. This cinematic adaptation was honored with numerous Oscars for its exceptional quality.

Othello (1995)

Shakespeare’s play, Othello, is a complex work, boasting two of the Bard’s most captivating characters. In this adaptation, Laurence Fishburne takes on the role of King Othello, while Kenneth Branagh portrays Iago, the schemer. These exceptional performances make the movie a compelling watch.

Hamlet (1990)

You might scoff at Mel Gibson playing perhaps the most famous character in Shakespeare’s canon, but he does a decent job and direct Franco Zeffirelli, who has made some of the best adaptions of Shakespeare’s work, is masterful in this somewhat underrated version of the most famous play of all time, Hamlet.

William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (1953)

In movie versions of “Julius Caesar” during the 20th century, some of the most distinguished actors brought Mark Antony to life. Among them was Marlon Brando, who delivered one of Shakespeare’s most renowned speeches on the stairs of the Roman Senate in 1953, providing audiences with a memorable performance.

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

As a literature enthusiast, I’ve always found it a tad risky to blend contemporary pop aesthetics with timeless literary classics. Yet, when executed skillfully, like Baz Luhrmann did in Romeo + Juliet, this daring move invites a fresh wave of admirers to the grand works of Shakespeare. Initially, it might take a moment for us viewers to get accustomed to the Elizabethan dialect in a contemporary setting. But once we do, it’s an exhilarating journey that’s hard to forget.

The Taming Of The Shrew (1967)

Filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli is renowned for some outstanding adaptations of William Shakespeare’s literature, and the 1967 film adaptation of “The Taming of the Shrew” is a particularly delightful interpretation of a lively play. It’s not hard to understand why it’s considered a timeless classic, boasting performances by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Richard III (1955)

Shakespeare’s historical plays centered on the Plantagenet kings can sometimes seem challenging to grasp, yet having a skilled performer such as Sir Lawrence Olivier portray the final one in “Richard III” significantly enhances one’s appreciation of their greatness.

The Merchant of Venice (2004)

It’s surprising that it took until 2004 for suitable movie versions of “The Merchant of Venice” by Shakespeare to materialize, with Al Pacino portraying the main character, a wealthy merchant from Venice, in this timeless comedy.

Hamlet (1996)

1996 saw me, Kenneth Branagh, diving headfirst into the iconic role of Hamlet. Rather than taking any easy routes, I chose to direct and star in this film adaptation myself. This production was a groundbreaking endeavor – it was the first complete, unabridged version of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy ever brought to the big screen. To add authenticity, we filmed it on location in Denmark using 70mm film. Despite its lengthy runtime and box office struggles, this film stands as a true masterpiece.

As You Like It (2006)

Typically, Kenneth Branagh both directs and acts in Shakespeare adaptations he produces. However, the 2006 film adaptation of “As You Like It” is a rare case where he only directed, with no acting role. A daring decision was made to set this play in 19th-century Japan, and it surprisingly fits well. Although it may not be his finest work, it’s definitely worth watching.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1968)

1968’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” presents a distinctly ’60s interpretation of the timeless romantic comedy. Featuring a star-studded cast such as Dame Judy Dench, Ian Holm, Helen Mirren, the late Diana Rigg, and others, it offers an unusual rendition of the play that is absolutely captivating and worth watching for this very reason.

Macbeth (1971)

Shakespeare’s most somber play, “Macbeth,” is notably darkest when brought to life on the silver screen by Roman Polanski’s 1971 adaptation. This version offers a thrilling ride, although it may not be the finest interpretation of the play, it stands out as an extravagant, intense portrayal. Released shortly after the Manson Family murders, it’s intriguing to consider how Polanski might have channeled his grief over the loss of his wife and child into this project.

Antony And Cleopatra (1972)

1972’s adaptation of “Antony and Cleopatra” leans towards a more conventional interpretation of the timeless historical play. Charlton Heston assumes the role of Mark Antony, while Hildegarde Neil, a renowned Shakespearean actress, portrays Queen Cleopatra. Despite its occasional whimsicality, it remains an excellent film to watch.

Henry V (1989)

Kenneth Branagh’s initial foray into adapting William Shakespeare’s works for the cinema was the 1989 film “Henry V,” which quickly became a timeless classic. In this movie, Branagh portrays the youthful, bold king and his interpretation of the renowned St. Crispian’s Day speech is one of the most captivating moments in all of Shakespeare’s screen adaptations and is considered one of Branagh’s finest films.

Cymbeline (2014)

Although Cymbeline isn’t one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, a 2014 film poses an intriguing question: what if a classic Elizabethan play were transposed into the 21st century? Unfortunately, this adaptation doesn’t provide a compelling answer to that question, or indeed any other. Still, as it is the only version of this specific work, it might be worth watching for completists.

King Lear (1971)

In the realm of my personal appreciation for literature, King Lear stands as a deep exploration into the labyrinthine depths of madness. As a spectator, you bear witness to the tragic descent of the titular king into mental turmoil. The 1971 film adaptation, in my opinion, commences with an already unhinged atmosphere and spirals further into darkness and insanity as it unfolds. It may not be the pinnacle of cinema on this list, but it certainly offers a unique perspective on the timeless play.

Henry V (1944)

Although Kenneth Branagh’s more recent adaptation of Henry V is widely acclaimed today, Sir Laurence Olivier’s 1940s version deserves recognition too, as it offers a compelling portrayal of the timeless historical tale. The costumes and sets are exquisite, and it’s a grand Hollywood production from the past, featuring hundreds of extras and massive set pieces.

Othello (1951)

Although Orson Welles’ film version of Othello, initially released in 1951 and re-released in 1992 after restoration, doesn’t strictly adhere to the original play, it is a movie that highlights Orson Welles’ extraordinary talent at every moment. Initially, it didn’t receive much acclaim upon its release, but it has since been recognized as a masterpiece.

Coriolanus (2011)

2011’s film “Coriolanus,” helmed by and featuring Ralph Fiennes, presents a contemporary interpretation of an obscure Shakespearean play. The storyline, loosely based on the Yugoslavian Civil War (or a fictional equivalent), is a cinematic gem that unfortunately has not received the recognition it deserves, making it a must-watch for many movie enthusiasts.

Much Ado About Nothing (2012)

Director Joss Whedon’s adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing,” while perhaps not as prominent as Kenneth Branagh’s from two decades prior, still offers a compelling contemporary take on the story. Despite underperforming at the box office, this version garnered critical acclaim for valid reasons.

Love’s Labour’s Lost (2000)

Although Kenneth Branagh took on both acting and directing roles in this contemporary adaptation of “Love’s Labour’s Lost“, boasting an impressive ensemble cast, the film fell short of fulfilling the high anticipations of viewers and critics alike. It’s unfortunate because it’s a remarkable play, and if you’re a fan of Shakespeare and his romantic comedies, you may still find enjoyment in this fresh interpretation of the timeless classic.

Julius Caesar (1950)

Three years prior to Marlon Brando’s acclaimed portrayal of Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Charlton Heston played the same character in a 1950 film adaptation. Although Brando’s version is more renowned, this earlier performance by Heston is also noteworthy.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999)

One of Shakespeare’s most charming and widely appreciated romantic comedies, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” has been brought to life in numerous ways throughout history. The 1999 adaptation, featuring a stellar ensemble including Kevin Kline, Calista Flockhart, Rupert Everett, Christian Bale, among others, is particularly enjoyable. While it may not be the finest interpretation, this star-studded cast guarantees a delightful watch for all.

Richard III (1995)

1995’s “Richard III” offers a fascinating modernization of the timeless historical drama, with the narrative shifted to 1930s Britain prior to World War II. The exceptional Ian McKellen delivers an outstanding performance as Richard.

As You Like It (1936)

Watching any movie based on Shakespeare, particularly those starring the esteemed Sir Laurence Olivier, is highly recommended for anyone. The film adaptation As You Like It is a true-to-form rendition of the renowned play, with Olivier delivering an exceptional performance as Orlando. This 1930s masterpiece brings to life a tale from the 17th Century that remains evergreen.

Macbeth (1948)

Originally aired in 1948, Orson Welles’ adaptation of Macbeth is more compelling for contemporary viewers with its 1980 fully restored version, which includes numerous scenes omitted from the initial release. Much like other works by Welles, it showcases both brilliance and complexity, making it a rewarding watch.

Julius Caesar (1970)

In the span of his acting career, Charlton Heston portrayed Mark Antony on three separate occasions in adaptations of Shakespeare’s works. His swansong as the Roman politician was depicted in the 1970 adaptation of Julius Caesar. Compared to his initial portrayal in the same role in 1950, this production boasted a significantly larger budget and more polished execution. In addition to Heston, Jason Robards played Brutus in this version.

King Lear (1999)

While this film may not be the top pick on the list, it’s still an engaging watch when it comes to Brian Blessed portraying a Shakespearean character, particularly the tempestuous King Lear. Despite some inconsistencies in the movie, Blessed’s performance is captivating and enjoyable.

Titus (1999)

Titus Andronicus” is one of Shakespeare’s less popular works on this list, but it doesn’t warrant being dismissed. In fact, Sir Anthony Hopkins takes the lead as a general in the Roman army, in a bizarre contemporary adaptation of the play. Despite the film flopping at the box office, its failure doesn’t equate to it being bad; quite the opposite, it might be exceptionally good!

Hamlet (1948)

Few actors can match the greatness of Laurence Olivier, but he certainly brought Hamlet, arguably the most remarkable character ever penned, to life in a way that is unparalleled. His portrayal of this timeless role on the silver screen is nothing short of commendable and sets a standard for all future adaptations.

2024-11-25 15:38