8 Shakespeare Movie Adaptations Worthy of a Standing Ovation

1. "Romeo + Juliet" (1996)

Baz Luhrmann’s glitter-soaked, high-energy take on the tragic romance turned Shakespeare into a ’90s fever dream in the best way.

2. "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999)

A clever, charismatic update of "The Taming of the Shrew" gave us iconic characters, school dance dramatics and Heath Ledger singing on bleachers. What's not to love?

3. "The Lion King" (1994)

A "Hamlet" adaptation that somehow made existential crisis and family betrayal feel kid-friendly (kind of).

4. "Much Ado About Nothing" (1993)

Kenneth Branagh’s sun-soaked and joyfully chaotic ensemble adaptation is bursting with charm, Shakespearian wit and peak ’90s star power.

5. "West Side Story" (2021)

This sweeping musical retelling of "Romeo and Juliet" gets it right, and the choreography, emotion and heartbreak hit every time. Shakespeare and Steven Spielberg just can't be beat.

6. "Coriolanus" (

Looking for something grittier? Ralph Fiennes’ gripping modern political thriller, based on the play of the same name, proves Shakespeare can absolutely feel like an action movie.

This chaotic, teen-approved "Twelfth Night" adaptation delivers peak 2000s comedy and soccer-field antics.

Director Akira Kurosawa’s haunting samurai twist on "Macbeth" is full of atmosphere, tension and enough fog to fill the entire Globe Theater!