10 Best Shakespeare Film Adaptations to Watch and Stream in 2024

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William Shakespeare's writing has been adapted for the big screen on many occasions. The best film adaptations of Shakespeare’s work range from faithful adaptations of his text to modernized comedies bearing little resemblance to the original product. The playwright's incredible catalog continues to provide inspiration to new generations of actors, writers, and directors, which always makes revisiting some of the most successful film adaptations of Shakespeare's work a fun choice for movie night.

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While actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh has shown himself to be extremely dedicated to the Bard's writing by adapting many of his plays, a whole host of talented performers have taken on the work. Teen comedies have transformed plays originally written in the Elizabethan for a younger audience, while tragedies have been reimagined for the screen with Oscar-winning actors and talented directors at the helm. Here, we round up 10 of the best Shakespeare film adaptations available to stream in 2024.

Anyone But You (2023)

If you're surprised to see Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell's rom-com Anyone But You on this list, you shouldn't be. The movie is loosely based on William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, with plenty of nods to the Bard throughout. Anyone But You quickly became the most financially successful Shakespeare adaptation of all time, which is pretty wild to think about.

For traditionalists, the 1993 version of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Kenneth Branagh, starring everyone from Denzel Washington to Keanu Reeves, is a much more faithful adaptation and features a gorgeous Italian backdrop.

William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet

Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the lead roles, literally changed the game when it comes to cinematic adaptations of William Shakespeare.

Although many tried to replicate Luhrmann's success, his trademark DayGlo visuals aimed at the MTV generation, accompanied by a hit-filled soundtrack, have always been impossible to copy. While the setting and costuming are completely modernized, the content remains the same.

This iconic adaptation tracks a long-standing conflict between rival families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Despite their families being at war, Romeo and Juliet fall in love, and that's when everything starts to go wrong.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

1999's 10 Things I Hate About You adapts William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, transforming the classic comedy into a teen rom-com set in an American high school. The incredible cast includes Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt and brought Shakespeare to a generation of young viewers in a unique way.

If this adaptation skews a little young for you, then Franco Zeffirelli's 1967 version of The Taming of the Shrew, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, is more likely to fit the bill. The couple's unmatched chemistry sizzles on screen, bringing one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies to the masses.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Acting treasure Denzel Washington stars as the titular character in Apple TV+'s black-and-white Macbeth adaptation, which is written and directed by Joel Coen.

The iconic tragedy follows the exploits of a Scottish general named Macbeth, who is influenced by a prophecy bestowed on him by three witches that he will become king. With motivation from his wife, he decides to kill the current king and take the throne for himself. However, Macbeth is wracked with guilt and paranoia over his actions, leading to further bloodshed and a devastating war.

A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)

The 1999 movie adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream is a star-studded affair featuring performances from Michelle Pfeiffer, Christian Bale, and Stanley Tucci. Sticking closely to the source material, the dreamy film follows several storylines, all of which culminate in a wedding celebration.

As Duke Theseus and Hippolyta prepare to wed, a group of actors rehearse a play in the woods. Meanwhile, fairies and magic potions cause people to fall in love.

Hamlet (1996)

When it comes to filming faithful adaptations of William Shakespeare's plays, Kenneth Branagh is a consummate professional. The actor and director takes the lead role in 1996's Hamlet and is accompanied by a jaw-dropping cast including Kate Winslet, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Judi Dench.

While the film failed at the box office, it continues to be seen as one of the greatest Shakespeare movie adaptations of all time, receiving 4 Oscar nominations, including Best Writing for Branagh's adapted screenplay.

Othello (1995)

Oliver Parker's 1995 adaptation of Othello stars Laurence Fishburne as the titular character, and, rather shockingly, is the first time a Black actor has portrayed the famed role in a mainstream Hollywood theatrical release.

Military commander Othello is married to a beautiful white woman named Desdemona (Irène Jacob). Soldier and confidante Iago (Kenneth Branagh) is envious of Othello's successes and decides to sabotage his life. After alienating Othello's friends, Iago convinces him that Desdemona has been unfaithful, leading to some awful acts of violence that end in devastation.

Love's Labour's Lost (2000)

Kenneth Branagh helms the 2000 adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's earliest comedies. In an ambitious move, Branagh incorporates multiple musical and dance numbers into the movie, including popular songs by lauded songwriters like Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin.

Set during World War II, Branagh's version of Love's Labour's Lost features charming performances by Matthew Lillard and Alicia Silverstone, along with a whole host of talented performers such as Timothy Spall, Geraldine McEwan, and Nathan Lane. Despite failing spectacularly at the box office, the 2000 version of Love's Labour's Lost remains essential viewing for Shakespeare fans.

Twelfth Night (1996)

Trevor Nunn's 1996 adaptation of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night features an inimitable cast, including Helena Bonham Carter, Richard E. Grant, Ben Kingsley, and Imelda Staunton. The film tells the story of a woman who pretends to be a man after being separated from her twin brother. This disguise causes all sorts of romantic chaos for our cast of characters, with multiple love matches ending in comedic exploits.

Notable mention must also go to the 2006 romantic comedy She's the Man, which transports the classic story to college, starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Bynes.

The Tempest (2010)

Julie Taymor's 2010 adaptation of William Shakespeare's The Tempest is particularly interesting as the lead role of Prospero is played by a woman instead of a man. Helen Mirren takes the lead in a tale of magic, revenge, love, and reconciliation. Former ruler and sorceress Prospera has been exiled by her scheming brother Antonio. Years later, when Antonio's ship passes the island Prospera has made her home, she whips up a storm, causing her sibling and his comrades to run aground.

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