When it comes to versatile filmmakers, Kenneth Branagh has recently solidified himself as one of the strongest out there. That's especially true after his recent record-breaking turn at the Oscars, the actor became the first individual to be nominated in seven different categories (in separate years) at the Academy Awards.
But when it comes to directing, Branagh has quickly solidified himself as an equally diverse and adaptable figure in that particular realm. Despite being best known for his Shakespearean works, the director has also been involved in several action films, murder mysteries, and historical dramas.
The Magic Flute (2006) - 70%
Rent On Apple TV
Kenneth Branagh's The Magic Flute is an English-language adaptation of Mozart's famous singspiel Die Zauberflöte, which is an inventive fairytale about finding your way in the world in the face of good and evil. Mozart's original opera uses a blend of both spoken dialogue and song to tell its narrative.
Branagh's adaptation is a co-production between France and the UK, with a mainly french cast and an English translation from acclaimed comedian and actor Stephen Fry. Despite its mostly positive reception, many critics cite Mozart's story as being too unrealistic or silly for this kind of adaptation.
All is True (2018) - 72%
Rent On Vudu
Switching out Shakespeare adaptations for an actual dramatization of Shakespeare's life, All is True sees Branagh take on the role of the prolific Bard in a historical exploration of the events following the destruction of the Globe Theater. The film also analyses his complex relationship with both his wife and his children.
What immediately sets this apart from the many other Shakespeare biopics out there is Branagh's personal connection to the story. He's worked with Shakespeare's plays for his whole life and has a much richer understanding of the figure than the average viewer, which gives his film an extremely thoughtful and nuanced tone throughout.
Thor (2011) - 77%
Stream On Disney+
With Thor having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, it's become clear that Branagh's entry into the MCU is one of the most iconic and recognizable to date. From its bold colors to its inventive camera angles, the film was undoubtedly one of the most influential of the era.
Although its melodramatic, Shakespearean story might not have totally resonated with every MCU fan, there's no denying that it has a very distinct feel compared to the rest of the Marvel universe. It introduced plenty of characters that audiences still love today, and set the groundwork for many more films to come.
A Midwinter's Tale (1995) - 81%
Rent On Amazon Prime
Originally released in the UK under the title In The Bleak Midwinter, Kenneth Branagh's Shakespeare-inspired romantic comedy was the first of his directed films in which he did not appear. It follows the story of Joe Harper, who volunteers to put on a Christmas performance of Hamlet in order to raise money to save a local church.
Many of the characters within A Midwinter's Tale were actually written for the actors who would eventually go on to play them, which gives them all a distinct and clear personality that shines through Branagh's charming script. It's a quintessentially British movie, but equally, something that all audiences can enjoy.
Dead Again (1991) - 83%
Stream On HBO Max
Dead Again is a film that connects the old to the new with its intricate story about a woman in 1990s Los Angeles who's believed to be somehow involved in a murder from the late 1940s. But it's not just any murder she's suspected of - it's the murder of famous composer Roman Strauss.
Dead Again plays to many different genres, adopting features of film noir, crime thrillers, and romance to craft a truly unique narrative that could only work with this particular story. It's full of interesting characters that all bring something new to the table, and are elevated by Branagh's signature direction.
Cinderella (2015) - 84%
Stream On Starz
Although audiences haven't been short of Disney live-action remakes and sequels in the past few years, Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella is one that stands out among the rest for its creative and refreshing approach towards the traditional story. He brings a certain magic and playfulness that perfectly complements the original fairytale.
Many cite Cinderella as the best Disney remake, and it's easy to see why. Although there are plenty to choose from, Cinderella is a film that understands exactly how to stay true to its source material without ever feeling as though it's retreading old waters.
Belfast (2021) - 87%
Rent On Apple TV
The film that many have claimed to be the most personal and intimate of Branagh's career so far is Belfast, the touching story of one working-class family surviving the 1960s in Northern Ireland. It pulls a lot from Branagh's own childhood, and this personal touch is exactly what makes the story so compelling and captivating.
There's no doubt that Belfast is filled with great performances and interesting characters that always keep the narrative feeling fresh and new, despite a story that audiences have seen plenty of times before now. The crisp monochrome cinematography also adds a layer of nostalgic authenticity that's difficult not to fall in love with.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) - 90%
Stream On Max Go
1993's Much Ado About Nothing is not only one of Shakespeare's most successful and beloved comedies but also one of his most critically acclaimed films overall. It tells the story of Benedick and Beatrice, who are tricked into confessing their feeling for each other by another couple, Hero and Claudio.
When it comes to adapting Shakespeare's works, it's never easy to capture the magic of the stage on the big screen. But if there's one director who manages to do so with surprising consistency, it's Kenneth Branagh. His attention to set design, character movements, and camera placement is perfectly astute, and entirely justifies his reputation as the master of Shakespeare.
Hamlet (1996) - 95%
Stream On Hoopla
Unsurprisingly, Branagh's cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare's most famous and well-received tragedy Hamlet is sure to make it high up the list. The film is a mostly accurate retelling of the iconic story, with tuned performances from Branagh, Derek Jacobi, and Kate Winslet.
The film takes no creative liberties with the source material but still allows itself to breathe and take time with every single word, even adding to the rich development that Shakespeare initially gave to these characters. The story is just as exciting and riveting as it always has been, much thanks to Branagh's deep understanding of the play's themes and the way he presents this in his vision.
Henry V (1989) - 100%
Stream On Hoopla, Kanopy, & The Roku Channel
Henry V is indisputably one of Shakespeare's grittiest and bloodiest tragedies, and Branagh's 1989 adaptation manages to capture this dark realism in a way that few before him have. The play follows the titular King, played by Branagh, as he attempts to lay claim to the Kingdom of France through the Battle of Agincourt.
But Henry V isn't just an accurate adaptation of the play, it also stands on its own as an extremely exciting and thrilling political/war thriller. Every scene is intense, every character is thoughtfully crafted, and every single plot point is carefully woven into the overall narrative. It's one of the director's most accessible adaptations, making it a perfect starting point for beginner Shakespeare fans.