William Shakespeare's plays and other works are some of the most honored and praised writings ever put to paper, or so people hear in high school English class. What makes the bard's work so beloved is the universal and timeless quality and messages it bears. Even if some readers and viewers don't fully understand the language, they will definitely understand the themes and motifs.
But for those novices looking to dip their toes further in the water, there are plenty of Shakespeare movies available to suit any level of fan. From classic costume dramas to films like the recent remake of West Side Story, there are plenty of adaptations for Padawans of the playwright to start their adventure.
The Lion King (1994)
Chances are if viewers have any experience with Shakespeare at all, it probably comes from this beloved Disney film. Whether they knew it or not, they were actually watching an adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Throughout The Lion King, you can draw parallels between the plight of Simba and the Prince of Denmark, cleverly mirroring the original source material.
Both stories involve an exiled prince who sees their father's ghost and must dethrone an evil uncle to take their place as the one true king, but the Disney version definitely skips out on the poisoning, monologues, and descents into madness. Still, it's a solid choice for an introductory course.
10 Things I Hate About You
For those looking to step into something with more contemporary applications but still maintaining the Shakespeare narrative, 10 Things I Hate About You is exactly what they're looking for. Not only does this '90s gem utilize the framework of The Taming of the Shrew with its witty hero wooing a feisty and foul-tempered leading lady, but it also throws in a surprising amount of winks and nods to the author himself.
What makes this adaptation more approachable is the modern setting with Shakespeare's plot as the framework. Although the setting and characters are modernized, the characters and motifs remain the same. As the roguish Petruchio is replaced by the equally roguish Patrick and Katherine is converted to the sharp-witted and free-thinking Kat, so does the play shift from a 1500s absurdist comedy to one of the most beloved romcoms of the '90s.
West Side Story
Whether it's the original Sondheim classic or Steven Speilberg's 2021 remake, there's no denying that the Broadway mainstay was directly influenced by Shakespeare's tale of star-crossed lovers. Granted, there are dozens of movies out there that are adaptations of Romeo and Juliet, but not many of them come with phenomenal musical soundtracks or, in the case of the 1961 version, ten Academy Awards.
Those new to the writer should definitely start with an adaptation like this one before diving into the real Romeo and Juliet, as the musical's themes and characters will mirror the events of the play more fluidly. While the Montagues and Capulets are exchanged for the Jets and the Sharks, the adaptation of Shakespeare's most famous love story still uses familiar themes of dangerous feuds, lovers from different worlds/cultures, and it even has an iconic "balcony" scene.
Forbidden Planet
The Tempest could be considered Shakespeare's wild side, and new fans who don't want to watch guys in tights talk to themselves might want to give it a chance. But before they visit Shakespeare's island inhabited by fairies and monsters, they might want to take an interstellar journey to a forbidden planet.
Trading wizards and shipwrecks for robots and spaceships might seem like an odd stretch, but those looking for something a little strange on their Shakespearean journey will easily be sucked in. What the adaptation lacks in Elizabethan dialogue and setting, it more than makes up for in effects and adventure. The characters might be different, but the central narrative is mostly unchanged.
Gnomeo And Juliet
Along with a phenomenal soundtrack by Elton John, this charming animated feature is a delightful reimagining of Romeo and Juliet with more than a few references to Shakespeare, his plays, and the culture surrounding his works. While it's far from an accurate telling of the original play, it's a great way to get both new Shakespeare viewers involved, especially younger ones.
It's a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously but still gives proper tribute to the writer and the source material. Those already familiar with the play will pick up the little lines, nuances, and blatant symbolism, but those just tasting the author's work for the first time will still find something to enjoy in this animated musical adventure.
Romeo+Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrman's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet has more than likely aired in many a classroom after finishing the play, but there are certainly a few good reasons for it. While the setting of '90s California mixed in with the unchanged Shakespearean language will definitely throw many for a loop, it's an impressive version nevertheless.
Newer fans of the bard won't be faulted if they want to start with this unusual interpretation, as the mix of the modern aesthetic with the period dialogue might actually help in understanding the play as a whole. If viewers are looking to experience a true Shakespeare movie, they wouldn't be wrong to pick this one up.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Foes turned lovers, mistaken identities, and some of the writer's best insult humor are all par for the course in Kenneth Branagh's rendition of Much Ado About Nothing. There's even a brilliant performance from Michael Keaton with some light Beetlejuice vibes for good measure. As much as it succeeds at being a traditional Shakespeare comedy, there's more than enough for newcomers to enjoy.
Along with being a pure comedy, new fans will find that the language barrier isn't much of a stumbling block, the costumes and settings are absolutely gorgeous, and there's even a healthy amount of physical humor to give the production a more lighthearted flavor. If Romeo+Juliet is unavailable or viewers want to experience something more true to form from Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing is a great place to start getting into the writer's works.
The Taming Of The Shrew (1967)
The scripts and the set might be period, but the timing and humor are as sharp as any modern rom-com viewers might indulge in today. As the roguish Petruchio woos and tames the waspish Katherine, fans of movies like The Princess Bride will definitely love this classic comedy.
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Provided viewers have a basic understanding of Shakespeare's dialogue, new fans will easily get a kick out of the over-the-top performances and absurdist humor. It's funny enough to attract new fans' attention, but not so advanced that the language and culture of the period won't put them off.
The Tempest (2010)
Julie Taymor's version of The Tempest is one of the most overlooked adaptations of Shakespeare's work, but it's an adaptation the author himself would have wanted. In this tale of shipwrecks, monsters, wizards, and sprites, viewers are treated to a psychedelic interpretation of one of the bard's last plays.
Similar to The Taming of the Shrew, new viewers might want a rudimentary understanding of the dialogue before watching, but they shouldn't let that stop them from giving this film a chance. Newcomers will definitely appreciate the epic fantasy elements, the vivid and imaginative visuals that help make the story more comprehensible to a modern audience.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999)
If there's one Shakespeare production that can appeal to a massive amount of viewers, it's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The play itself features a selection of Shakespeare's finest elements, including but not limited to: starcrossed lovers, a mythic yet timeless quality, and two comedic romance arcs that have been adored for centuries.
Midsummer is the play any Shakespeare newbie should start with, and the 1999 version is an imaginative adaptation that will definitely enchant and delight those just starting out. Although the Greek mythology theme is traded for a 1900s setting, viewers of any level will appreciate its whimsical nature and comedic exploits of its endearing characters.