Shakespeare adaptations are everywhere if you look closely. Even the people who didn't study the poet and playwright's work likely know that The Lion King (1994) is heavily inspired by Hamlet. Most people have at least heard of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet and generally tie the star-crossed lovers trope to the doomed teenagers. With the release of Hamnet (2025) coming up, the movie based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel of the same name is meant to tell the story of how Hamlet came to be.
I've already got tissues prepared in my bag because I couldn't even watch the trailer without choking up. So, if you're anything like me and need something lighthearted as a palate cleanser before (or after), here are five fun Shakespeare adaptations, as well as where you can watch them on HBO Max, Prime Video, and more.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
I can hear the outcry coming from all over the world, but hear me out: Nobody does a tragedy with as much sparkle and joy as Baz Luhrmann. And as someone with an MFA in English Lit who studied Shakespeare extensively, trust me when I say, no one hates the story of Romeo and Juliet the way I do. But as an even bigger fan of Moulin Rouge (2001), I know that tragedies can sometimes be deeply memorable when Luhrmann is at the helm.
And if there's one version of the tragedy that sticks the landing while providing ample moments to swoon over, it's Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. The modernized, beachy version of the story brings levity to the tale, and Luhrmann's inimitable directorial choices make every beat look and feel dazzling. It's the type of adaptation that cements how modernizing something can be hugely impactful, and it also has one of the best original soundtracks to date. If you want a modernized version of the tale, Romeo + Juliet can’t be beat.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
On a happier note, who doesn't love everything that was born from 10 Things I Hate About You, the single greatest adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew? The hate-to-love romance that balloons into something bigger between Julia Stiles' Kat and the late Heath Ledger's Patrick is everything that a rom-com should be—fun and full of heart.
It's not every '90s or early 2000s movie that holds up, but 10 Things I Hate About You is a treasure for countless reasons. The source material is one of Shakespeare's most influential stories, yes, but so much of the reason it became an instant classic is because of the cast and relatable storylines. Perfect for anyone who loves a good bad boy, and You've Got Mail (1998).
She's the Man (2006)
Based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, She's the Man is the kind of roaringly hilarious comedy that still holds up so well that it's a little shocking. The brilliant performance that Amanda Bynes delivers as her character pretends to be both Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian, is admirable on every level, but the romance also sizzles in a way that's an absolute blast to watch, even today.
Interestingly, rewatching the movie recently also made me realize how progressive it was back in the day, showcasing that sports shouldn't discriminate based on gender. Let's go, Illyria! Every cast member brings their A-game the entire time, making it the kind of adaptation that's going to continue holding up. If you love stories with mistaken identities and slow-burn romances that are equal parts funny and vulnerable, She's the Man is a must-watch.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Shakespeare in Love may not be a direct retelling or adaptation of the playwright's works, but it's a surprisingly gorgeous romantic drama that follows Joseph Fiennes as Shakespeare himself while he falls for Gwyneth Paltrow's Viola. Like Hamnet, the film acts as a showcase of how Romeo and Juliet came to be and features characters from his notable works, like the obvious, Viola from Twelfth Night.
The film's critical and academic praise make it an incredible must-watch for anyone who's interested in Shakespeare, but especially for those who might need something light after Hamnet. More than anything, it can be fun to sit in front of the screen and point to all the Easter eggs, like the Leonardo DiCaprio Rick Dalton meme in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
Warm Bodies (2013)
If you love classic stories reimagined with zombies like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016), then look no further than Warm Bodies, an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. Starring Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, Warm Bodies is a clever, fun, and engrossing twist on the tragedy, making it a star-crossed lovers story about the living and the (un)dead.
It's campy and delightful, but surprisingly heartfelt and significant in its approach to unite the two species. The story sticks the landing, and the twist makes it one that'll definitely provide more squeals and butterflies as opposed to tears. As a bonus, it's the type of horror movie that scaredy-cats can also handle.
