One of the greatest writers in English, William Shakespeare, also known as the “Bard of Avon”, penned a number of masterpieces. And through the years, they have been studied, delved deep into, and understood in different dimensions. They have been adapted to make modern plays, inspired musicals, and movies.
His great plays have influenced many movies, which in turn created the 20th and 21st-century versions of Shakespeare’s literature. One of the main plays that have been bought out in many versions on-screen is the drama, ‘Romeo And Juliet’. Here’s more about various other dramas that have been showcased through the reel.
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Top 10 Films Based On Shakespeare’s Literature
West Side Story (1961)
The movie ‘West Side Story‘ hit the screens back in 1961 and was one of the much-loved musicals. The movie revolves around two rival street gangs in New York City. However, the boy from one of the gangs falls for the girl from the rival group. The musical adaptation is based on William Shakespeare’s most famous romantic masterpiece, ‘Romeo & Juliet’.
Lion King (2019)
An animated movie that everyone loves, is based on one of four of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies that is the ‘Hamlet’. The movie follows the journey of the lion cub Simba and his efforts to get back the throne.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Based on the Shakespearean play ‘The Taming Of the Shrew’, the movie is one of the best of its kind. With a star-studded cast that includes Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the movie follows the story of
She’s The Man (2006)
Similar to Shakespeare’s play, ‘Twelfth Night’, the lead Viola disguises herself as her sibling Sebastian to be a part of the school soccer team. But it becomes difficult for her to keep up the act as she is in love with her teammate Duke.
Get Over It (2001)
This movie is loosely based on the plot of the play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by Shakespeare. The romantic teen comedy deals with a high school senior boy who is trying to win back his ex-girlfriend. For this, he joins the school drama which is the same as the play on which the movie is based. She plays a role in this drama making it the right opportunity to win her back.
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O (2001)
The movie is based on one of the famous tragedies of Shakespeare, Othello. The main lead of the movie, Odin is loved by everyone around him. He has a beautiful girlfriend, and close friends, and his basketball coach also favors him. However one of his teammates Hugo is extremely jealous of Odin. The storyline makes it clear that the 17th-century play has been well formulated into its modern version. Similar to Othello, the friend Hugo slowly manipulates his friends and others around him into hating Odin.
Just One Of The Guys (1985)
This movie is the adaptation of the Shakespearean play Twelfth Night. Joyce Heyser as Terri disguises herself as a man in order to attain her position as a prominent journalist in a male-dominated domain. But unfortunately, she falls in love with a guy while disguised. Here things get complicated.
Men Of Respect (1990)
This 1990 movie is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s drama, Macbeth. Mike Battaglia reached the top of the mafia family by killing the boss. In addition, he also threatens others who dared to disobey him.
Warm Bodies (2013)
Can love make your dead heart beat again? It seems to happen at least in Warm Bodies, where the zombie boy, R falls for a girl, Julie. Here as in ‘Romeo and Juliet‘, the leads from warring species fall for each other. Even their names R and Julia resonate with the names of Shakespeare’s lovestruck couples.
Deliver Us From Eva (2003)
This 2003 film can be called a loose adaptation of the legend’s play ‘Taming of the Shrew’. The movie deals with Eva who is so much involved in her sister’s affairs. To keep her away, the man hires Ray to woo her. However, the two fall for each other, making things complicated
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