From rom-coms to animated classics and more, Shakespeare’s influence on modern films is bigger than a lot of people realize. I’m sure many of you are aware of the numerous direct adaptations, like Leonardo DiCaprio’s starring role in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Even the garden gnomes in the animated Gnomeo & Juliet retain many of the original character names from the classic tragedy.
But beyond these well-known retellings, Shakespeare’s influence also shows up in places you might not expect. If you’re looking for some literature-inspired films, or if you want to rewatch an old favorite with a new perspective, check out these 6 movies, each based on a different Shakespeare play.
1. West Side Story
Influenced by the rival houses in Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story reimagines this story with the Jets and the Sharks. These two rival gangs in 1950s New York City represent similar intense conflicts, setting the stage for another tragic romance—this time between Tony and Maria.
2. The Lion King
A classic animated film with memorable songs, I’m sure that many of you already know the story of The Lion King. Simba, a young lion prince, loses his father, Mufasa, and must grow into responsibility in the face of betrayal. What may not be obvious is that Hamlet directly inspires this plotline, drawing on its own tragic story of murder and revenge with a less happy ending.
3. 10 Things I Hate About You
This classic rom-com follows Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona, inspired by the plot of The Taming of the Shrew. The modern high school setting strips down Shakespeare’s more sexist tropes in the original Kat, but what remains is a very similar story of strong-willed characters and lots of dating drama.
4. She’s the Man
Another rom-com inspired by a Shakespeare comedy, She’s the Man takes its disguises and alter egos right from Twelfth Night. Viola pretends to be her brother to join the school soccer team, leading to a series of comedic and complicated love triangles that mirror those in the original play.
5. Get Over It
Far from the forest & fairies of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Get Over It takes Shakespeare’s magical comedy to a modern high school. While these students don’t get manipulated by real spells, the drama of teen relationships and mistaken feelings creates a similar story of romantic chaos.
6. My Own Private Idaho
Starring Keanu Reeves as the rebellious son of a wealthy mayor, this film loosely reimagines the story of Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s Henry IV plays in a modern setting. As Scott shifts between privilege and life on the streets, his story resembles Hal’s journey in a contemporary road movie across the Pacific Northwest.
While you certainly don’t need to read Shakespeare to enjoy these movies, knowing their inspirations adds a deeper layer to how we experience them. Maybe this will inspire you to check out one of the original plays—but if not, you can still enjoy these creative twists on classic stories.
Featured image via cottonbro studio on Pexels
