5 Films You Probably Didn’t Know Were Shakespeare Retellings

1. ANYONE BUT YOU (2023)

Anyone but You (2023), starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The film retains character names (Beatrice and Benedick shortened to Bea and Ben for the silver screen) and the main tropes of misunderstanding and overheard conversations, giving way to comedic hijinks.

Bonus fact: Did you know that the 2001 Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai also draws inspiration from Much Ado About Nothing?

2. SHE’S THE MAN (2006)

The 2006 teen comedy She’s The Man is adapted from Bard’s romantic comedy, Twelfth Night. Starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum, it revolves around Viola going undercover in a boys' school pretending to be her brother Sebastian. Things get complicated when Viola falls for a boy at school, but another girl, Olivia, has fallen for her, disguised as her brother. A sports rivalry, mistaken identities, and disguises make this movie a laughter riot.

Bonus fact: Shakespeare in Love, the 1998 film which won 7 of its 13 nominations at the 71st Academy Awards, also references Twelfth Night multiple times.

3. 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (1999)

An adaptation of Shakespeare’s play Taming of the Shrew, this film has cemented its reputation as a universally beloved rom-com. Starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in leading roles, the film takes Shakespeare’s archaic storyline into an interesting, leveled comedy. Featuring an “enemies to lovers” romance and a spirited heroine, the film is a must-watch. 5 Films You Probably Didn’t Know Were Shakespeare Retellings.

2 Bonus fact: A novelization of the film, written by author David Levithan, was also released in 1999, making it an adaptation of a movie, which itself is an adaptation of a play.

4. THE LION KING (1994)

Disney’s beloved and best-selling 1994 animated feature film, The Lion King, is loosely based on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Hamlet. The setting shifts from broody Denmark to the colorful forests of Africa. Retaining the primary storyline of a coming-of-age hero and a scheming uncle, The Lion King is an incredible movie, equal parts fun and meaningful. With beautiful animation, memorable songs, and heartfelt characters, The Lion King is a classic. Bonus fact: The 2014 Bollywood film Haider is also an adaptation of Hamlet, completing director Vishal Bhardwaj’s trilogy of Indian adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays. The other films include Maqbool, based on Macbeth, and Omkara, based on Othello.

5. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)

Inspired by one of Shakespeare’s most famous and enduring plays, Romeo and Juliet, 1961’s West Side Story is a classic in its own right. Set in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, the film retains the play's original plot. The musical visual film also shined bright at the 1961 Academy Awards, featuring star-crossed lovers and rival gangs. Bonus fact: Romeo and Juliet’s legacy transcends into space! Two of Uranus’s moons - Juliet and Mab are inspired by the play.