Shakespeare's Best Plays Have Already Been Adapted Into Your Favorite Movies & TV Shows

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Shakespeare's books and plays cover a wide range of genres, from epic tragedies to unforgettable romantic comedies. William Shakespeare is thought to have written as many as thirty-eight plays throughout his lifetime, and the Bard's influence can't be understated. From straightforward adaptations to modern interpretations, the best Shakespeare books continue to dominate popular culture. For instance, 2023's Anyone but You drew its inspiration from Much Ado About Nothing, and the movie quickly exceeded all box office expectations.

Perhaps you were forced to read Shakespeare's plays in school, or maybe you're an eternal fan of just about every Romeo and Juliet adaptation. Regardless of how you discovered the Elizabethan playwright, it's indisputable that the famous writer caters to a variety of tastes in his extensive catalog. While the Bard has remained somewhat of a mystery, his contribution to the lexicon and pop culture in general is unmatched. Here, we explore the 10 best Shakespeare books, including his most popular plays and poetry.

'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare

If you grew up in the '90s, you were probably obsessed with Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, and if you're the romantic type, you'll probably consider Romeo and Juliet to be the best Shakespeare book of all time. His classic play tells the story of two star-crossed lovers whose families are enemies, but their adoration transcends any rivalries.

Unfortunately, young love is tricky as it is, and the ongoing war between their relatives threatens to derail any happiness they feel. Everyone knows how it ends, but that doesn't stop us from wanting to relive it again and again. Tom Holland is set to star in a new stage adaptation in 2024.

'Hamlet' by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare's famous tragedy Hamlet is set in Denmark and tells the story of Prince Hamlet, whose uncle Claudius has usurped the throne after murdering Hamlet's dad. The play is a story of revenge, as Hamlet works to expose his uncle's dark deeds while navigating complicated relationships with his mother, Gertrude, and love interest, Ophelia.

Viewers might remember Kate Winslet's performance as Ophelia in Kenneth Branagh's 1996 version. Meanwhile, Ethan Hawke took on the role in 2000, which saw the titular prince deliver his "To be, or not to be…" speech in a Blockbuster (and let's not forget The Lion King).

'King Lear' by William Shakespeare

Straightforward adaptations of King Lear may not have reached the heady heights of some other Shakespeare plays. However, its influence is wide-reaching, inspiring everything from TV series such as Succession and Empire to films including The Godfather Part III. The iconic tragedy follows King Lear as he bestows his assets and power on his children.

Unfortunately, his generosity backfires, and he is soon betrayed by those closest to him. Homeless and alone, Lear reflects on his mistakes while slowly losing his mind. Anthony Hopkins skillfully took on the role of King Lear in 2018.

'Othello' by William Shakespeare

Much like Romeo and Juliet, Othello tells the story of forbidden love, this time between a Black man and a white woman with an inappropriate age gap. Military general Othello meets and falls in love with Desdemona, oblivious to the fact that her family will disapprove.

Iago, Othello's most trusted confidante, gives the worst advice one can give, causing Othello to become incredibly jealous, resulting in violence. The 2001 film O transplanted the drama to boarding school and starred Julia Stiles, Mekhi Phifer, and Josh Hartnett.

'Much Ado About Nothing' by William Shakespeare

With its familiar storyline serving as the inspiration for a ton of adaptations, including 2023's Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell rom-com Anyone but You, Much Ado About Nothing is easily one of the best Shakespeare books you can read. The play concerns the romances between two couples and the way in which frivolous gossip can ruin a good thing.

While Claudio and Hero's love story almost falters due to untrue rumors, Benedick and Beatrice's constant bickering barely conceals their real feelings for one another. The star-studded 1993 version starred Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves, Emma Thompson, and Kenneth Branagh.

'The Taming of the Shrew' by William Shakespeare

The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted in some seriously inventive ways. If you fell in love with 1999's teen classic 10 Things I Hate About You, which starred Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, then you already know the story. In the play, Bianca isn't allowed to get married until her older sister, Katherina, weds first.

Enter Petruccio, a man who thinks he can convince Katherina to marry and enjoy being a wife. But will his tricks work? Also adapted as 2003's Deliver Us from Eva, starring Gabrielle Union.

'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes," utters one of the witches in Macbeth's fourth act. This perfectly summarizes the crushing foreboding ushered in throughout the play. Macbeth is a general who seizes the Scottish throne at the behest of three witches and his wife.

However, the power he acquires can't quell feelings of guilt, and more murders follow as the new king distrusts everyone around him. Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand starred in AppleTV+'s adaptation of the Shakespeare classic.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream remains one of Shakespeare's best books and most beloved plays. The spritely comedy takes place in an enchanted wood, in which fairies alter and inspire the actions of the humans they encounter.

The drama takes place in the lead-up to Theseus and Hippolyta's marriage and features multiple romantic storylines, as well as a comedic strand involving a group of actors trying to rehearse their own play. Perhaps the most famous Hollywood adaptation was released in 1999 and starred Christian Bale, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Stanley Tucci.

'Twelfth Night' by William Shakespeare

Twelfth Night is a classic Shakespearean romantic comedy that follows the exploits of Viola, a woman who pretends to be a man after being separated from her twin brother at sea. While disguised as Cesario, Viola forms a romantic interest in Duke Orsino, while also attracting the attention of Countess Olivia, whom Orsino himself is trying to woo.

A 1996 movie version of the play was brought to the screen starring Helena Bonham Carter, Imogen Stubbs, Ben Kingsley, and Richard E. Grant. Twelfth Night also inspired 2006's She's the Man, starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Bynes.

'Shakespeare's Sonnets and Poems' by William Shakespeare

Alongside writing an entire library of world-renowned plays, William Shakespeare also penned unforgettable poetry and sonnets. His sonnets address a number of different people, including the object of the writer's affection, who appears to haunt him every waking hour.

Some sonnets speak of a young man with his whole future ahead of him, while others discuss torrid relationships and professional rivals. If you're not ready to commit to reading a play, this book of Shakespeare's sonnets and poems may be the perfect entry point to his work.

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