Ranking the Best Modern Shakespeare Adaptations
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William Shakespeare—the renowned poet and playwright accomplished many great things during his time, including inventing more than 1,700 words in the English language and writing 39 successful theatre plays. However, some would say his biggest accomplishment was unwittingly providing the inspiration for modern cinematic gems like The Lion King and She’s the Man. Shakespeare’s timeless tales making their way into the cinematic world of cheesy rom-coms and animated classics have been among the most delightful contributions to society. Now, let’s delve into some modern adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays.
5. Anyone but You
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In fifth place is the most recent release of the list, but one that I suspect will become a cult classic in the years to come. Anyone but You is a modern revival of the lost art of fun rom-coms, embracing cheesy tropes with a tasteful and humorous touch. The movie tells the story of Bea and Ben, whose promising first date takes a turn for the worse due to a misunderstanding, leading them to despise each other. However, fate brings them together again a year later at a destination wedding, where they pretend to be a couple to ward off an ex-fiancé and win back an ex-girlfriend. Of course, they ultimately fall in love, which results in a series of hilarious moments and undeniable chemistry. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, where a couple manipulates their feuding friends into romance, Anyone but You takes inspiration from the play, cleverly reworking it. The result is one of the most refreshing rom-coms of the 2020s.
4. She’s the Man
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In fourth place is the classic teen flick that captured all our hearts: She’s the Man. Starring the beloved duo of Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum, the movie follows Viola as she poses as her twin brother, Sebastian. Amidst the hilarious chaos, Viola falls for Sebastian's roommate, Duke, who harbors feelings for Olivia and unknowingly develops a crush on Viola disguised as Sebastian (it’s messy, I know). The movie is based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, even borrowing the character’s names, but with a modern twist. Instead of the original play’s setting on a strange island after a shipwreck, the movie opts for something much scarier—an all-boys boarding school. She’s the Man is a timeless teen comedy with a flawless performance by Bynes. Her line delivery is impeccable and hilarious; among the most memorable moments is “Sebastian’s” iconic line, “And when my eyes are closed, I see you for what you truly are, which is UGLAYYY.”
3. The Lion King
Image Courtesy: Disney Plus
I bet you didn’t know this beloved Disney classic was based on Shakespeare’s iconic play, Hamlet. In The Lion King, Scar (Claudius) kills his brother, Mufasa (Hamlet the King), for his throne. Simba (Hamlet) then goes on a quest to avenge his father’s death, with the story of Hamlet playing out in a kid-friendly way. It's remarkable to observe how mature themes such as revenge, family feuds, and power dynamics are masterfully presented in an animated movie intended for children. With an incredible soundtrack and a perfectly crafted storyline, The Lion King is one of those movies you can enjoy at eight years old and 80 years old alike.
2. Mean Girls
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Sitting at the top of the throne of teen comedies is the 2004 cinematic masterpiece Mean Girls. While this connection may seem like a stretch, many of Mean Girls’ components mirror Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. In the play, Brutus (Cady) is manipulated by Cassius (Janis) into assassinating Caesar (Regina) to prevent him from becoming a tyrant of Rome (the most popular girl at the high school). Mean Girls is a timeless classic, retaining its popularity even 20 years after its original release. Despite multiple attempted renditions and sequels, nothing comes close to the perfection of the original. The film ingeniously places the societal dynamics of Shakespeare’s Rome onto a high school backdrop, showcasing remarkable similarities – from cliques to power hierarchies and betrayal. This modern adaptation will always be one of my favorites.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
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Finally, claiming the top spot is one of my all-time favorite movies, 10 Things I Hate About You. The rom-com is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. In it, Katherina (Kat) emerges as the outspoken and sharp-tongued sister, the polar opposite of her sweet and romance-ridden sister Bianca, who is not allowed to date until her sister does. An interested suitor of Bianca then pays Petruchio (Patrick) to entice Katherina, setting the stage for a story full of wit and charm. 10 Things I Hate About You gets right what most rom-coms don’t—the perfect balance between romance and comedy while also allowing each character to experience development. The late Heath Ledger, a gem to Hollywood, performs the role of Patrick in such an honest way, the kind-hearted man whose actions speak louder than his bad reputation. This is especially demonstrated in his grand serenade to Kat singing Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Julia Stiles also delivers a memorable performance as Kat. A standout moment occurs in the ending sequence when Kat lists all the things she hates about Patrick, choking back her tears as she says, “I hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call. But mostly, I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” From that moment on, this movie left a lasting impression on me.
Shakespeare laid the groundwork for some of Hollywood’s best creations, ranging from iconic teenage comedies to classic animated films. The success of these films makes it evident that his legacy will persist and continue to inspire many forms of art.
Strike Out,
Writer: Isabella Santiago
Editor: Lindsey Limbach
Tallahassee