William Shakespeare is, without a doubt, the most famous writer in English history. The famous playwright’s works have been adapted time and time again into films and TV shows. Over 400 years after his death – many audiences have still not tired of watching his most classic tales – from Macbeth and Hamlet to Othello and Coriolanus.
Below is a ranking of the top 10 Shakespeare adaptations of all time. The No. 1 film in this ranking is not the movie you think it might be.
7. Romeo and Juliet (1968)
The 1968 version of Shakespeare’s most famous play, Romeo and Juliet is well deserving of a place in the top 10.
While it might not be the first choice of adaptation for this classic love tale, decades later, Zefirelli’s film is still considered one of the best versions of the romantic tragedy.
He was the first director to cast actual teenagers in the roles of the young couple.
(Image: IMDB)
6. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Kenneth Branagh has directed five Shakespeare adaptations, with the most famous one being Much Ado About Nothing.
Starring Emma Thompson, this film features a star-studded cast including other famous names such as Denzel Washington, Kate Beckinsale, Robert Sean Leonard, Keanu Reeves and Micheal Keaton.
(Image: IMDB)