Happy Birthday Shakespeare: 17 Best Shakespeare Movies

This adaptation of Shakespeare’s bloodiest play directed by Julie Taymor stars Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, and Alan Cummings.

Buy it on Amazon.

This teen rom-com adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew is just so, so excellent, and has aged like a fine wine. We miss you, Heath Ledger.

Stream it on Amazon.

The Zeffirelli version of Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers is basically the gold standard of Shakespeare adaptations.

Stream it on Amazon.

But then of course, there’s Baz Luhrman’s psychedelic romp starring teen heart-throbs Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. That aquarium scene? We’re done. Bye.

Stream it on Amazon.

Emma Thompson can do no wrong. She is perfect.

Stream it on Amazon.

Before there was Kenneth Branagh, there was Sir Laurence Oliver.

Stream it on Amazon.

But Kenneth Branagh ain’t bad.

Stream it on Amazon.

Alas, poor Yorrick, I knew him well.

Stream it on Amazon.

To quote Cher in Clueless, “Well, I think I remember Mel Gibson correctly, and he didn’t say that.”

Stream it on Amazon.

This epic adaptation by Kenneth Branagh is worth a watch, especially for die-hard Shakespeare fans, with its four hour, twenty minute run time.

Stream it on Amazon.

That handkerchief is up to no good, mark our words.

Stream it on Amazon.

Another incredibly satisfying teen rom-com adaptation, this time of Othello, starring Julia Stiles.

Stream it on Amazon.

Akira Kurosawa’s 1957 adaptation of Macbeth covers the play’s themes of destiny and revenge in feudal Japan.

Stream it on Amazon.

Macbeth‘s unique violence, which hedges on the paranormal, seems particularly suited to the talents of director Roman Polanski.

Stream it on Amazon.

When you want Macbeth done right, you ask Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench.

Stream it on Amazon.

This hilarious adaptation of Macbeth turns an envious Scottish general into a hamburger-slinging fast food kingpin.

Buy it on Amazon.

This most recent adaptation stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard as Shakespeare’s most notorious couple.

Stream it on Amazon.

Related: Words Shakespeare Invented That We Still Use Today