Most students would disagree that Shakespeare’s works are appealing to all generations. Now, the main reason his plays don’t strike the right chord with students is because they are meant to be performed – not read. So, if you want to truly grasp Shakespeare’s genius, then you must watch them brought to life. On this note, here are the best film adaptations to get you hooked onto Shakespeare’s plays and English literature in general!

1.Othello (1995)

If you have ever been required to complete an Othello-based assignment, you are well aware of how tricky it can be. This play deals with numerous complex topics and these must all be included in an essay about Othello, making it a rather difficult task. This is especially true if you are expected to include examples from the play to make your case for these themes.  

Well, the 1995 film adaptation makes your assignment a great deal easier to manage. For one thing, the movie stays true to the original dialogue from Shakespeare’s plays. For another, compelling performances by Laurence Fishburne, Kenneth Branagh, and Irene Jacob make it a worthwhile watch. By the end of this film, you will find your Othello essay a lot simpler to write.  

2.Hamlet (1996)

If you are trying to understand the appeal of Shakespeare, then it will not do to watch a film that takes liberties with his work. This is why Hamlet is one of the best films to watch if you want to get a better feel for what this play is all about. Kenneth Branagh offers up a complete adaptation, ensuring that every important scene is included.  

What’s more, this movie boasts a lot of familiar faces such as Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi, Robin Williams, and Kate Winslet. As such, it lends a modern and relatable air to material that may otherwise seem foreign to some students.  

3.Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Romeo and Juliet has had several screen adaptations throughout the years. Some have been good and others much less so. However, one version that really stands out is Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 movie. While the movie is set in a modern day city known as Verona Beach.  

What has not changed, though, is the concept behind the original play. What’s more, Luhrmann has honored the original script as well and the dialogue remains the same. However, since the characters and the settings are a little more relevant to today’s audiences, this movie may resonate a lot better with students tackling Shakespeare’s works.  

4.Macbeth (2015)  

Macbeth, too, has been adapted numerous times and as such, students have often found themselves poring over dozens of movie essay samples. Despite this, the 2015 movie with Michael Fassbender in the titular role is certainly one to watch. To begin with, the performances by Fassbender and Marion Cotillard really capture the essence of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, setting the tone for the movie.  

At the same time, the battle scenes further add cinematic flair to the movie and are particularly notable for younger audiences. This is a film where you can truly learn about the atmosphere that Shakespeare was trying to capture in his plays. Furthermore, the script is a word-for-word reenactment of the original Scottish Play.  

5.Julius Caesar (1953)

Overall, this is a solid rendition of the play. Joseph Mankiewicz has remained true to the main elements of the original play while still creating an environment that is suitable for newer audiences as well.  What makes this is a really compelling watch, however, is Marlon Brando’s performance as Mark Antony.  

This is also a movie that will resonate with American students, in particular. Since the country has its own violent history with political assassinations, the movie makes it even easier to draw on familiar parallels. This makes it an even more gripping film to see.  

While most people wouldn’t imagine that literature and film can converge in a positive manner. The movies on this list prove otherwise. So, if you are a student who is struggling with Shakespeare, then you may want to look up these films. They will certainly make the material a great deal easier to understand.