The works of William Shakespeare have become some of the most essential pieces of English literature ever crafted. The stories and characters he created are some of the premiere archetypes and formulas that many modern-day writers and storytellers use to mold their work.
When it comes to his plays though, like with any adaptation, each Shakespeare film comes with its own alterations and honors. In the decades since the development of cinema, Shakespeare adaptations have been a constant presence, for both better or worse.
Best - Hamlet (1996)
Kenneth Branagh, both as an actor and director, is arguably the biggest proponent of Shakespeare filmmaking. He has adapted multiple plays for the big screen, both hailed and maligned. No matter how good the film is though, there is no doubt in anyone's mind how much he loves the bard.
His greatest accomplishment and one of the greatest adaptions of any of Shakespeare's plays is his 1996 film version of Hamlet. Shakespeare's longest play, Branagh took it upon himself to craft the first unabridged cinematic version of the show. Though a daunting four hours, the film is a triumph in both honoring the work and injecting it with modern life.
Worst - Cymbeline (2014)
Abiding to period accuracy is certainly not a requirement when adaption Shakespear. Even in his own time, many of Shakespeare's plays were put on in Elizabethan era costuming, whether they were set in ancient Rome or medieval Europe didn't matter.
So, while it's not an issue that the Ethan Hawke starring adaption of Cymbaline is set during the present day, it certainly doesn't help. A straightfaced biker gang themed Shakespearean play adaption is silly on its own, but the film its self is an arduous watch. This could have been something special if the director wasn't constantly reminding you that this is set in the modern period.
Best - Ran (1985)
While Shakespeare is a feather in the cap of English literature, the themes of his writings are universal. So, it is no surprise that filmmakers around the globe are inspired by them constantly. One of the best examples of such is Akira Kurosawa's Ran.
Kurosawa took the initial basis of Shakespeare's King Lear and placed it smack dab in the middle of feudal Japan. The film isn't just a triumph of Shakespearan filmmaking but made a huge impact on international cinema, as well as genres like Period films and Westerns.
Worst - Romeo & Juliet (2013)
Romeo and Juliet, as a play, is arguably the Bard's most well known. It is also one of the soapiest and most digestible pieces he ever wrote. It should not be a difficult one to adapt, yet more often than not, these adaptions are the worst.
The 2013 version of the play is certainly not the absolute worst version, but it encapsulates many of the worst tendencies of Romeo and Juliet adaptions. It is full of pandering romance, altered dialogue, and ham-fisted performances. While Hailee Steinfeld remains a talented actor, even she couldn't save this lackluster version of literature's greatest romance.
Best - My Own Private Idaho (1991)
Sometimes the best Shakespeare adaptions are the ones that use the original play as nothing more than a thematic basis. The best example of this would be Gus Van Sandt's My Own Private Idaho, starring the late-River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.
This modern-day coming of age story focuses on Mike and Scott, two friends who hit the road to find Mike's mother. The film tackles questions of identity, sexuality, and purpose, mirroring the story of Prince Hal similarly. It is a captivating and beautiful film with two iconic performances to anchor.
Worst - Romeo & Juliet: Sealed with a Kiss (2006)
Animation and Shakespeare seem to go hand in hand. Just look at The Lion King, which is arguably the most beloved animated film of all time, and also happens to be a loose adaption of Hamlet and the plays of Prince Hal.
If The Lion King is one end of the critical spectrum, Romeo and Juliet: Sealed With A Kiss is the other. Without a doubt, this cornball movie is filled with immature jokes and romance and is only brought down by its lackluster animation. Not only is it an awful Shakespeare film, but an awful film in general.
Best - Chimes At Midnight (1965)
Orson Welles remains one of the most lauded actors and storytellers of all time. Pairing him with the work of Shakespeare seemed like a no brainer. Like a lot of his work though, Chimes at Midnight is anything but expected.
Welles' take on the Henry V story skews the focus away from the perspective of the young prince and onto that of his flawed father figure Falstaff, played by Welles. This blubbering child of a man is a fantastic dramatic and comedic performance from Welles and adds much-needed depth to the character. The film is one of parental love and betrayal and a fantastic twist on a Shakespearean tale.
Worst - Othello (1965)
Laurence Olivier and Shakespeare often go hand in hand. This classical British actor made his career from bringing the Bard's tales to life on stage and screen and is the definitive on-screen Hamlet for many. Sadly, his take on Othello is nearly unwatchable.
While the acting is all there from the entire cast, the unforgivable use of blackface can't be overlooked. How this got made is beyond fans and leaves a sad stain on an otherwise iconic figure in Shakespearean adaptations.
Best - Throne of Blood (1957)
Akira Kurosawa's Ran isn't the only Shakespearean adaption to come from the acclaimed director. During his career, he also set forth to adapt the story of Macbeth similarly. What resulted is one of the most influential Japanese films ever made: The Throne of Blood.
For many, this is the quintessential Kurosawa picture. The film stars Toshiro Mifune as Taketoki Washizu, the stand-in for Macbeth, who gives one of the best performances of his career. The film is an outstanding take on the immortal tale of corruption and power.
Worst - Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)
Once again, Romeo and Juliet adaptions end up to be the biggest disappointments. Few are as bad as this one though. This animated fever dream takes the classic romance and places it in the back gardens of two British homes, with the characters played by lawn ornaments.
Not only that, but all the action in the film is moved by the music of Elton John. That's right, this adaptation is none other than an Elton John musical in disguise. Shakespeare is nothing more than a gag in this film, which makes even further sense with the Sherlock Holmes inspired sequel.
