It is no secret that the writings of William Shakespeare, completed so many centuries ago, still have a significant impact on the stories that are made today, but sometimes, the Bard’s influence is so great that a movie may seem like its own individual story, but in fact, is secretly an adaptation of Shakespeare’s work. Secret Shakespeare adaptations are far from being new, having been made since movies first began, however there was definitely an increase in these types of films in the 2000s. Either way, these movies are all great but not always easy to pick out as Shakespeare.
To be more specific, a secret Shakespeare adaptation is a movie that is seemingly original, like any other movie, but actually uses the plot of a work of Shakespeare in a completely different, usually modern, setting. Oftentimes, these films are not forward about their use of Shakespeare, but those who are familiar with his work will typically see the similarities. Secret Shakespeare adaptations are generally a good thing because they make Shakespeare more accessible to audiences and reimagine his iconic works in new ways. Plus, each of the following works is an amazing watch in its own right.
10 West Side Story
Romeo and Juliet
One of the older and best-known examples of a secret Shakespeare retelling is West Side Story. While the 1961 film is already an adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim musical, the musical itself is inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” In the film, the New York City youth are split into opposing gangs, the Sharks and Jets, and in the midst of it all, a girl and a boy from either side start a forbidden and tragic romance. While “Romeo and Juliet” is a very familiar Shakespeare tale, West Side Story refreshes the story with relevant topics like racial injustice.
9 10 Things I Hate About You
The Taming of the Shrew
On the other hand, a lesser known Shakespeare story that is apparent in a cult classic rom-com is “The Taming of the Shrew” in 1999’s 10 Things I Hate About You. The movie follows Kat Stratford, an opinionated high schooler who is tricked into a false relationship with bad boy Patrick Verona, meanwhile her younger sister is courted by several men, despite not being allowed to date. This film parallels Shakespeare pretty closely, as the “Shrew” in the film would be Kat. However, 10 Things I Hate About You adds a nostalgic 90s feel and plenty of snarky humor.
8 She’s The Man
Twelfth Night
Yet another rom-com with strong ties to Shakespeare is 2006’s She’s the Man. The film follows Viola, a young woman who disguises herself as her twin brother in order to attend his boarding school and play soccer. However, problems occur when she falls in love with her roommate Duke, who is in love with Olivia, who is in love with Viola disguised as her brother. Ultimately, this is the exact plot of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” but with much less old language and much more soccer. This is a Shakespeare comedy that is not often adapted due to its unique premise.
7 My Own Private Idaho
Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2, Henry V
On the more dramatic side of things, 1991’s My Own Private Idaho is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” parts 1 and 2 and “Henry V.” These historical plays depict the reign of Henry IV, but also the escapades of his son, Henry V. Scott’s story in My Own Private Idaho is very close to the story of Henry V. Scott is the son of a mayor, travels around with those who are lower class than him, and finds kinship in one particular person, Mike, who helps him, yet is isolated by their friendship by the end of the film.
6 The Lion King
Hamlet
For those that know about The Lion King’s Shakespeare ties, they may seem obvious, but those who don’t know may be shocked to discover this animated Disney film is based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, “Hamlet.” 1994’s The Lion King follows Simba, a lion cub who is the prince of the land but faces tragedy when his father is killed and his wicked uncle intends to take his throne. Arguably, The Lion King is not nearly as dark as “Hamlet” due to its targeted audience, and of course, the ending is much-changed, but the general premise of both works remain the same.
5 Get Over It
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Once again, a teen rom-com that originates from Shakespeare is 2001’s Get Over It. The film follows a young man who, intending to win his girlfriend back, joins the school play that her and her new boyfriend are now performing in. This is a direct parallel to the storyline following the actors rehearsing their play in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Furthermore, the play that is being performed in Get Over It is a modernized version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Therefore, this one has Shakespeare within Shakespeare.
4 Scotland, PA
Macbeth
A lesser known film that is influenced by a popular Shakespeare story is 2001’s Scotland, PA. The indie film is based on “Macbeth” and follows the McBeths, Mac and Pat, as they work their dead-end jobs at a fast food restaurant in the 1970s. One day, Pat decides that she wants to escape, meanwhile Mac begins to see things, which tell him that he will own the restaurant some day. In this way, they are perfect renditions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Though this film is not as popular, it is definitely worth the watch.
3 Kiss Me Kate
The Taming of the Shrew
Another earlier version of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” comes in the form of 1953’s Kiss Me Kate. The movie centers on Fred and Lilli, a divorced couple set to perform in a new musical version of “The Taming of the Shrew” called “Kiss Me Kate.” However, Fred and Lilli’s bad blood makes it difficult for them to work together, putting the show at risk. It is only through comedic mishaps that the pair discover their love for each other again. Despite being a fairly meta adaptation, Kiss Me Kate is still a strong example of Shakespeare’s work.
2 Warm Bodies
Romeo and Juliet
Considering “Romeo and Juliet’s” popularity, it is no surprise that there is more than one secret adaptation of it, but who would have thought it would involve zombies? 2013’s Warm Bodies follows R, a zombie that lost his memory but has not yet been consumed by his killer nature. One day, R meets Julie and the two form an unlikely connection that, due to R’s condition, can never happen. However, unlike “Romeo and Juliet,” love prevails at the end of this strange, apocalyptic story.
1 The Northman
Hamlet
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One final movie that many may not know is inspired by Shakespeare is The Northman. As it turns out, the 2022 film is not just inspired by the story of “Hamlet,” but is based on the story that inspired “Hamlet.” In this way, the movies are more deeply linked than ever. The Northman follows Prince Amleth, a viking who is on a quest to save his mother, kill his uncle, and avenge the death of his father, the king.
