10 films you might not have known were based on Shakespeare

Apr 19, 2025

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​Maqbool

Maqbool, an adaptation of Macbeth, features Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Pankaj Kapoor in the main roles. The story is et in the backdrops of Mumbai’s criminal underworld, twisting the story towards a modern turn while still keeping the main themes intact.

​Ex-Machina

This film plays on the director’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s famous drama ‘The Tempest.’ The film does not follow the play entirely; instead, it takes inspiration and represents in a modern sense with a computer programmer spending time with a robot for a week for a test.

​Mean Girls

Yes, you read that right! Mean Girls is another modern take on Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. Regina takes on the role of Julius, while Cady Heron plays the character of Brutus in the story. The story is only loosely inspired by the play but still manages to do justice.

Omkara

Another Bollywood retelling of Shakespeare, the film follows the plot of Othello. The crime drama is set in Meerut, UP, and follows Ajay Devgn’s character as he kidnaps the woman he’s in love with, despite being from different castes.

​John Tucker Must Die

This is another unexpected film that takes inspiration from the play ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor.’ The plot follows three high school girls, who after finding out that they’re all dating the same person, get together to destroy the very man they loved.

​The Northman

A recent release, this film follows the story of Hamlet and follows a prince who is set out to avenge his father’s throne by killing his own uncle. The main role features Alexander Skarsgård as Prince Amleth.

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​​Ishaqzaade

This is another retelling of the playwright’s most famous plays, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, where it follows the story of Parma and Zoya, who, despite their religious differences, fall in love with each other.

​​Anyone But You

With Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell in lead roles, this film, a loose adaptation of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, certainly deserves a spot on the list. The play is used as inspiration as the main characters pretend to be a couple for a friend’s wedding.

​She's the Man

Another all-time favourite that turns out to be a Shakespeare retelling. The entire basis of the film is taken from Twelfth Night. The film follows Viola, who masquerades as her brother for a chance to play in an all-male soccer college team.

​10 Things I Hate About You

Probably one of the most beloved films, did you know that it is a loosely based interpretation of The Taming of the Shrew? The story follows sisters Bianca and Kat, along with Patrick, whom Bianca pays to woo Kat so that she can date as well.

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