Best Romeo and Juliet movie adaptations of all time

One of William Shakespeare’s most famous works, Romeo and Juliet is a story that has stood the test of time. Not only does the story still remain a big part of literature, but it has also seen numerous movie adaptations over the years. The story of the star-crossed lovers is one that can teach anyone a lot about love and tragedy.

The tale of Romeo and Juliet is so profound that it is also a part of college and university literature. Readers can find many essays on Romeo and Juliet written by students who have been tasked with reviewing and analysing this story. These essays explore the various facets of the literary masterpiece while also coming up with subject interpretations and thoughts on the characters and storyline.

However, not everyone likes to read, and even if they do, watching an adaptation for the screen is a different experience. Luckily, there are plenty of good film adaptations to check out.

Best film versions

• Romeo and Juliet – 1916

With Theda Bara playing Juliet and Harry Hilliard playing Romeo, this is a silent film directed by J Gordon Edwards, and is one of the most loved movies that stay true to the vision of Shakespeare. The various beautiful settings shown in the film are also worth appreciating for themselves.

• West Side Story – 1961 and 2021

The original West Side Story was released in 1961 and was an adaptation of a Broadway musical. The movie follows Tony and Maria who find themselves in love but also belonging to rival gangs. This film adaptation may not be exactly based on the original tale but it is a highly entertaining watch, especially thanks to the inclusion of musical and dance numbers.

The original, however, was criticised later for casting white actors to play Puerto Rican characters. So, in 2021, Steven Spielberg released his own effort that was more socially conscious. Boasting excellent performances, this new version is equally enjoyable to watch.

• Romeo and Juliet – 1936

For those who want to watch a flick that follows the original text as much as possible, the one directed by George Cukor is the one to choose. It stars Norma Shearer as Juliet and Leslie Howard as Romeo. Even though the effort was criticised a little for casting actors that were old for the roles they were playing, the overall result is a beautiful depiction of the literary icon’s words.

• William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet – 1996

There are many ways one can find good flicks to watch. With so much information online, like these movie reviews YouTube channels, it is easy to find the best productions of this beautiful story. One option that comes up regularly is directed by Baz Luhrmann. It takes everything great about the original and puts it in a post-modern setting where Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes navigate their relationship while belonging to rival gang families.

• Romeo and Juliet – 1968

Directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starring Olivia Hussey as Juliet and Leonard Whiting as Romeo, this is a film that is also a faithful depiction of Shakespeare’s tale. Every scene of this version is beautiful and has a Renaissance aesthetic. The relationship between the young characters is threatened by the conflict that rages on between their families, as in the original story. Anyone who doesn’t not want to watch a more modern interpretation of the play will find this true-to-form adapted flick is the perfect thing.

• Warm Bodies – 2013

Warm Bodies is aimed squarely at young audiences. On paper, it may have nothing to do with the young lovers created by the legendary playwright but it does pose a similar threat to both of the characters’ relationship. “R” is a zombie who is slowly coming back to life as he falls for Julie who is a human. The overall flick has elements of comedy merged with some horror tropes. All of this makes for a very enjoyable watch.

• Shakespeare in Love – 1998

Following the playwright himself as he struggles to find inspiration for his next masterpiece, this film won seven Academy Awards and was nominated for 13. Starring Joseph Fiennes as the lead, Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola, and Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth, this is a star-studded flick that has stood the test of time.

• Gnomeo and Juliet – 2011

To wrap up the list, this is a fun animated take on the famous tale. It shows the relationship between two gnome lovers who live in neighbouring gardens. These two groups of gnomes take part in competitive lawnmower races and hate each other. This effort is one of the more entertaining ones to watch for fans of animated movies.

Conclusion

Whether film lovers are interested in watching a live play or a version of it on the big screen, Romeo and Juliet is one of the most popular works of literature in the world. The highly engaging tale of two people falling for each other and having to navigate a world where their families are rivals is one that can speak to almost anybody’s imagination. While reading the original words of the playwright will give a deeper look into the tale, watching it on screen is a whole experience in and of itself. And with these top efforts over the last few decades, there are plenty of options to explore.

The editorial unit