List of William Shakespeare screen adaptations


The Guinness Book of Records lists 410 feature-length film and TV versions of William Shakespeares plays, making Shakespeare the most filmed author ever in any language.
, the Internet Movie Database lists Shakespeare as having writing credit on 1,500 films, including those under production but not yet released. The earliest known production is King John from 1899.

Comedies

''All's Well That Ends Well''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
All's Well That Ends WellTV1968Originally a Royal Shakespeare Company stage production, this was the first Shakespeare play broadcast in color by the BBC. The second, of two, reels is believed to be lost.
All's Well That Ends WellVideo1978A video recording of a 1978 New York Shakespeare Festival performance at the Delacorte Theatre, made by Jaime Caro for Theatre on Film and Tape.
"All's Well That Ends Well"
TV1981
All's Well That Ends Well
TV2009Live performance broadcast from the National Theatre in London's West End.

''As You Like It''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
As You Like ItSilent1912The film brings stage star Rose Coghlan to the screen for her motion picture debut. At 61 or 62 Coghlan is an older Rosalind than usual. Filmed mainly outdoors.
Love in a WoodSilent1915A silent comedy film in a contemporary setting of the play.
As You Like ItFilm1936Olivier's first performance of Shakespeare on screen. It was also the final film of stage actors Leon Quartermaine and Henry Ainley and featured an early screen role for Ainley's son Richard as Sylvius, as well as for John Laurie, who played Orlando's brother Oliver. Laurie would go on to co-star with Olivier in the three Shakespearean films that Olivier directed.
As You Like ItTV1963A recording of the Royal Shakespeare Company's 1961 performance for the BBC. In a 2015 retrospective for The Guardian, theatre critic Michael Billington praised Redgrave as having "the ability to give a performance that becomes a gold-standard for future generations".
"As You Like It"
TV1978Recorded at Glamis Castle in Scotland, this was one of only two productions shot on location, the other being The Famous History of the Life of Henry the Eight. However, the location shooting received a lukewarm response from both critics and the BBC's own people, with the general consensus being that the natural world in the episode overwhelmed the actors and the story. Director Basil Coleman initially felt that the play should be filmed over the course of a year, with the change in seasons from winter to summer marking the ideological change in the characters, but he was forced to shoot entirely in May, even though the play begins in winter. This, in turn, meant the harshness of the forest described in the text was replaced by lush greenery, which was distinctly unthreatening, with the characters' "time in the forest appear to be more an upscale camping expedition rather than exile."
As You Like ItTV1983
As You Like ItFilm1992Set in a modern, urban, environment. The film received mostly negative reviews. Time Out thought that the "… wonder is that they bothered to put film in the camera, for sadly this is Shakespeare sans teeth, eyes, taste, sans everything." Derek Elley in Variety characterised it as a "British low-budgeter, mostly shot on drab exteriors, will be limited to literary students and the very dedicated, given careful nursing."
""
TV1994Animated with paint on glass using watercolors.
As You Like ItFilm2006Branagh moved the play's setting from medieval France to a late 19th century European colony in Japan after the Meiji Restoration. It is filmed at Shepperton Film Studios and at the never-before-filmed gardens of Wakehurst Place.
As You Like ItTV2010
As You Like ItVideo2010Recording of a performance at Shakespeare's Globe.

''The Comedy of Errors''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
The Boys from SyracuseFilm1940A musical film based on a stage musical by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, which in turn was based on the play. It was nominated for two Academy Awards: one for Best Visual Effects and one for Best Art Direction.
Bhranti Bilas
Film1963The film relocates the story to modern day India. The film tells the story of a Bengali merchant from Kolkata and his servant who visit a small town for a business appointment, but, whilst there, are mistaken for a pair of locals, leading to much confusion. It is based on an 1869 play by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, which is itself based on The Comedy of Errors. Bhranti Bilas was remade in 1968 as the musical comedy Do Dooni Char, which in turn was later remade as Angoor.
"The Comedy of Errors"
TV1967
Do Dooni CharFilm1968A musical comedy Bollywood adaptation based on the 1963 film Bhranti Bilas, which in turn was based on an 1869 play by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, which is itself based on The Comedy of Errors. Do Dooni Char was later remade as Angoor.
The Comedy of ErrorsTV1978A TV adaptation of a musical based on the play, with a book and lyrics by Trevor Nunn and music by Guy Woolfenden.
Angoor
Film1982A musical comedy Bollywood adaptation, based on the 1968 film Do Dooni Char, which was based on the 1963 film Bhranti Bilas, which in turn was based on an 1869 play by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, which is itself based on The Comedy of Errors.
"The Comedy of Errors"
TV1983
The Comedy of ErrorsTV1987Videotaped as part of PBS's Great Performances series at Lincoln Center, New York City, this production starring The Flying Karamazov Brothers combined Shakespeare with slapstick comedy, acrobatics and juggling on the basis that "in Ephesus, you juggle or die!" with Shakespeare himself taking part in the action.
The Comedy of ErrorsTV1989

''Love's Labour's Lost''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Love's Labor LostAnimation1920
"Love's Labour's Lost"
TV1975
"Love's Labour's Lost"
TV1985
Love's Labour's LostFilm2000Branagh's film turns Love's Labour's Lost into a romantic Hollywood musical. Set and costume design evoke the Europe of 1939; the music and newsreel-style footage are also chief period details.

''Measure For Measure''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Measure for Measure
Film1943
"Measure For Measure"
TV1979
Measure for MeasureTV1994Modern dress version of Shakespeare's "problem comedy" emphasizing the darker elements of the play and eliminating most of the humor.
Measure for MeasureFilm2006Contemporary re-working of Shakespeare's problem play set in the British army.
M4M: Measure for MeasureFilm2015All-male cast version

''The Merchant of Venice''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
The Merchant of VeniceSilent1914An early film of the play, now assumed to be lost.
The Merchant of VeniceSilent1916The film was made by Broadwest. The company hired the complete stage cast of the play and filmed at Walthamstow Studios using largely natural light. The film marked the screen debut of Matheson Lang who went on to become one of the leading British actors of the 1920s.
The Merchant of VeniceFilm1922
The Merchant of VeniceTV1947
"The Merchant of Venice"
TV1955
"The Merchant of Venice"
TV1972
The Merchant of VeniceTV1973An adaptation from Jonathan Miller's acclaimed 1970 Royal National Theatre staging.
The Merchant of VeniceTV1976
"The Merchant of Venice"
TV1980
The Merchant of VeniceTV1996
The Merchant of VeniceTV2001
The Maori Merchant of Venice
Film2002The play was translated into Māori in 1945 by Pei Te Hurinui Jones, and his translation is used for the film. It is the first Māori-language film adaptation of any of Shakespeare's plays, and the first feature length Māori film. The film was shot in Auckland, but "recreates 16th century Venice, with costumes and surroundings to fit the original setting".
The Merchant of VeniceFilm2004

''The Merry Wives of Windsor''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription-
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Film1950-
"The Merry Wives of Windsor"
TV1952-
Chimes at MidnightFilm1966Welles said that the core of the film's story was "the betrayal of friendship." The script contains text from five of Shakespeare's plays: primarily Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2, but also Richard II and Henry V, as well as some dialogue from The Merry Wives of Windsor. Ralph Richardson's narration is taken from the works of chronicler Raphael Holinshed. Welles had previously produced a Broadway stage adaptation of nine Shakespeare plays called Five Kings in 1939. In 1960, he revived this project in Ireland as Chimes at Midnight, which was his final on-stage performance. Neither of these plays was successful, but Welles considered portraying Falstaff to be his life's ambition and turned the project into a film. In order to get initial financing, Welles lied to producer Emiliano Piedra about intending to make a version of Treasure Island, and keeping the film funded during its production was a constant struggle. Welles shot Chimes at Midnight throughout Spain between 1964 and 1965; it premiered at the 1966 Cannes Film Festival, winning two awards there.
The Merry Wives of WindsorTV1970-
"The Merry Wives of Windsor"
TV1982Jones originally wanted to shoot the episode in Stratford-upon-Avon but was restricted to a studio setting. Determined that the production be as realistic as possible, he had designer Dom Homfray base the set on real Tudor houses associated with Shakespeare: Falstaff's room is based on the home of Mary Arden in Wilmcote, and the wives' houses are based on the house of Shakespeare's daughter Susanna, and her husband, John Hall. For the background of exterior shots, he used a miniature Tudor village built of plasticine.-

''A Midsummer Night's Dream''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
A Midsummer Night's DreamSilent1909The first film adaptation of the play.
Wood Love
Silent1925
A Midsummer Night's DreamFilm1935Austrian-born director Max Reinhardt did not speak English at the time of the film's production. He gave orders to the actors and crew in German with William Dieterle acting as his interpreter. The film was banned in Nazi Germany because of the Jewish backgrounds of Reinhardt and composer Felix Mendelssohn. The shooting schedule had to be rearranged after Mickey Rooney broke his leg while skiing. According to Rooney's memoirs, Jack L. Warner was furious and threatened to kill him and then break his other leg. This was the film debut of Olivia de Havilland.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Film1959An animated puppet film directed by Jiří Trnka. It was an Official Selection as a Feature Film at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival, and won special distinction. An English-language dubbed version was made with narration by Richard Burton.
A Midsummer Night's DreamFilm1968The film premiered in theatres in Europe in September 1968. In the U.S., it was sold directly to television rather than playing in theatres, and premiered as a Sunday evening special, on the night of 9 February 1969. It was shown on CBS.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
TV1969
"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
TV1980Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
Dream of a Summer Night
Film1983Based on a rock musical directed by Salvatores, it is a musical adaptation of the play. It was screened in the "De Sica" section at the 40th edition of the Venice International Film Festival.
""
TV1992
A Midsummer Night's DreamFilm1999A Midsummer Night's Dream was filmed on location in Lazio and Tuscany, and at Cinecittà Studios, Rome, Italy. The action of the play was transported from Athens, Greece, to a fictional Monte Athena, located in the Tuscan region of Italy, although all textual mentions of Athens were retained. The film made use of Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music for an 1843 stage production, alongside operatic works from Giuseppe Verdi, Gaetano Donizetti, Vincenzo Bellini, Gioacchino Rossini and Pietro Mascagni.
The Children's Midsummer Night's DreamFilm2001In this version, a group of school children are attending a puppet performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream when they are drawn into the story and become the characters, dressed in Elizabethan costumes.
Get Over ItFilm2001a modern musical adaptation set at a high school which includes another version of the play performed as a show-within-a-show, much like the Pyramus and Thisbe subplay in the original Shakespeare.
A Midsummer Night's RaveFilm2002a modern adaptation set at a warehouse party
Midsummer Dream
Film2005An animated adaptation of the Cream story.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
TV2005a modern adaptation
Were the World MineFilm2008The film, inspired by the play, prominently features a modern interpretation of the play put on in a private high school in a small town. Additionally, this musical's lyrics are largely based on Shakespeare's original text. For example, the title comes from a line in a song, drawn from a line in a play, "Were the world mine, Demetrius being bated / The rest I'd give to be to you translated."
10ml LOVEFilm2010a romantic comedy in Hindi concerning the tribulations of a love quadrangle during a night of magic and madness and a contemporary adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
A Midsummer Night's DreamFilm2015film of Polonsky Shakespeare Center, Brooklyn, NY stage production
Strange MagicFilm2015A computer-animated musical fantasy romantic comedy film with feature animation by Lucasfilm Animation and Industrial Light & Magic.
A Midsummer Night's DreamTV2016
A Midsummer Night's DreamFilmUSA2018Casey Wilder MottLily Rabe, Rachael Leigh Cook, Hamish Linklater, Finn Wittrock, Avan Jogia, Fran Kranz, Saul WilliamsA modern day version set against the backdrop of Hollywood, CA.

''Much Ado About Nothing''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Much Ado About NothingTV1973A CBS Television presentation of Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival Production.
Much Ado About Nothing FilmUSSR1973Samson SamsonovKonstantin Raikin - Benedicto Galina Jovovich - Beatrice Tatyana Vedeneyeva - Gero Vladimir Korenev - Juan Erast Garin - Kissel Pavel Pavlenko - Dogberry Yury Yakovlev Soviet romantic comedy
"Much Ado About Nothing"
TV1984Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
Much Ado About NothingFilm1993
"Much Ado About Nothing"
TV2005A modern adaptation by David Nicholls.
Much Ado About NothingFilm2012

''The Taming of the Shrew''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
The Taming of the ShrewSilent1908
Daring YouthSilent1924
The Taming of the ShrewFilm1929The first sound film adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew.
You Made Me Love YouFilm1933
Kiss Me, KateFilm1953An adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name, it tells the tale of musical theater actors, Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, who were once married and are now performing opposite each other in the roles of Petruchio and Katherine in a Broadway-bound musical version of the play. Already on poor terms, the pair begin an all-out emotional war mid-performance that threatens the production's success.
The Taming of the ShrewTV1962The play was performed live but included some filmed sequences shot in Centennial Park.
Arivaali
Film1963
The Taming of the Shrew
Film1967"A bawdy and boisterous production which reduces the play to the Katharina/Petruccio romance."
The Taming of the ShrewTV1973
The Taming of the ShrewTV1973Videotaped broadcast of San Francisco ACT company presenting Shakespeare's classic take with a Commedia dell'arte flair, as if it were an inn yard performance by a traveling company.
The Taming of the Scoundrel
Film1980
"The Taming of the Shrew"
TV1980Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
Kiss Me, PetruchioTV1981Documentary following actress Meryl Streep and actor Raul Julia as they prepare to perform and actually perform Shakespeare's comedy "The Taming of the Shrew" for the "Shakespeare in the Park" theater festival in Central Park, NY.
The Taming of the Shrew
Video1983
"Atomic Shakespeare"
TV1986First aired on 25 November 1986, the episode presented the play through multiple fourth-wall layers with a self-referential frame tale, in which a young fan of the TV show has a Shakespeare reading assignment and imagines it as presented by the show's regular cast.
Nanjundi Kalyana
Film1989An adaptation based on Parvathavani's Kannada drama which was a translation of the play. The film was among the biggest grossing Kannada films of 1989, and was remade in Telugu as Mahajananiki Maradalu Pilla.
Mahajananiki Maradalu Pilla
Film1990A remake of the Kannada film Nanjundi Kalyana.
""
TV1994
10 Things I Hate About YouFilm1999A modernization of the play, retold in a late-1990s American high school setting. New student Cameron is smitten with Bianca and, in order to get around her father's strict rules on dating, attempts to get bad boy Patrick to date Bianca's ill-tempered sister, Kat.
The Carnation and the Rose
Telenovela2000–1
Deliver Us from EvaFilm2003
"The Taming of The Shrew"
TV2005A modern adaptation by Sally Wainwright.
Frivolous Wife
Film2008

''Twelfth Night''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription-
Twelfth NightFilm1910-
Twelfth NightFilm1933Notable as the very earliest surviving film directed by Orson Welles, then aged 17. It is a recording of the dress rehearsal of Welles's own abridged production at his alma mater, the Todd School for Boys, where he had returned to direct this adaptation for the Chicago Drama Festival in 1933.-
Twelfth Night
Film1955-
Twelfth NightTV1966-
Twelfth NightTV1969-
"Twelfth Night"
TV1980Released in the US as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.-
Twelfth NightFilm1986-
Twelfth NightTV1988music by Patrick Doyle and Paul McCartney-
""
TV1992-
Twelfth NightFilm1996-
Twelfth Night, or What You WillTV2003-
She's the ManFilm2006Adapts the story to a high-school setting.
Twelfth NightFilm2013"Globe on Screen": All-male cast in an "original practice" production.-

''The Two Gentlemen of Verona''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
A Spray of Plum Blossoms
Silent film1931The film is noted for its attempted "Westernized stylings" including its surreal use of decor, women-soldiers with long hair, etc. The film also had English-subtitles, but as some scholars have noted, since few foreigners watched these films, the subtitles were more to give off an air of the West rather than to serve any real purpose.
"The Two Gentlemen of Verona"
TV1983Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.

Tragedies

''Antony and Cleopatra''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Antony and CleopatraFilm1908
Antony and Cleopatra
Silent film1913
Antony and CleopatraTV1959
Antony and CleopatraFilm1972
Antony and CleopatraTV1974An adaptation of Trevor Nunn's Royal Shakespeare Company production of the play.
"Antony & Cleopatra"
TV1981Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
KannakiFilm2002

''Coriolanus''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
"The Tragedy of Coriolanus"
TV1984Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
CoriolanusFilm2012

''Hamlet''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Hamlet
Film1900Believed to have been the earliest film adaptation of the play. The film is two minutes in length. It also was one of the first films to employ the newly discovered art of pre-recording the actors' voices, then playing the recording simultaneous to the playing of the film. So, while produced during the silent film era, the film is technically not a silent film.
HamletSilent1907The first multi-scene cinematic adaptation of any work by Shakespeare.
HamletSilent1908One of twelve renditions of the play produced during the silent film era.
HamletSilent1912
HamletSilent1913Made by the Hepworth Company and based on the Drury Lane Theatre's 1913 staging of the work.
Hamlet
Silent1917
HamletSilent1921
Blood for Blood
Film1935Cited as one of the earliest talkie versions of this play. Credited as "the man who brought Shakespeare to the Indian screen", it was Modi's debut feature film as a director. The story and script were by Mehdi Hassan Ahsan from his Urdu adaptation of Hamlet. Khoon Ka Khoon was the debut in films of Naseem Banu. Khoon Ka Khoon was a "filmed version of a stage performance of the play". The film has been cited by National Film Archive of India founder P K. Nair, as one of "most wanted" missing Indian cinema treasures.
HamletFilm1948Olivier's second film as director, and also the second of the three Shakespeare films that he directed. Hamlet was the first British film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. It is also the first sound film of the play in English. Olivier's Hamlet is the Shakespeare film that has received the most prestigious accolades, winning the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Actor and the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
I, Hamlet
Film1952
Hamlet
Film1954Sahu was influenced by "classic European sources". Though termed a "free adaptation" in the credit roll of the film, Sahu stayed true to the title, its setting, and the original names in the play, remaining as close as possible to Olivier's 1948 film.
HamletTV1959
The Bad Sleep Well
Film1960
Hamlet
TV1961
OpheliaFilm1963
Hamlet
Film1964Based on a translation by Boris Pasternak, and with a score by Dmitri Shostakovich. Both Kozintsev and the film itself gained prominence among adaptations of the play, and Smoktunovsky is considered one of the great film Hamlets.
HamletFilm1964
Hamlet at ElsinoreTV1964
Johnny Hamlet
Film1968A Spaghetti Western version.
HamletFilm1969
One Hamlet Less
Film1973
HamletTV1974
The Angel of Vengeance – The Female Hamlet
Film1977
"Hamlet, Prince of Denmark"
TV1980
Strange BrewFilm1983
Hamlet Goes Business
Film1987
HamletFilm1990The movie received two Academy Award nominations, for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. Bates received a BAFTA nomination as Best Supporting Actor for playing Claudius.
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are DeadFilm1990Based on Stoppard's play of the same name, the film depicts two minor characters from Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who find themselves on the road to Elsinore Castle at the behest of the King of Denmark. They encounter a band of players before arriving to find that they are needed to try to discern what troubles the prince Hamlet. Meanwhile, they ponder the meaning of their existence. The movie won the Golden Lion at the 47th Venice International Film Festival.
""
TV1992
Renaissance ManFilm1994
The Lion KingFilm1994An animated epic musical film, produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 32nd Disney animated feature film. The story takes place within a pride of lions in Africa.
In the Bleak MidwinterFilm1995
HamletFilm1996The film is notable as the first unabridged theatrical film version of the play, running just over four hours. The play's setting is updated to the 19th century, but its Elizabethan English remains the same. Hamlet was also the last major dramatic motion picture to be filmed entirely on 70 mm film until the release of The Master. Hamlet was highly acclaimed by the majority of critics and has been regarded as one of the best Shakespeare film adaptations ever made.
Let the Devil Wear BlackFilm1999A modern-day version set in Los Angeles. All of the language is modern.
HamletFilm2000In this version, Claudius becomes King and CEO of "Denmark Corporation", having taken over the firm by killing his brother, Hamlet's father. This adaptation keeps the Shakespearean dialogue but presents a modern setting, with technology such as video cameras, Polaroid cameras, and surveillance bugs. For example, the ghost of Hamlet's murdered father first appears on closed-circuit TV.
The Tragedy of HamletFilm2002Film of the stage production mounted at Theatre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris. Director Brook cut about one-third of the text, bringing it down to two hours and 20 minutes without an intermission and rearranging the order of some scenes.
The Banquet
Film2006A loose adaption of Hamlet and Ibsen's Ghosts, set in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in 10th century China.
HamletTV2009An adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company's 2008 modern-dress stage production.
Tardid
Film2009
HamletFilm2011A condensed retelling of the play set in 1940s England.
KarmayogiFilm2012
HaiderFilm

''Julius Caesar''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Julius CaesarFilm1950The first film version of the play with sound. It was produced using actors from the Chicago area. Heston, who had known Bradley since his youth, was the only paid cast member. Bradley recruited drama students from his alma mater Northwestern University for bit parts and extras, one of whom was future star Jeffrey Hunter, who studied alongside Heston at Northwestern. The 16 mm film was shot in 1949 on locations in the Chicago area, including Soldier Field, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Elks National Veterans Memorial, and the Field Museum. The Indiana sand dunes on Lake Michigan were used for the Battle of Philippi. One indoor set was built in the Chicago suburb of Evanston. To save money, about 80% of the film was shot silently, with the dialogue dubbed in later by the actors.
Julius CaesarFilm1953Brando's casting was met with some skepticism when it was announced, as he had acquired the nickname of "The Mumbler" following his performance in A Streetcar Named Desire. Mankiewicz even considered Paul Scofield for the role of Mark Antony if Brando's screen test was unsuccessful. Brando asked John Gielgud for advice in declaiming Shakespeare, and adopted all of Gielgud's recommendations. Brando's performance turned out so well that the New York Times stated in its review of the film: "Happily, Mr. Brando's diction, which has been guttural and slurred in previous films, is clear and precise in this instance. In him a major talent has emerged." Brando was so dedicated in his performance during shooting that Gielgud offered to direct him in a stage production of Hamlet, a proposition that Brando seriously considered but ultimately turned down.
Julius CaesarTV1969filmed for BBC Television.
Julius CaesarFilm1970The first film version of the play made in colour.
"Julius Caesar"
TV1979Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
""
TV1994Cel animation
Julius CaesarTV2012Royal Shakespeare Company stage production, filmed for BBC Television.
Julius CaesarTV2018Royal Shakespeare Company stage production, filmed for BBC Television.
Julius CaesarTV2018Donmar Warehouse all-female stage production, filmed for Television.

''King Lear''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
King Lear
Silent1910
King LearSilent1916
Gunasundari Katha
Film1949
King LearTV1953Originally presented live, now survives on kinescope.
King LearFilm1971
King Lear
Film1971The Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich composed the score.
"King Lear"
TV1974Recording of a New York Shakespeare Festival production.
King LearTV1974
"King Lear"
TV1982Released in the US as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
King LearTV1983Elliott set his Lear in an environment resembling Stonehenge, although the production was entirely shot in a studio. In keeping with the primitive backdrop, this production emphasizes the primitive over the sophisticated. Shakespeare's characters use the clothing, weapons, and technology of the early Bronze Age rather than the Elizabethan era. Olivier's Lear in this production garnered great acclaim, winning him an Emmy for the performance. It was the last of Olivier's appearances in a Shakespeare play. At 75, he was one of the oldest actors to take on this enormously demanding role.
Ran
Film1985An adaptation of the story in a Japanese setting, Ran was Kurosawa's last epic, and has often been cited as amongst his finest achievements. With a budget of $11 million, it was the most expensive Japanese film ever produced up to that time.
King LearFilm1987Adapted as post-Chernobyl disaster science fiction. Rather than reproducing a performance of Shakespeare's play, the film is more concerned with the issues raised by the text, and symbolically explores the relationships between power and virtue, between fathers and daughters, words and images. The film deliberately does not use conventional Hollywood film-making techniques which make a film 'watchable', but instead seeks to alienate and baffle its audience in the manner of Berthold Brecht.
Gypsy Lore
Film1997
A Thousand AcresFilm1997A modern retelling of the Lear story, from the perspective of the Goneril character.
King LearTV1997BBC film of the Royal National Theatre's stage version. It was televised with an accompanying documentary, including interviews with the director and cast.
King LearFilm1999Apart from Peter Brook's King Lear in 1971, it is the only other feature-length film adaptation to preserve Shakespeare's verse. Yvonne Griggs, in Shakespeare's King Lear: A close study of the relationship between text and film, characterised it as "a very stilted costume drama".
The Tragedy of King LearScreenplay2000An unfilmed screenplay written by Harold Pinter on a commission from Tim Roth.
King of TexasTV2002A Western adaptation of King Lear, the film takes the plot of the play and places it in the Republic of Texas during the 19th century.
King LearTV2008It features the same cast and director as the 2007 RSC production, and started filming only a few days after the final performance at the New London Theatre, at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.
King LearTV2018Starring Anthony Hopkins as the title character, the adaptation is set in an alternative universe, 21st-century, highly militarised London.

''Macbeth''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
MacbethSilent1908The earliest known film version of that play. It was a black and white silent film with English intertitles. It is currently unknown if any print of the film still exists.
MacbethSilent1909A silent black-and-white film with French intertitles.
MacbethSilent1909The second Macbeth film released that year, and is the third film version of the play. The running time is 16 minutes and it is a black-and-white film.
MacbethSilent1911Like all films of the time, it is silent with English intertitles, black-and-white, and ran for 14 minutes. No prints are known to exist.
MacbethSilent191347-minute-long silent adaptation. It is considered to be a lost film, but according to Carl Bennett in The Progressive Silent Film List, a print may exist at the George Eastman Museum's International Museum of Photography and Film.
MacbethSilent1915A silent black-and-white film with French intertitles.
MacbethSilent1916The film stars Herbert Beerbohm Tree and Constance Collier, both famous from the stage and for playing Shakespearean parts. Although released during the first decade of feature filmmaking, it was already the seventh version of Macbeth to be produced, one of eight of the silent film era. It is considered to be a lost film. The running time is 80 minutes. In the companion book to his Hollywood television series, Kevin Brownlow states that Sir Herbert Tree failed to understand that the production was a silent film and that speech was not needed so much as pantomime. Tree, who had performed the play numerous times on the stage, kept spouting reams of dialogue. So Emerson and Fleming simply removed the film and cranked an empty camera so as not to waste film when he did so.
The Real Thing at LastSilent1916A satirical silent movie based on the play Macbeth. It was written in 1916 by Peter Pan creator and playwright J. M. Barrie as a parody of the American entertainment industry. The film was made by the newly created British Actors Film Company in response to news that American filmmaker D. W. Griffith intended to honor the 300th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death with the production of a film version. No copies of The Real Thing at Last are known to survive. It parodies the sensationalism of the American entertainment of the day, contrasting it with more reserved British sensibilities. It loosely follows the plot of the play, but two versions of each depicted scene are shown:
MacbethSilent1922The last silent film version, and the eighth film adaptation of the play.
MacbethFilm1948
MacbethFilm1950sAn unsuccessful mid-1950s attempt by Laurence Olivier to find financing for a new film version.
Marmayogi
TV1954A live television adaptation telecast in color, but has only been preserved on black-and-white kinescope.
Joe MacBethFilm1955A modern retelling set in a 1930s American criminal underworld. The film's plot closely follows the original.
Throne of Blood
TV1970
MacbethFilm1971
MacbethTV1978Videotaped version of Nunn's Royal Shakespeare Company production produced by Thames Television. The original stage production was performed at The Other Place, the RSC's small studio theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. It had been performed in the round before small audiences, with a bare stage and simple costuming. The recording preserves this style: the actors perform on a circular set and with a mostly black background; changes of setting are indicated only by lighting changes.
Macbeth
Video1981
MacbethTV1982The film is composed of only two shots: The first shot is five minutes long, the second 57 minutes long.
"Macbeth"
TV1983
MacbethFilm1987A film adaptation of Verdi's opera Macbeth It was screened out of competition at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.
Men of RespectFilm1990
""
TV1992
MacbethTV1997
Macbeth on the EstateTV1997Modern-setting version in a world of drugs and drug kingpins.
MacbethTV1998
MakibefoFilm1999The director filmed the movie near the town of Faux Cap, Madagascar, with a single technical assistant. With the exception of an English-speaking narrator, all the roles are played by indigenous Antandroy people who performed a largely improvised story based on Macbeth set in a remote fishing village.
MacbethTV2001Royal Shakespeare Company
Rave MacbethFilm2001A loose adaptation set in rave culture.
Scotland, PAFilm2001
Maqbool
TV2005Set in a three Michelin star restaurant owned by celebrity chef Duncan Docherty, with Joe Macbeth as the sous chef and his wife Ella as the Maître d'. Joe and his fellow chef Billy Banquo are annoyed that Duncan takes the credit for Joe's work, and that Duncan's son Malcolm has no real flair for the business. Then they encounter three supernatural binmen who predict that Macbeth will get ownership of the restaurant, as will Billy's children. Joe and Ella are inspired to kill Duncan, but the binmen subsequently warn that Macbeth should be wary of Peter Macduff, the head waiter.
MacbethFilm2006Sets the story in a modern-day Melbourne gangster setting, and the actors deliver the dialogue in Australian accents, largely maintains the language of the original play.
Macbeth2009---
MacbethTV2010Based Goold's stage adaptation for the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2007. The film specifically evokes the atmosphere of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, with subtle parallels between Stalin and Macbeth in their equally brutal quests for power. The three witches likewise receive an update in keeping with the 20th century aesthetics, appearing as hospital nurses. Their presence is pervasive throughout the film, punctuating the horror of Macbeth's murderous reign. The film was filmed entirely on location at Welbeck Abbey.
Shakespeare Must Die
Film2012Thai-language film that tells the story of a theatre group in a fictional country resembling Thailand, that is staging a production of Macbeth. One of the film's main characters is a dictator named Dear Leader, who bears a resemblance to former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup which sparked years of political turmoil between his supporters and critics. The Thai government banned the film fearing it would cause societal disunity.
MacbethFilm2015
Veeram
Film2016The film, which also takes inspirations from the Vadakkan Pattukal of the North Malabar region in Kerala, tells the story of Chandu Chekavar, an infamous warrior in the 13th century. Veeram is simultaneously made in Malayalam, Hindi, and in English with the same title.

''Othello''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
OtelloSilent1906A silent film adaptation based on Giuseppe Verdi's 1887 opera of the same name. It is believed to be the earliest film adaptation of the play.
OthelloSilent1922The first of six major film productions of the work.
OthelloFilm1946
A Double LifeFilm1947A film noir adaptation in which an actor playing the moor takes on frightening aspects of his character's personality. Celebrated stage actor Anthony John has driven away his actress wife Brita with his erratic temper. However, they star together in a staging of Othello. Gradually, his portrayal of a jealous murderer undermines his sanity, and he kills his mistress, Pat Kroll. Colman won the Academy Award as best actor for his performance in this film.
OthelloFilm1951Welles trimmed the source material, which is generally around three hours when performed, down to a little over 90 minutes for the film. One of Welles's more complicated shoots, Othello was filmed erratically over three years. Shooting began in 1949, but was forced to shut down when the film's original Italian producer announced on one of the first days of shooting that he was bankrupt. Instead of abandoning filming altogether, Welles as director began pouring his own money into the project. When he ran out of money as well, he needed to stop filming for months at a time to raise money, mostly by taking part in other productions.
Othello
Film1956
JubalFilm1956A Western based on a 1939 novel by Paul Wellman, it was filmed in Technicolor and CinemaScope on location in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The film is notable as a western reworking of Othello.
All Night LongFilm1962An adaptation set in the contemporary London jazz scene.
OthelloFilm1965A film of the Royal National Theatre's stage production. Olivier, Smith, Redman, and Finlay all received Academy Award nominations, and it was the film debuts for both Derek Jacobi and Michael Gambon.
OthelloTV1965An Australian TV play, it was broadcast on the ABC as part of Wednesday Theatre and filmed in the ABC's Melbourne studios.
Catch My SoulFilm1974Adapted from the rock musical based on the play.
"Othello"
TV1981Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
OthelloTV1990Based on a stage production directed by Trevor Nunn for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and later adapted for TV. It was shot in a studio with minimal props and scenery, and aired as en episode of Theatre Night. The sets, costumes, and props are from the American Civil War, but the dialogue remains tied to Venice and Cyprus. In contrast with Antony and Cleopatra and Macbeth, Nunn preferred "contemplative" medium shots over extreme closeups. The film makes little attempt to hide that it is a filmed stage production, and Michael Brooke, writing about the film for BFI Screenonline, thinks this is because Nunn's state purpose was to preserve the stage production for posterity. The film presents almost the complete text of the play, leaving out just one scene with Cassio and the clown.
""
TV1994
OthelloFilm1995The first cinematic reproduction of the play released by a major studio that casts an African American actor to play the role of Othello, although low-budget independent films of the play starring Ted Lange and Yaphet Kotto predated it.
Kaliyattam
Film1997An adaptation of the play against the backdrop of the Hindu Theyyam performance. Gopi received the National Film Award for Best Actor, and Jayaraaj the award for Best Director for their work on the film.
OFilm2001A loose adaptation set in an American high school.
OthelloTV2001An adaptation by Andrew Davies set in the police force in modern London.
SouliFilm2004A post-colonial take on the play, set in a remote fishing village.
Omkara
Film2014A tragic love story loosely inspired by Othello, the film is a tribute to the Bard on his 450th Birth Anniversary. Elements of Shakespeare's Macbeth and Julius Caesar are also found in this love tragedy.

''Romeo and Juliet''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Romeo and Juliet
Film1900Features Cossira singing a tenor aria from Charles Gounod's Roméo et Juliette. It is believed to be the earliest film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. The film was produced by "Phono-Cinéma-Théâtre", which premiered one of the first synchronized sound film systems at the Paris exhibition of 1900, with this film being one of the earliest to use the sound technique. The sound was recorded first using a Lioretograph onto a cellophane cylinder. This was then played back, and the actors filmed lip-syncing to the recording. To view the film, the sound was played back and the projectionist altered the speed of the hand-cranked projector to try to match the playback.
Romeo and JulietSilent1908Now considered lost, this was the first American film version of Romeo and Juliet. It was a short made by Vitagraph Studios, and was filmed at Bethesda Terrace in Manhattan, New York.
Romeo and JulietSilent1916This film was produced for the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, and was released amongst many other commemorations of the "Bard". It was released in direct competition with another film, Romeo and Juliet produced by William Fox, starring Theda Bara, and released three days later. Bushman later claimed, in an interview, that he went to see the Theda Bara version and was shocked to see that Fox had added some intertitles from the Metro version.
Romeo and JulietSilent1916The film was produced by the Fox Film Corporation, and was shot at the Fox Studio in Fort Lee, New Jersey. It was released in direct competition with another feature-length Romeo and Juliet film from Metro Pictures. In a recorded interview, Francis Bushman, who directed the competing film, claimed that William Fox had spies working for Metro, and stole some of the intertitles from the Metro version. Fox rushed his version into the theatres in order to capitalize on exhibiting his film first. Bushman recalled going to see Fox's Romeo and Juliet and was startled to see the intertitles from his film flash on the screen.
Romeo and JulietFilm1936One of the three major film adaptations of Romeo and Juliet. The New York Times selected the film as one of the "Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made", calling it "a lavish production" and "extremely well-produced and acted."
Romeo and Juliet
Film1940
The Lovers of Verona
Film1949
Romeo and Juliet
Film1953
Romeo and JulietFilm1954
Romeo and Juliet
Film1955
Romeo, Juliet and Darkness
Film1960
West Side StoryFilm1961An adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical, which in turn was inspired by Romeo and Juliet. The film received high praise from critics and the public, and became the second highest grossing film of the year in the United States. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 10, including Best Picture, becoming the record holder for the most wins for a movie musical.
Romanoff and JulietFilm1961An adaptation by way of Ustinov's play that sets the love story amids the ideologically warring communist USSR and the capitalist USA, competing for influence in a fictional European country..
Fury of Johnny Kid
Film1971
"Romeo and Juliet"
TV1978
Another History
Film1978
Romie-0 and Julie-8TV1979Set in the future, the two romantic leads in this version are androids who fall in love.
'
TV1979
Made For Each Other
Film1981
The Sea Prince and the Fire Child
Film1981
The Tragedy of Romeo and JulietFilm1982
China GirlFilm1987A contemporary take on Romeo and Juliet set in 1980s Manhattan. The plot revolves around the intimate relationship developing between Tony, a teenage boy from Little Italy, and Tye, a teenage girl from Chinatown, while their older brothers are engaged in a heated gang war against each other.
From Doom to Doom
Film1988
Romeo.JulietFilm1990Adapted using the feral cats of Venice, New York City, and Ghent as actors, with the voices dubbed by some of the greats of the English theatre. The score of the film features music from Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, André Previn conducting, and an original theme composed by Armando Acosta and Emanuel Vardi, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Barry Wordsworth.
""
TV1992
November 30
Film1995-
Romeo + JulietFilm1996
Tromeo and JulietFilm1996A more or less a faithful adaptation of the play except with the addition of extreme amounts of Troma-esque sexuality and violence, as well as a revised ending.
Love Is All There IsFilm1996A modern retelling of the story set in the Bronx during the 1990s.
Romeo Must DieFilm2000
Loving Hurts You
Film2002
Bollywood QueenFilm2003
Romeo and Juliet Get Married
Film2005
Romeo and Juliet
Film2006
'Animation2006An animated adaptation featuring seals and other marine life.
Rome & JewelFilm2006A hip-hop musical adaptation set in Los Angeles that deals with interracial love.
Romeo × Juliet
Anime2007
Romeo and Juliet
TV2007
Romeo and Juliet
TV2007
David & FatimaFilm2008
Another History
Film2010
Gnomeo & JulietAnimated film2011An animated adaptation of Romeo and Juliet set in the gardens of two feuding elderly neighbors in modern day Stratford-upon-Avon. The story features garden gnomes representing the characters from the original story, with red gnomes representing the Capulet family, and blue gnomes representing the Montague family. The film differs from the original story in many ways, notably keeping both Gnomeo and Juliet alive at the end of the film.
Private RomeoFilm2011
Romeo & JulietFilm2013
Issaq
Film2013
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
Film2013
Arshinagar
Film2015

''Timon of Athens''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
TimonFilm1973
"Timon of Athens"
TV1981Released in the US as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.

''Titus Andronicus''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
"Titus Andronicus"
TV1985Released in the US as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
TitusFilm1999

''Troilus and Cressida''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
The Face of LoveTV1954A modern-language and modern-dress adaptation of the play.
"Troilus & Cressida"
TV1981Released in the US as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.

Histories

''Henry IV, Part 1''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
""
TV1960Covers 1 Henry IV Acts 1 and 2.
""
TV1960Covers 1 Henry IV from Act 3, Scene 1 onwards.
Chimes at MidnightFilm1966An amalgamation of scenes from Richard II, Henry IV part 1, Henry IV Part 2, Henry V and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
"The First Part of King Henry the Fourth, with the life and death of Henry surnamed Hotspur"
TV1979Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
"Henry IV Part 1"
Direct-to-video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays.
My Own Private IdahoFilm1991Loosely based on Henry IV, Part 1, with elements from the other plays.
"Henry IV, Part 1"
TV2012

''Henry IV, Part 2''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
""
TV1960
""
TV1960
Chimes at MidnightFilm1966An amalgamation of scenes from Richard II, Henry IV part 1, Henry IV part 2, Henry V and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
"The Second Part of King Henry the Fourth containing his Death: and the Coronation of King Henry the Fift"
TV1979Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
"Henry IV Part 2"
Direct-to-video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays.
"Henry IV, Part 2"
TV2012

''Henry V''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Henry VFilm1944
""
TV1960Henry V Acts 1, 2 and 3.
""
TV1960Henry V from Act 4, Scene 0 onwards.
Chimes at MidnightFilm1966An amalgamation of scenes from Richard II, Henry IV part 1, Henry IV part 2, Henry V and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
"The Life of Henry the Fift"
TV1979Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
Henry VFilm1989
"Henry V"
Video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays.
"Henry V"
TV2012

''Henry VI, Part 1''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
""
TV1960
"Henry VI"
TV1965Abridged versions of 1 Henry VI and 2 Henry VI up to Act 3, Scene 2.
"The First Part of Henry the Sixt"
TV1983Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
"Henry VI – House of Lancaster"
Video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays. This play is formed from Henry VI Part 1 and from the earlier scenes of Henry VI Part 2.
"Henry VI, Part I"
#The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses 		TV2016

''Henry VI, Part 2''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
""
TV19602 Henry VI Acts 1, 2 and Act 3, Scene 1.
""
TV19602 Henry VI from Act 3, Scene 2 onwards.
"Henry VI"
TV1965Abridged versions of 1 Henry VI and 2 Henry VI up to Act 3, Scene 2.
"Edward IV"
TV1965A newly written scene followed by 2 Henry VI from Act 4, Scene 1 onwards, and an abridged version of 3 Henry VI.
"The Second Part of Henry the Sixt"
TV1983Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
"Henry VI: House of Lancaster"
Video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays. This play is formed from Henry VI Part 1 and the early scenes of Henry VI Part 2.
"Henry VI: House of York"
Video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays. This play is formed from the remaining scenes of Henry VI Part 2 and Henry VI Part 3
"Henry VI, Part II"
#The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses 		TV2016Made up of scenes from Henry VI, Part 2 and an abridged version of Henry VI, Part 3.

''Henry VI, Part 3''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
""
TV1960Henry VI, Part 3 Acts 1, 2 and Act 3, Scenes 1 and 2.
""
TV1960Henry VI, Part 3 from Act 3, Scene 3 onwards.
"Edward IV"
TV1965A newly written scene followed by 2 Henry VI from Act 4, Scene 1 onwards, and an abridged version of 3 Henry VI.
"The Third Part of Henry the Sixt"
TV1983Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
"Henry VI: House of York"
Video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays. This play is formed from the later scenes of Shakespeare's Henry VI Part 2 and from Shakespeare's Henry VI Part 3.
"Henry VI, Part II"
#The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses 		TV2016Made up of scenes from Henry VI, Part 2 and an abridged version of Henry VI, Part 3.

''Henry VIII''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Henry VIIISilent film1911
"The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight"
TV1979Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.

''King John''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
King JohnSilent film1899The earliest known film based on a play by William Shakespeare. It consists of four scenes and is based on Herbert Beerbohm Tree's contemporary stage production, and was made to promote the stage version.
Said-e-Havas
Film1936Produced by Modi's Stage Film Company, the film was a "stage recording" of the play, similar to Modi's first stage adaptation to screen of Khoon Ka Khoon. It was written by Agha Hashr, based on an adaptation of King John and Richard III. The film incorporates scenes and acts from King John, mainly Act 2 Scene 5, and made use of Richard III as general reference. Modi played the role of the "ethnically black" Kazal Beg. Hashr had written the play in 1907 and according to Rajiva Verma there is very little similarity between King John and Hashr's adaptation, except for those mentioned earlier.
"The Life and Death of King John"
TV1984Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
"King John"
Video2015Filmed version of the Stratford Festival's 2014 stage production.

''Richard II''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
""
TV1960Richard II Acts 1, 2 and 3, Scenes 1 and 2.
""
TV1960Richard II from Act 3, Scene 3 onwards.
The Life and Death of King Richard IITV1960A live TV production that aired on 5 October 1960 and was one of the most elaborate productions made for Australian TV at that time. The ABC decided to suspend peak-hour programs to transmit the show live using all three of the ABC's Gore Hill TV studios. An obituary of Menmuir called this "a concept of such complexity and audacity that it was never repeated."
Chimes at MidnightFilm1966An amalgamation of scenes from Richard II, Henry IV, Part 1, Henry IV, Part 2, Henry V and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
"King Richard the Second"
TV1978Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
Richard II
Video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays.
Richard IITV1997
Richard the SecondVideo2001
Richard II
TV2012

''Richard III''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
Richard IIIFilm1912The oldest surviving American feature-length film, and is also thought to be the first feature-length Shakespearean adaptation ever made.
Tower of LondonFilm1939
Richard IIIFilm1955
""
TV1960Richard III Acts 1, 2 and Act 3, Scene 1.
""
TV1960Richard III from Act 3, Scene 1 onwards.
Tower of LondonFilm1962
Richard III
TV1965An abridged version of Richard III.
The Goodbye GirlFilm1977Contains scenes in which the Richard Dreyfuss character rehearses and performs Shakespeare's play.
"The Tragedy of Richard III"
TV1983Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
The Black AdderTV1983The first series, written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, is a parody of Shakespeare's plays, particularly Macbeth, Richard III and Henry V.
Richard III
Video1990A direct filming of the stage performance of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence for the English Shakespeare Company based on Shakespeare's history plays.
""
TV1994Paint-on-glass animation
Richard IIIFilm1995The film sets the play in 1930s Britain with Richard as a fascist sympathizer plotting to usurp the throne.
Looking for RichardFilm1996A documentary account of Al Pacino's quest to perform Shakespeare's play, featuring substantial excerpts from the play. It includes the talents of Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin and Kevin Spacey.
Richard IIIFilm2008
"Richard III"
#The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses 		TV2016

Romances

''Pericles''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
"Pericles, Prince of Tyre"
TV1984Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.

''Cymbeline''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
CymbelineSilent1913
"Cymbeline"
TV1982Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
CymbelineFilm2014

''The Winter's Tale''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
The Winter's TaleSilent1910
"The Winter's Tale"
TV1981Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
""
TV1994Stop motion puppet animation
The Winter's TaleVideo1999A straight-to-video filming of the 1999 RSC Barbican production.

''The Tempest''

TitleDirectorsStarringDescription
The TempestSilent1911
Yellow SkyFilm1948A western film where a band of reprobate outlaws flee after a bank robbery and encounter an old man and his granddaughter in a ghost town. The story is believed to be loosely adapted from The Tempest.
Forbidden PlanetFilm1956A science fiction classic in which a starship crew meets the scientist Dr Morbius, his daughter Altaira, their custom-built robot Robby, and a mysterious, threatening force, all on the titular fourth planet of Altair. Each of these elements corresponds to the play's sailing vessel and its crew, the sorcerer Prospero, his daughter Miranda, Ariel the sprite, and the enchantments of the island.
"The Tempest"
TV1960
The TempestFilm1979
"The Tempest"
TV1980Released in the USA as part of the Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare series.
TempestFilm1982
The Tempest
TV1983
The Journey to Melonia
Film1989
Prospero's BooksFilm1991A partial adaptation.
"The Tempest"
TV1992Stop motion puppet animation
The TempestTV1998
The TempestFilm2010The gender of main character Prospero was changed to Prospera so Mirren could take the role.
The TempestVideo2010A filmed Stratford Shakespeare Festival production.
The TempestVideo2014This is a filmed version of the live production at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, 2013.

Other

Shakespeare as a character

Acting Shakespeare

Television series

NOTE: "ShakespeaRe-Told", "The Animated Shakespeare" and "BBC Television Shakespeare" series have been covered above, under the respective play performed in each episode.
Three further episodes were filmed but never edited or screened. They were to be called "Using the Prose", "Using the Sonnets" and "Contemporary Shakespeare". Their text can be read in the book "Playing Shakespeare" by John Barton.