This year, April 23 marks the 455th birthday of William Shakespeare. The prolific writer penned dozens of plays and hundreds of sonnets. He coined terms that have become commonplace today. His brilliant characters and universal themes mean they have continued to influence stories through the centuries.

From thrillers that will “make your hair stand on end,*” to Broadway musicals, these are not adaptations put to film. Rather, these movies use Shakespeare as a foundation to tell a story relevant to its audience.

It’s been recommended that one “neither a borrower nor a lender be*, but we suggest making an exception in this case. And “as luck would have it,*” you can add these Shakespeare-inspired movies to your queue today.


This post reflects my real opinion. It is also an #ad as part of Netflix’s #DVDNation program. DVD Nation is a group of red envelope enthusiasts who share a love of cinema and help others discover great recommendations in movies and TV shows. Members complete activities to earn points, level up to the next membership level, and unlock benefits.