6 Seriously Shakespearean Modern Adaptations

In honor of the original wordsmith, William Shakespeare's, day of birth, here are some of the greatest on screen adaptations.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Based on: The Taming of the Shrew

Why it's awesome: With Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles as the infamous Katherina and Petruchio, you know this is a good one. There are several nods to the Shakespearean play in the movie, such as Ledger's character Patrick Verona. Verona is the place in Italy where Romeo and Juliet takes place. Julia Stiles' last name is Stratford, which is a reference to Bill's place of birth, Stratford-upon-Avon. Cameron, the sweet guy who is madly in love with Bianca Stratford, says the line, "I burn, I pine, I perish." This incredibly romantic line is from The Taming of the Shrew. Oh yeah, and Joseph Gordon Levitt is pretty adorable reciting it. 

Favorites: David Krumholtz, That is all.

Romeo + Juliet (1996) 

Based on: Romeo and Juliet 

Why it's awesome: Leonardo DiCaprio. Need I say more? This 90's flick, directed by the always-creative Baz Luhrmann, gives us a paradox of Shakespearean language and modern setting. While it can be hard to keep up with the speedy lines of Shakespeare, once you see Leo's acting chops, you won't be disappointed. This is the film that made all teenage girls lust for Leo, after all. 

Favorites: Leo's Hawaiian shirt and when Romeo and Juliet gaze adoringly at each other through a fish tank. Good stuff.

She's The Man (2006) 

Based on: Twelfth Night 

Why it's awesome: Ahh, the days when Amanda Bynes was a hilarious comedy actress. This modern retelling of Twelfth Night has Bynes as Viola Hastings, a girl who wants to play for the best soccer team, which happens to be at a boy's high school. So obviously, she impersonates her twin brother and goes to his school. If you love Gouda and Channing Tatum (oh yeah, and Twelfth Night) this is the comedy for you.

Favorites: David Cross playing Gold, and Malcolm's pet spider, Malvolio.

Hamlet (2000)

Based on: Hamlet

Why it's awesome: Hamlet has been brought to the screen many, many times with play adaptations and film. This version sets the Shakespearean play in modern day New York City, but keeps the powerful language. The star studded cast includes Julia Stiles (the queen of Shakespeare adaptations), Bill Murray, and Ethan Hawke as Hamlet. 

Favorites: Staring deep into Ethan's soulful eyes.

The Lion King (1994)

Based on: Hamlet 

Why it's awesome: Disney and Shakespeare fans unite! This classic childhood film is loosely based on the themes of Hamlet. You know, the old "my uncle killed my father to rule Pride Rock" drama. The fact that Timon and Pumbaa's characters are considered the Rosencrantz and Gildenstern of the film just adds to the awesome. 

Favorites: Pumbaa, obviously.

Warm Bodies (2013) 

Based on: Romeo and Juliet

Why it's awesome: This may not be a film you think of when you hear Shakespeare adaptation, but honestly, I really enjoyed it. It's very loosely based off the classic love story. Girl meets boy. Boy is a zombie, Zombie decides not to eat girl. They fall in love. The film definitely takes on the theme of the star-crossed lovers living in two very different worlds. You know, one living, one dead. 

Favorites: Rob Corddry as M, or Marcus. His line, "Bitches, man" will always make me LOL.

Happy birthday Shakespeare! May you continue to inspire many more fantastic films.