You said Keanu Reeves wouldn't come to mind when thinking of a Shakespeare adaptation. Well, anyone that knows anything about the actor knows he has been obsessed with Shakespeare most of his life. His is known for quoting the playwright's works to psyche himself up, or calm himself down, before shooting a scene. And, he has quoted Shakespeare when answering media questions many times over the years. He also did and adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing" in '93 and "Hamlet" in '95. So, I really don't think that it's much of a stretch.
Look as much as I give the guy credit for his sheer dedication. He's just not an actor suited for Shakespeare. In Much Ado he is outshone by literally everyone else in the cast and in Hamlet his delivery is stiff at best. There's a certain cadence to it, a certain technique and even really good actors can do poorly with Shakespeare. He's just one of those actors that is not at the top of anyone's list of Shakespearean actors.
Probably shouldn't have had the 'you didn't know' in the title. I mean, aside from the films I hadn't even heard of, I knew all of these were adaptations/interpretations.
Now, I'm not some idiot that allows bullshit click baity titles nor do I say literally when I mean figuratively as that's one of the stupidest things that plague the first world, no, I'm not one of those fools, NOW, WHO'S GOT A CAMERA? I'MA ABOUT TO GO SHOOT SOME PEOPLE UP.
10: The Bad Sleep Well - Hamlet 9: Throne of Blood - Macbeth 8: Kiss Me Kate - The Taming of the Shrew 7: Strange Brew - Hamlet 6: My Own Private Idaho - King Henry IV 5: 10 Things I Hate About You - The Taming of the Shrew 4: Forbidden Planet - The Tempest 3: Ran - King Lear 2: West Side Story - Romeo and Juliet 1: The Lion King - Hamlet
Seen from Scar's point of view, the Lion King is also based on Macbeth: Deposes the rightful king and blames the heir to the throne, commits a string of further crimes, lives in fear and misery despite holding absolute power, eventually defeated by the heir to the throne's invasion and dies after refusing an offer of clemancy.
Scotland, PA. Made in the early 2000s. Was an adaptation of Macbeth but the setting was changed to rival fastfood restaurant owners. It had Christopher Walken in it.
OK, for anyone disappointed, here's one you REALLY don't know. The classic French comedy "Amelie" borrowed, if only marginally, from "Much Ado About Nothing"
Bryan Begay So I've heard. I've heard of his work and even influencing other film makers (such as "Seven Samurai" being the basis for "Magnificent Seven")....but I'm definitely checking out his work.
My top three order: #3 "The Lion King" - While a great movie and wonderful adaption in its own right, it is unfortunately not the emotional powerhouse when stack against the next two. #2 "Ran" - This brutal movie makes you uncomfortable and emotional at all the right times. Best "King Lear" adaption to date and not going to be so easily topped. #1 "West Side Story" - This movie starts off as a whimsical and silly "Romeo & Juliet" adaption, but unlike other adaptions, this movie's ending always leaves me a crying mess... EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
The Lion Ling: Hamlet but with lions The Lion King 2: Romeo and Juliet but with lions The Lion King 1 1/2: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead but with a warthog and a meerkat
the lion king orgining from hamlets story reminds me of their top 10 Disney movie back stories, imagine how dark the movie would be if they did go full Hamlet or at least 80%
I don't know why, but for some reason I've often felt like the 80's cult classic Heathers and its stage musical adaptation is loosely based off of The Scottish Play. Anybody else get that feeling too?
10, 9, and 3. - I'm curious about these now... 7. I love this one! 6. Never seen it because I hate the premise, and I hope Gus van Sant came out shortly before or around the time of making this. Also, Keanu WAS NOT gay in this; do your research! 5. I should probably sit through this one because Heath Ledger looked cute. Also, why does the dad seem so familiar? 2. And then Maria ran off to Skid Row and became friends with Audrey (I like that ending better) 1. Yes, I did know this would top the list. It's definitely the best on the list as well.
what about 'O' based on Othello? It was a great modern remake. Othello was the captain of the Basketball team and Iago was the son of the coach who got passed over as star player for Othello. It was pretty decent.
What about Disney's Motorcrossed? It's a take on Twelfth Night. And Kristen Dunst's (sp?) movie Get Over It was a less than subtle adaptation of Midsummer Night's Dream.
Knew about "Throne of Blood", "Forbidden Planet", "Ran", "West Side Story" and "The Lion King" so those shouldn't be on there since they are pretty obvious.
Lion King fits more as a retelling of Henry IV rather than Hamlet, along with a version of the Epic of Sundiata, watch the Brows Held High video on Lion King for a better understanding
DarrenPR actually I knew 8 out of 10 of the films mentioned. If you actually read Shakespeare and study Literature at College and University, you tend to end up talking about comparisons and adaptations in the media at one point or another.
The list is called Top 10 movies you didn't know borrowed from Shakespeare, and you start the nr 1 spot by saying, most of you all probably knew this was based on Shakespeare...
I don't think any movies "inspired by" Romeo and Juliet should be on this list because literally you could do a separate list for movies with the Star Crossed lovers trope
You've done top Shakespeare movies and movies based on Shakespeare, could you do live recorded performances? ie Hamlet (2009) starring David Tennant? Macbeth (2010) staring Patrick Stewart? There's heaps of them
Funny enough despite Disney themselves citing Lion King to be based on Hamlet, many scholars and casual fans actually see it more as an adaptation of the Epic of Sundiata. Hell one of Sundiata Keita's titles is in fact the Lion King of Mali.
And here's a plot twist, Shakespeare is also known for plagiarization. Meaning much of his places were actually the works of others -- he's just more famous for them.
I think "You Didn't Know" should be taken out of the title. For most of these, it's pretty common knowledge that it's based on the respective Shakespeare play.
"Movies You Didn't Know Borrowed" is in the title but aside from #1 and the honourable mentions there is only 2 I have seen and even heard of in this list... Difficult to know the inspiration of movies you didn't even know existed (From #10-2 I've only seen 10 Things and Forbidden Planet, never heard of the others)
How doesn't anyone not know West Side Story is not based on Romeo & Juliet? Also, Kenneth Branagh's Thor was based on Shakespeare too. I believe Henry V.
As good stories are reused again and again over the course of history, the Lion King is originally based on an Egyptian legend. Osiris was killed by his brother Set and cut into 14 pieces. His wife Isis took these pieces to create their son Horus. Horus then had a vision of his father and fought and defeated the evil uncle, restoring peace.
I was notified by email that my suggestion had been made into this video, thats cool I guess but I never mentioned "movies you didn't know". Like seriously Lion King surely everyone knows that was Hamlet, I even said that in my suggestion
Actually, a lot of people are under the misguided impression that it's based off an anime called Kimba the White Lion because it shares a couple minor details, like similar names (both mean 'lion') and some other minor details.
hard to know a movie i never knew existed was based on shakespear. just pointing out the obvious lets get away from movies you'll only see in a film studies class.
How the fuck do people not know The Lion King is Hamlet? I thought everyone knew that.
maybe because not everyone read Shakespeare's plays, I honestly just knew too
Bawono Hanggung neither have I but that shit is common knowledge.
dallashood67
It's not Hamlet
It's Henry IV
And Lion King II: Simba's Pride is pretty obviously Romeo and Juliet and Lion King 1 1/2 is Gildenstern and Rosencrantz are Dead.
Omar Harris yup
You said Keanu Reeves wouldn't come to mind when thinking of a Shakespeare adaptation. Well, anyone that knows anything about the actor knows he has been obsessed with Shakespeare most of his life. His is known for quoting the playwright's works to psyche himself up, or calm himself down, before shooting a scene. And, he has quoted Shakespeare when answering media questions many times over the years.
He also did and adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing" in '93 and "Hamlet" in '95. So, I really don't think that it's much of a stretch.
Look as much as I give the guy credit for his sheer dedication. He's just not an actor suited for Shakespeare. In Much Ado he is outshone by literally everyone else in the cast and in Hamlet his delivery is stiff at best. There's a certain cadence to it, a certain technique and even really good actors can do poorly with Shakespeare. He's just one of those actors that is not at the top of anyone's list of Shakespearean actors.
Lion King is based on Hamlet
Lion King 2 is based on Romeo and Juliet
That's about all i know atm.
And Lion King 1 and 1/2 is based on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, which ain't Shakespeare, but still...
Actually The Lion King was inspired by Hamlet, stories of the Bible, etc.
Probably shouldn't have had the 'you didn't know' in the title.
I mean, aside from the films I hadn't even heard of, I knew all of these were adaptations/interpretations.
She’s the Man deserves more credit
If this has Lion King in the list i will literally shoot someone, everybody knows it has elements of Hamlet in the story.
Now, I'm not some idiot that allows bullshit click baity titles nor do I say literally when I mean figuratively as that's one of the stupidest things that plague the first world, no, I'm not one of those fools, NOW, WHO'S GOT A CAMERA? I'MA ABOUT TO GO SHOOT SOME PEOPLE UP.
same with 10 things i hate about you
Well then, good luck being on the run, sir.
I didn't know Lion King was based on Hamlet. Good to know.
Well, you do now!!!
Most of these are well known to be adaptations of Shakespeare, though you got me with Strange Brew.
I guess the 2 main character of the movie are like Rosencrantz and Gildenstern and the movie is in their POV
The Lion King tho... so good
"Ran" is absolutely breathtaking. One of the most beautiful films ever made. "Throne of Blood" is amazing too!
I don't actually consider The Lion King purely Hamlet. It's more of a Shakespeare mix. Hamlet, yes. But Macbeth and Henry IV as well.
Maqbool, Omkara and Haider are excellent bollywood adaptations of Macbeth, Othello and Hamlet respectively
10: The Bad Sleep Well - Hamlet
9: Throne of Blood - Macbeth
8: Kiss Me Kate - The Taming of the Shrew
7: Strange Brew - Hamlet
6: My Own Private Idaho - King Henry IV
5: 10 Things I Hate About You - The Taming of the Shrew
4: Forbidden Planet - The Tempest
3: Ran - King Lear
2: West Side Story - Romeo and Juliet
1: The Lion King - Hamlet
Seen from Scar's point of view, the Lion King is also based on Macbeth: Deposes the rightful king and blames the heir to the throne, commits a string of further crimes, lives in fear and misery despite holding absolute power, eventually defeated by the heir to the throne's invasion and dies after refusing an offer of clemancy.
I loved Forbiden Planet..still love it to this day.
I loved the episode of Moonlighting, where they did "Atomic Shakespeare", which was their version of Taming Of The Shrew.
Wonderful! Sensational! William Shakespeare can be Adapted into many Masterpieces.
West Side Story had the WHITEST Puerto Ricans in movie history
Yep gotta love Whitewashing lol.
dragonweyr44
At least Rita Moreno is the real deal.
:)
Those were the Jets.The Sharks were played by Hispanic actors.Except for Natalie Wood of course.
Lola Heatherton I don't know about that, it looked like brown face to me
I bet lion king is one
Knew it!
Theatre of Blood. Vincent Price uses plays to kill of critics.
Watchmojo coming out with some bomb ass lists recently.
Scotland, PA. Made in the early 2000s. Was an adaptation of Macbeth but the setting was changed to rival fastfood restaurant owners. It had Christopher Walken in it.
OK, for anyone disappointed, here's one you REALLY don't know. The classic French comedy "Amelie" borrowed, if only marginally, from "Much Ado About Nothing"
......wait,.....the Mackenzie Brothers borrowed from Shakespeare....???
*MIND IS OFFICIALLY BLOWN*
Stephan Mahler me too
Bryan Begay but after going through the list they gave, I'm gonna have to check out the Kurosawa films.
Stephan Mahler kurosawa really good
Bryan Begay So I've heard. I've heard of his work and even influencing other film makers (such as "Seven Samurai" being the basis for "Magnificent Seven")....but I'm definitely checking out his work.
Oh finally a normal video on this channel
My top three order:
#3 "The Lion King" - While a great movie and wonderful adaption in its own right, it is unfortunately not the emotional powerhouse when stack against the next two.
#2 "Ran" - This brutal movie makes you uncomfortable and emotional at all the right times. Best "King Lear" adaption to date and not going to be so easily topped.
#1 "West Side Story" - This movie starts off as a whimsical and silly "Romeo & Juliet" adaption, but unlike other adaptions, this movie's ending always leaves me a crying mess... EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
WatchMojo, do Top 10 Celebrities you didn't know are comedians
Surprised Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country wasn't at least given an honorable mention.
Kurasawa rules!
How about Mean Girls being inspired by Julius Caesar?
My favourite Shakespeare adaptation is lion king 2 because I love Romeo and Juliet.
Another cute one is McClintock! A John Wayne/Maureen O'Hara Western based on Taming of the Shrew. Not a Wayne or Western fan, but still good.
"The Quiet Man" could also count for that
Ten things I hate about you... my fave movie.
I was hoping the Lion King would be on this list.. I was SUPER HAPPY to see that it was number 1!!! 😄
Once heard Nala was based on Ophelia. Don’t but it personally.
Was surprised the movie starring Mekhi phifer, "O" wasn't on here, based on the play Othello
Very disappointed they left out Sharknado.
Warm bodies is an honorable mention? I feel insulted, please do top 10 Romeo and Juliet adaptations!
One movie you missed was "Scotland, PA," an update of "Macbeth."
I'll be honest I came only for the Lion king. I literally skipped to the end
Not only am I glad that Warm Bodies was mentioned, I'm glad Lion King is #1.
where is Romeo Must Die loosely related to William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
The Lion Ling: Hamlet but with lions
The Lion King 2: Romeo and Juliet but with lions
The Lion King 1 1/2: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead but with a warthog and a meerkat
My favorite only have an honorable mention: She is the man. It's so amazingly weird that Shakespeare comedies can be so good teenage movies.
the lion king orgining from hamlets story reminds me of their top 10 Disney movie back stories, imagine how dark the movie would be if they did go full Hamlet or at least 80%
I don't know why, but for some reason I've often felt like the 80's cult classic Heathers and its stage musical adaptation is loosely based off of The Scottish Play. Anybody else get that feeling too?
Good stuff. And the more Shakespeare videos, the better!
the lion king (oh wait i know this one is from a shakespeare plays so it shouldnt be on the list xD got it?)
10, 9, and 3. - I'm curious about these now...
7. I love this one!
6. Never seen it because I hate the premise, and I hope Gus van Sant came out shortly before or around the time of making this. Also, Keanu WAS NOT gay in this; do your research!
5. I should probably sit through this one because Heath Ledger looked cute. Also, why does the dad seem so familiar?
2. And then Maria ran off to Skid Row and became friends with Audrey (I like that ending better)
1. Yes, I did know this would top the list. It's definitely the best on the list as well.
What about the movie "O" as an adaption to "Othello"? I was almost sure it would make this list
what about 'O' based on Othello? It was a great modern remake. Othello was the captain of the Basketball team and Iago was the son of the coach who got passed over as star player for Othello. It was pretty decent.
What about Disney's Motorcrossed? It's a take on Twelfth Night. And Kristen Dunst's (sp?) movie Get Over It was a less than subtle adaptation of Midsummer Night's Dream.
Knew about "Throne of Blood", "Forbidden Planet", "Ran", "West Side Story" and "The Lion King" so those shouldn't be on there since they are pretty obvious.
"Kiss Me Kate" is based on "The Taming of the Shrew". Who knew?
LOL! I always wonder when they have to go and put "you didn't know" in the title, and then list off a bunch of movie secrets everyone knows already.
forbidden planet is based on the tempest??? MIND BLOWN!
I had no idea My Own Private Idaho is based on a Shakespeare play. . . Maybe it's because I haven't studied the play Henry IV
Mean Girls - The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
Ramleela (India) - Romeo & Juliet
Lion King fits more as a retelling of Henry IV rather than Hamlet, along with a version of the Epic of Sundiata, watch the Brows Held High video on Lion King for a better understanding
Outside of the lion king, you could have stopped this title at "Top 10 films you didn't know"
DarrenPR Well west side story and 10 things I hate about you are also known but other than that half of these weren't even in English!
DarrenPR actually I knew 8 out of 10 of the films mentioned. If you actually read Shakespeare and study Literature at College and University, you tend to end up talking about comparisons and adaptations in the media at one point or another.
11:45 No way, Roscencrantz and Guildestone were backstabbing kiss-ups
Also, Perfect Storm was based on 'The Tempest' by Shakespeare.
Tragedy, when the feelings gone and you can't go on
Wow, that means I've played the role of Scar, and Malcom from She's the Man
The list is called Top 10 movies you didn't know borrowed from Shakespeare, and you start the nr 1 spot by saying, most of you all probably knew this was based on Shakespeare...
There was a film called O which was loosely based on Othello. He was a black basketball player. Haven't seen it in years
Akira Kurosawa is a goddamn legend
I don't think any movies "inspired by" Romeo and Juliet should be on this list because literally you could do a separate list for movies with the Star Crossed lovers trope
You've done top Shakespeare movies and movies based on Shakespeare, could you do live recorded performances? ie Hamlet (2009) starring David Tennant? Macbeth (2010) staring Patrick Stewart? There's heaps of them
#Watchmojo if you do another of these lists you could add 'Get over it', based on A Midsummer Nights Dream
Lol, just write a film analysis in a class test about the scene they show from Romeo+Juliet today
Mixed feelings on West Side Story making the list. I love the film, but I thought everybody knew it was taken from Romeo and Juliet.
I knew Lion King would be number 1 i don't get why it was placed in that position though most people know it's based on hamlet
Funny enough despite Disney themselves citing Lion King to be based on Hamlet, many scholars and casual fans actually see it more as an adaptation of the Epic of Sundiata. Hell one of Sundiata Keita's titles is in fact the Lion King of Mali.
And here's a plot twist, Shakespeare is also known for plagiarization. Meaning much of his places were actually the works of others -- he's just more famous for them.
Funny my english teacher said hamlet can never be copied and can always be identified 😂
I thought "The Lion King" was actually based off of "Kimba the White Lion"
I think "You Didn't Know" should be taken out of the title. For most of these, it's pretty common knowledge that it's based on the respective Shakespeare play.
Totally called "The Lion King" being #1 on this list.
"Movies You Didn't Know Borrowed" is in the title but aside from #1 and the honourable mentions there is only 2 I have seen and even heard of in this list...
Difficult to know the inspiration of movies you didn't even know existed
(From #10-2 I've only seen 10 Things and Forbidden Planet, never heard of the others)
Now do TV shows that borrows or borrowed from Shakespeare!
How doesn't anyone not know West Side Story is not based on Romeo & Juliet? Also, Kenneth Branagh's Thor was based on Shakespeare too. I believe Henry V.
The Lion King was based on Hamlet. Does Shes All That count, She's The Man, Ella Enchanted(Hamlet vibe with Edgar killing his brother)!
Literally the only thing I know about Ten Things I Hate About You is that it was based on Taming of The Shrew
Yes, 10 Things I Hate About You is identical to The Taming of the Shrew except for the fact that she shrew isn't tamed.
As good stories are reused again and again over the course of history, the Lion King is originally based on an Egyptian legend. Osiris was killed by his brother Set and cut into 14 pieces. His wife Isis took these pieces to create their son Horus. Horus then had a vision of his father and fought and defeated the evil uncle, restoring peace.
You missed out on Oldboy, which is based upon Titus Andronicus.
I was hoping Star Wars episode III (Macbeth) would be on this list
Anyone who's seen Beautician and the Beast knows West Side Story is Romeo and Juliet!
I was notified by email that my suggestion had been made into this video, thats cool I guess but I never mentioned "movies you didn't know". Like seriously Lion King surely everyone knows that was Hamlet, I even said that in my suggestion
Actually, a lot of people are under the misguided impression that it's based off an anime called Kimba the White Lion because it shares a couple minor details, like similar names (both mean 'lion') and some other minor details.
How could "O Brother, where Art Thou" not be on here???
that was based on the Odyssey.
my bad ...
So then Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis are playing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hmm interesting.
Big Business starring Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin was based, loosely, on Comedy of Errors
so with Strange Brew, are Moranis and Thomas supposed to be the equivalent if Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
I actually view Lion King as an adaptation of Richard III instead of Hamlet. Scar is more like Richard than Claudious
LOVE- Kiss Me Kate which for me is # 1
I played Baby John during our production of West Side Story.
Not that anyone cares.
Is it just me or do I feel like 1988's Akira was slightly inspired by Macbeth?
Honestly lowkey expected Shakespeare in Love
hard to know a movie i never knew existed was based on shakespear. just pointing out the obvious lets get away from movies you'll only see in a film studies class.
Ran should have been No. 1 otherwise a nice list though, personally I would have left Lion King off.
how about McLintock, or did they already have too many adaptations of The Taming of the Shrew?"