All Movie Adaptations of Shakespearean Tragedies Set in Modern Times, Ranked

William Shakespeare’s tragedies, with their timeless themes of ambition, betrayal, and loss, have inspired countless filmmakers to reimagine these classics in contemporary settings. By transplanting the Bard’s intense dramas into modern contexts—urban jungles, high schools, or corporate worlds—these adaptations make the stories accessible while preserving their emotional weight.

This list ranks all notable movie adaptations of Shakespeare’s tragedies set in modern times, judged on their fidelity to the source material, creative reinterpretation, and emotional impact. From gritty crime dramas to teen rom-coms, here are the top modern takes, starting with the least impactful.

13. ‘Romeo + Juliet’ (1996) – ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant adaptation moves the star-crossed lovers to Verona Beach, a stylized urban sprawl where Montagues and Capulets are rival mafia families. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes deliver passionate performances, backed by a pulsing ‘90s soundtrack. While the Elizabethan dialogue clashes with the modern aesthetic at times, the film’s bold visuals and emotional intensity make it a cultural touchstone. Its chaotic energy sometimes overshadows the tragedy’s depth, landing it lower on the list.

‘Romeo + Juliet’ dazzles with its flashy style but occasionally sacrifices nuance for spectacle. Its iconic status and youthful appeal make it a must-watch on platforms like Hulu.

12. ‘O’ (2001) – ‘Othello’

Set in a modern American high school, this adaptation casts Mekhi Phifer as Odin, a star basketball player, and Josh Hartnett as a jealous rival manipulating him. The teen drama framework captures Othello’s themes of racism and betrayal, but the simplified dialogue and setting can feel forced. Delayed by Columbine-related concerns, its raw take on jealousy resonates, though it lacks the original’s poetic depth.

‘O’ is a bold, tragic teen drama that tackles heavy themes, streamable on Cinemax. Its faithful structure makes it a compelling, if uneven, modern Othello.

11. ‘Valley Girl’ (1983) – ‘Romeo and Juliet’

This ‘80s rom-com loosely adapts Romeo and Juliet, with Nicolas Cage as a punk rocker and Deborah Foreman as a preppy teen in a forbidden romance. The lighthearted tone and happy ending stray far from the tragedy’s fatal stakes, but the class-divide romance echoes Shakespeare’s themes. Its charm lies in its nostalgic vibe rather than deep fidelity.

‘Valley Girl’ is a fun, fluffy take that swaps tragedy for feel-good vibes, available on Hulu. It’s a lesser adaptation but a nostalgic gem for ‘80s fans.

10. ‘Warm Bodies’ (2013) – ‘Romeo and Juliet’

This quirky zombie rom-com reimagines Romeo and Juliet as R, a zombie (Nicholas Hoult), and Julie, a human (Teresa Palmer), in a post-apocalyptic world. The playful tone and happy ending dilute the tragedy, but the forbidden love and quirky humor capture some of Shakespeare’s spirit. It’s a creative stretch that prioritizes heart over heartbreak.

‘Warm Bodies’ charms with its oddball romance, streaming on Hulu. Its loose connection to the source makes it a fun, if not profound, adaptation.

9. ‘Scotland, PA’ (2001) – ‘Macbeth’

This dark comedy sets Macbeth in a 1970s Pennsylvania diner, with James Le Gros as Joe McBeth and Maura Tierney as Pat, plotting to kill their boss (Christopher Walken). The Coen Brothers-inspired tone blends quirky humor with murder, capturing the play’s ambition and guilt. It leans heavily on comedy, which can undercut the tragedy’s weight.

‘Scotland, PA’ is a clever, offbeat take, available to rent on Amazon Prime. Its unique setting and sharp wit make it a standout, if not a pure tragedy.

8. ‘Rave Macbeth’ (2001) – ‘Macbeth’

This low-budget gem transplants Macbeth to the early 2000s rave scene, with Marcus and Lidia as club promoters chasing the title of “king of the rave.” The drug-fueled paranoia and hallucinatory witches align with the play’s anxiety, though the cheesy aesthetic limits its depth. Director Klaus Knoesel’s love for the text shines through, making it surprisingly faithful.

‘Rave Macbeth’ is a niche, gritty adaptation, rentable on Amazon Prime. Its bold setting and raw energy make it a cult favorite for Shakespeare fans.

7. ‘The Bad Sleep Well’ (1960) – ‘Hamlet’

Akira Kurosawa’s noir thriller reimagines Hamlet as a corporate revenge tale in post-war Tokyo. Toshirô Mifune plays a salaryman uncovering his father’s murder, blending Shakespeare’s angst with Japanese social critique. The modern setting fits the play’s themes of corruption, though it diverges from the original’s psychological depth.

‘The Bad Sleep Well’ is a stylish, intense adaptation, streaming on Max. Its cultural lens and Kurosawa’s mastery make it a compelling Hamlet riff.

6. ‘Coriolanus’ (2011) – ‘Coriolanus’

Ralph Fiennes directs and stars in this visceral adaptation, setting Shakespeare’s political tragedy in a war-torn, pseudo-Balkan present. The combat-camera style and Fiennes’ intense performance as the exiled general, alongside Gerard Butler’s Aufidius, ground the story in modern conflict. A standout shaving scene adds intimate depth, though the niche play limits its reach.

‘Coriolanus’ is a brutal, gripping take, available on Hulu. Its raw modernity and stellar cast make it a hidden gem for Shakespeare enthusiasts.

5. ‘Men of Respect’ (1990) – ‘Macbeth’

John Turturro leads as Mike Battaglia, a mobster climbing the mafia ranks in this crime-drama take on Macbeth. The gritty ‘90s setting mirrors the play’s violence and ambition, with Turturro’s committed performance anchoring the tragedy. It sticks closely to the original’s themes but lacks the cinematic flair of higher-ranked entries.

‘Men of Respect’ is a solid, intense adaptation, rentable on Amazon Prime. Its mafia backdrop and strong lead make it a worthy Macbeth reimagining.

4. ‘Maqbool’ (2003) – ‘Macbeth’

Vishal Bhardwaj’s Hindi crime drama sets Macbeth in Mumbai’s underworld, with Irrfan Khan as Maqbool, a gangster torn by love and betrayal. Tabu’s fiery Lady Macbeth steals scenes, while the moody cinematography and Bollywood flair amplify the tragedy. It’s a culturally rich take that honors the play’s dark heart.

‘Maqbool’ is a haunting, masterful adaptation, rentable on Amazon Prime. Its blend of Indian cinema and Shakespearean tragedy makes it a must-see.

3. ‘Haider’ (2014) – ‘Hamlet’

Bhardwaj’s second Shakespeare triumph sets Hamlet in 1990s Kashmir, with Shahid Kapoor as Haider, seeking revenge amid political turmoil. The raw performances, especially Tabu as Gertrude, and the stark setting capture the play’s grief and madness. Its 92% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its critical acclaim, blending local context with universal themes.

‘Haider’ is a powerful, emotionally charged adaptation, rentable on YouTube. Its political depth and stellar cast make it a standout modern Hamlet.

2. ‘Macbeth’ (2015) – ‘Macbeth’

Justin Kurzel’s adaptation, starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, sets Macbeth in a gritty, war-torn medieval Scotland that feels timelessly modern. The stark cinematography and intense performances amplify the play’s themes of ambition and guilt. While not strictly contemporary, its raw aesthetic and psychological focus resonate with modern audiences.

‘Macbeth’ is a visually stunning, emotionally raw take, available on Hulu. Its atmospheric power and faithful execution make it a near-perfect adaptation.

1. ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ (2021) – ‘Macbeth’

Joel Coen’s black-and-white masterpiece, starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, reimagines Macbeth on a surreal soundstage, blending modern minimalism with Shakespeare’s text. The stark visuals and A-list performances create a haunting, timeless tragedy. With a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s lauded for its bold style and emotional depth.

‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ is a cinematic triumph, streaming on Apple TV+. Its innovative design and powerful acting make it the pinnacle of modern Shakespeare adaptations.

Which modern Shakespeare tragedy adaptation is your favorite, or did I miss a bold reimagining? Share your thoughts in the comments!