A well-respected and famous figure even during his time, William Shakespeare has notably been the subject of many stories and films, along with frequent screen and stage adaptations of his plays. Yet, there have also been plenty of films that take place during the time of his life, thereby romanticizing the time period as a 'golden age' of much social change and expansion of literature, music and poetry.
The films below took place during the times of Shakespeare himself. Queen Elizabeth I would have been on the English throne amidst much religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics and their place in English society. Some of the films are fictional and yet still powerful and poignant on-screen stories.
6 Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
This film provides some intense insight into the historical feud that was created between Catholic monarch Mary Queen of Scots and English Queen Elizabeth I. Although some artistic license was taken regarding the on-screen plot, there are plenty of accuracies as there were questions over the rightful Queen of the English crown.
Mary Queen of Scots remains a fantastic Academy Award-nominated film headlined by Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, who give fantastic and convincing performances as two powerful women pitted against each other. Set primarily in the Scottish countryside, it is a wonderfully overwhelming watch.
5 Anonymous (2011)
Directed by Roland Emmerich, Anonymous is a deeply intriguing fictional story. It boasts a very over-complicated plot, yet it is certainly an interesting interpretation based on the loosely-evidenced theory that Shakespeare did not write his own work. It fictionalizes the life events of key historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and the Earl of Oxford, to name a few.
Perhaps indulgent and too complex in parts, this film is still fascinating to watch if the viewer can separate this fictional story from real events. With a great cast as well, there are plenty of great acting performances to enjoy.
4 Orlando (1992)
Starring Tilda Swinton as the titular Orlando, the story of the androgynous character begins during the time of Shakespeare, in the Elizabethan era, when Orlando is a favorite Lord of Queen Elizabeth I. His journey accelerates through centuries in time as he lives for a long time whilst remaining youthful, and then suddenly wakes up one day and discovers that he has become a woman. Adapted from the novel by Virginia Woolf, Orlando is an enigmatic yet truly engaging tale.
Despite being set in the past, Orlando always feels fantastically present with its commitment to sharing a story of a protagonist who disrupts the binaries of gender and sexuality. Tilda Swinton is captivating on screen as the protagonist whose story is still viewed as a feminist and queer landmark.
3 Elizabeth (1998)
Starring Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I, this is a biographical film that conveys the realities and challenges that this monarch faced when she first ascended the throne in 1558. Although plot lines were fictionalized, the plot is based on real people who existed in the Tudor era.
Although the start of the film takes place before Shakespeare's birth, the story documents plenty of events that take place over the course of her lifetime. She faced many pressures of the era, including the pressure to marry and provide an heir for the crown to protect her throne. It is a deeply intense and grueling film full of venom and passion.
2 Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
A fitting sequel to the Elizabeth film above, Cate Blanchett reprises her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, which depicts the latter half of her reign in England. Taking place during the time that Shakespeare would have been rising in popularity, Queen Elizabeth faces a military attack from Spain, an assassination plot, and romantic betrayal.
The film itself had a mixed reception, with some arguing that this film is less historically accurate than the first. However, it is an interesting perspective as it considers the personal turmoil and emotional hardship that Queen Elizabeth I herself may have experienced during her life.
1 Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Whilst desperately struggling with writer's block, Shakespeare in Love depicts a vibrantly amorous William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) as he searches for inspiration for his latest play. It is during this time that he meets Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow), who quickly becomes his muse. Brilliant and bold and boasting an incredibly famous cast of English actors, this remains a romance for the ages.
The film was obviously a huge success upon its release in 1998, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Gwyneth Paltrow and best screenplay. Although depicting a fictional love affair, audiences enjoyed seeing William Shakespeare depicted as a very likable and talented character on screen.