If there’s one thing Hollywood loves as much as a good meet-cute, it’s retelling classic stories with a modern twist. And honestly? I live for it. Whether it’s Shakespeare’s tangled romances or classic literature’s slow burns, romantic comedies have been borrowing from literary legends for decades. Some of these adaptations are so well-done (or so chaotic) that they deserve their own moment in the spotlight. So, let’s dive into the best rom-coms inspired by Shakespeare plays and classic books, including a few hidden gems you might not have heard of.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) – The Taming of the Shrew, but Make It Late 90s Cool
We have to start with this one because
10 Things I Hate About You is peak Shakespeare adaptation energy. Based on
The Taming of the Shrew, it follows the same premise: younger sister (Bianca) can’t date until her older, feminist, “I hate the patriarchy” sister (Kat) does. Enter Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), a high school bad boy with a soft heart who’s bribed to date Kat. The chemistry? Iconic. The sonnet scene? Gut-wrenching. The comedy? The best of late '90s rom-coms. If you somehow haven’t watched it yet, do yourself a favor and fix that immediately.
2. She’s the Man (2006) – Twelfth Night with Soccer and Amanda Bynes’ Chaos
If you ever wondered what Twelfth Night would look like if Viola was a teenage girl pretending to be her twin brother at an elite boarding school while falling in love with her roommate…well, She’s the Man answered that for us. Amanda Bynes absolutely carries this movie with her comedic timing, and Channing Tatum as Duke is both clueless and adorable. It’s peak early 2000s rom-com ridiculousness, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
3. Clueless (1995) – Jane Austen’s Emma, but in the Beverly Hills High Scene
Okay, so this one isn’t Shakespeare, but hear me out—
Clueless is
Emma with a Prada makeover, and that deserves recognition. Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is a well-meaning but slightly self-absorbed high school queen bee who takes the new girl under her wing, all while dealing with her own romantic misadventures. It’s witty, endlessly quotable, and proof that adapting a 19th-century novel into a 1990s high school setting can actually work
really well.
4. Deliver Us from Eva (2003) – The Taming of the Shrew, but with Gabrielle Union Being Iconic
If you love 10 Things I Hate About You but want a grown-up version, Deliver Us from Eva is for you. Loosely based on The Taming of the Shrew, it follows three men who hire a charming ladies’ man (LL Cool J) to date and distract Eva, their girlfriends' difficult older sister. Of course, feelings get real, and chaos ensues. It’s funny, smart, and has that perfect early 2000s rom-com charm.
5. Warm Bodies (2013) – Romeo & Juliet, But Make It Zombies
Yes, you read that right.
Warm Bodies is essentially
Romeo and Juliet, but instead of feuding families, we have humans and zombies. R (Nicholas Hoult) is a zombie who falls for a human girl, Julie (Teresa Palmer), and their love slowly starts to reverse the whole zombie apocalypse thing. It’s weird, it’s heartwarming, and somehow it works
really well. Also, the balcony scene is still there—just, you know, with zombies.
6. Much Ado About Nothing (2012) – Shakespeare, But in Black & White Indie Film Aesthetic
If you want a Shakespeare rom-com adaptation that stays faithful to the original play, Much Ado About Nothing (2012) by Joss Whedon is a hidden gem. Shot in black and white, with modern-day settings but original dialogue, it makes Shakespeare feel fresh and stylish. The banter between Benedick and Beatrice is just as sharp as ever, proving that enemies-to-lovers has always been an elite romance trope.
7. Bride & Prejudice (2004) – Pride and Prejudice, But Make It Bollywood
Another Jane Austen entry because let’s be real, Austen’s books might as well be rom-com blueprints.
Bride & Prejudice is a Bollywood take on
Pride and Prejudice, and it’s as colorful and dramatic as you’d expect. Aishwarya Rai plays Lalita (Elizabeth Bennet), and the movie blends Bollywood musical numbers with classic romance in the best way possible. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a treat.
8. Anyone But You (2023) – Much Ado About Nothing with Enemies-to-Lovers Chemistry
This fresh, modern rom-com is loosely inspired by
Much Ado About Nothing, and it gives us a sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamic set against a dreamy Australian backdrop. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell,
Anyone But You follows two people who can’t stand each other but end up in a fake-dating situation. With witty banter, great chemistry, and classic Shakespearean misunderstandings, it brings the timeless story into the Gen Z dating world.
9. The Half of It (2020) – Cyrano de Bergerac with a Thoughtful Twist
While not Shakespeare,
The Half of It deserves a spot for its poetic, heartfelt take on
Cyrano de Bergerac. Ellie, a shy and intelligent student, helps a jock write love letters to a girl he likes—only to realize she has feelings for the same girl. It’s a quiet, introspective rom-com that plays with themes of identity, love, and self-discovery in a way that feels both classic and fresh.
Well Why Do These Adaptations Work So Well?
The reason these rom-coms inspired by Shakespeare and classic books hit so hard is simple: these stories are timeless. Whether it’s mistaken identities, enemies-to-lovers, or strong-willed heroines, the core themes translate effortlessly into modern settings. Plus, let’s be honest—there’s something satisfying about seeing 400-year-old stories play out in high schools, soccer teams, and zombie-infested cities.
So, whether you love Shakespeare adaptations in rom-coms or just need an excuse for a nostalgic movie night, these films are always a good choice. Which one is your favorite? Or do you have a hidden gem I missed? Let’s talk rom-coms in the comments!
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