October saw Hulu releasing a Shakespeare adaptation — we list 10 films like Rosaline. Check out these recommendations.
Hulu’s Rosaline is a charming re-telling of a very well-known Shakesperean story from the perspective of a not-so-well-known character, Romeo’s ex, Rosaline (played by Kaitlyn Dever). The romantic comedy also stars Isabela Merced and Kyle Allen as the two tragic lovers. Adapting classic tales for the silver screen and even giving them a modern twist isn’t exactly a new concept for filmmakers. If you enjoyed Rosaline, you’re very likely to find these titles appealing as well.
10 films like Rosaline you must watch
Romeo & Juliet (2013)
The 2013 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is more true to the source material than Rosaline and it stars Douglas Booth and Hailee Steinfeld in the title roles. What sets this film apart from most other reiterations of the tragic love story is the (brief) inclusion of Rosaline (Nathalie Rapti Gomez) herself in the movie, while in most other adaptations she’s but an unseen background character.
Ophelia (2018)
This movie tells another famous Shakeasperean story from another perspective. This time it’s Hamlet’s tragic lover who takes center stage and has her story told. Ophelia stars Daisy Ridley as the titular character.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is based on a play of the same name, and its central focus are two minor characters from Hamlet unaware of their fate. The absurdist offering was directed by Tom Stoppard and it raises some interesting questions about life, free will and destiny.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet reimagines the tragic love story in a modern setting. Here, the Capulets and the Montagues are rival mafia families in a big city and the swords are replaced by good old-fashioned guns. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo and Diane Venora as Juliet.
Clueless (1995)
The cult-classic Clueless is a modern-day loose adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, Emma. Alicia Silverstone plays Cher, a wealthy teenager with a good heart who tries playing matchmaker to hilarious results. The movie also features the late Brittany Murphy in a supporting role.
Do Revenge (2022)
While not quite Shakespearean, Do Revenge is similar to Rosaline as it’s also focused on characters trying to get back at those who wronged them. The film features Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke as two teenage girls who team up to get revenge on their classmates. It’s loosely inspired by the classic Hitchcock film Strangers on a Train.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Directed by Gil Junger and starring Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger, 10 Things I Hate About You is an iconic teen romcom based on another classic Shakespeare play, The Taming of the Shrew. The film brings the events of the play to a modern high school setting.
Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1996)
Just like Rosaline, Drew Barrymore’s Cinderella is not your typical fairy tale princess. She’s well-read, ambitious, and outspoken. Ever After: A Cinderella Story is set during the Renaissance era and takes a more realistic approach to the classic tale.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Marie Antoinette was written and directed by Sofia Coppola and it stars Kirsten Dunst as the doomed French Queen. This period drama explores a young noblewoman’s struggles with adapting to the French court after her arranged marriage to the Dauphin.
Iago (2009)
This Italian movie takes the classic tale of Othello, brings it to contemporary times, and centers it around the villain. Like Roseline, Iago a fun retelling of a classic story from a different perspective.
Do you have any other recommendations for films like Rosaline? Let us know!
