Where to start withHamlet
5 versions · originally a film, 1996
Themes: Betrayal, Revenge, Political Intrigue, Moral Corruption, Existential Crisis.
Start with The Lion King (1994) — the film. Hamlet exists in 5 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1996; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Each iteration of this classic tale explores the primal, destructive collision between royal ambition, familial betrayal, and the heavy burden of vengeance.
✦ Most fans start here
The Lion King (1994)
The original movie
Hamlet
Kenneth Branagh · Film · 1996
Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 Hamlet offers the definitive, full-text cinematic experience. It is essential for those seeking the complete Shakespearean narrative brought to life with grand scale and traditional, sweeping performances.
2019 film
Ophelia
Claire McCarthy · Film · 2019
Ophelia (2019) shifts the lens to the perspective of the lady-in-waiting. This adaptation is for viewers interested in a feminist reimagining that centers on agency amidst the kingdom's familiar political decay.
2024 film
Mufasa: The Lion King
Barry Jenkins · Film · 2024
Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) explores the formative years of a royal bloodline. It serves as an expansive, character-focused prequel for audiences who enjoy mythic storytelling centered on destiny and legacy.
Inspired by
✦ Start hereThe Lion King
Film · 1994
The Lion King (1994) masterfully translates the core Hamlet themes of regicide and exile into a legendary animated epic. It is perfect for audiences who appreciate timeless storytelling through iconic visual artistry.
Inspired by
The Northman
Film · 2022
The Northman (2022) reimagines the Hamlet archetype as a brutal, visceral Viking saga. This film is ideal for viewers who prefer gritty, high-stakes action and intense portrayals of ancient, bloody vengeance.
Common questions
Is The Lion King based on Hamlet?
Yes, the 1994 film The Lion King draws significant narrative inspiration from the themes and plot structure of Hamlet. This connection continues with the 2024 release Mufasa: The Lion King, which further explores the legacy and story arcs established within that cinematic universe.
Should I watch Ophelia after Hamlet?
Watching Ophelia after the 1996 movie Hamlet provides a new perspective on the events of the tragedy. While Hamlet focuses on the prince, Ophelia centers the narrative on the character of Ophelia, offering a different viewpoint on the familiar story and its central conflicts.
Is The Northman related to Hamlet?
The Northman is inspired by the same Scandinavian legend of Amleth that served as the primary source material for Shakespeare's Hamlet. While both films share these ancient roots, The Northman presents a distinct interpretation of the myth that differs from the 1996 adaptation of the play.
What order should I watch Hamlet and its related films?
There is no required viewing order for these titles. You can watch the 1996 Hamlet first to understand the source material, then explore thematic adaptations like The Lion King, Mufasa: The Lion King, or The Northman, and character-focused stories like Ophelia to see how the narrative evolves.