Where to start withMacbeth
4 versions · originally a film, 2015
Themes: Ambition, Guilt, Power, Regicide, Madness.
Start with Throne of Blood (Akira Kurosawa, 1957) — the film. Macbeth exists in 4 versions across media, beginning as a film in 2015; each is ranked below by what it does best.
These iterations explore the corrosive power of vaulting ambition and the dark psychological toll of seizing an unearned crown.
✦ Most fans start here
Throne of Blood (1957)
The original movie
Macbeth
Justin Kurzel · Film · 2015
Macbeth (2015) offers a visceral, grit-filled cinematic experience. This adaptation is ideal for viewers who prefer high-stakes, atmospheric intensity and a grounded, brutal depiction of Shakespeare’s classic Scottish tragedy.
1957 film
✦ Start hereThrone of Blood
Akira Kurosawa · Film · 1957
Throne of Blood (1957) masterfully transposes the narrative into feudal Japan. This essential viewing captures the essence of the original through striking visual symbolism and a haunting, iconic samurai performance.
2021 film
The Tragedy of Macbeth
Joel Coen · Film · 2021
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) delivers a stark, theatrical focus on the internal descent of its leads. It is perfect for audiences who appreciate minimalist staging and sharp, focused storytelling.
Inspired by
Lady Macbeth
Ava Reid · Book
Lady Macbeth (book) centers the perspective on the wife’s complex motivations. This reimagining is best for readers seeking a character-driven expansion that explores the agency behind the play’s famous machinations.
Common questions
Is the 2015 Macbeth movie related to the 2021 film The Tragedy of Macbeth?
Both the 2015 Macbeth movie and the 2021 film The Tragedy of Macbeth are separate cinematic adaptations of the same Shakespearean play. They function as independent interpretations of the source material rather than sequels or connected installments, allowing you to watch them in any order you prefer.
Should I watch Throne of Blood if I enjoyed the 2015 Macbeth movie?
Yes, you should watch Throne of Blood if you enjoyed the 2015 Macbeth movie. Akira Kurosawa directed this 1957 film as a direct adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy, transposing the plot and themes of Macbeth into a feudal Japanese setting while maintaining the core narrative arc.
Is Lady Macbeth a direct adaptation of the Macbeth play?
The book Lady Macbeth is not a direct adaptation of the Macbeth play. While it shares the name of the famous Shakespearean character, it serves as a separate literary work. It is distinct from the 2015 Macbeth movie and the other film adaptations listed in this collection.
How long is the 2015 Macbeth movie compared to the 2021 The Tragedy of Macbeth?
The 2015 Macbeth movie and the 2021 film The Tragedy of Macbeth are both feature-length adaptations of the original play. While both films cover the same primary story arc, they represent different directorial visions and pacing styles for the same source material.