Where to start withRomeo and Juliet
7 versions · originally a film, 1968
Themes: Forbidden Love, Family Feud, Fatalism, Sacrifice, Youthful Rebellion.
Start with Romeo + Juliet (Baz Luhrmann, 1996) — the film. Romeo and Juliet exists in 7 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1968; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The enduring archetype of star-crossed lovers defines a narrative where intense, forbidden passion inevitably collides with ancient, inescapable family feuds.
✦ Most fans start here
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The original movie
Romeo and Juliet
Film · 1968
Romeo and Juliet (1968) serves as the definitive cinematic realization of the classic text, offering a faithful, lush period production perfect for viewers seeking the traditional, tragic source material.
1996 film
✦ Start hereRomeo + Juliet
Baz Luhrmann · Film · 1996
Romeo + Juliet (1996) injects high-octane modern energy into the classic tragedy, utilizing a vibrant, contemporary setting that makes Shakespeare’s original dialogue feel urgent and accessible to modern audiences.
1998 film
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Darrell Rooney · Film · 1998
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998) reimagines the core conflict through an animated, animal-focused lens, exploring themes of forbidden romance and legacy that resonate with younger viewers and families.
2011 film
Gnomeo & Juliet
Kelly Asbury · Film · 2011
Gnomeo & Juliet (2011) translates the iconic rivalry into a whimsical, lighthearted animation, providing a family-friendly entry point that distills the essential Romeo and Juliet dynamic into a playful garden setting.
2018 film
Sherlock Gnomes
John Stevenson · Film · 2018
Sherlock Gnomes (2018) continues the quirky garden gnome narrative, shifting the focus toward mystery and detective tropes while maintaining the established characters from the previous installment for younger franchise fans.
Inspired by
Pocahontas
Mike Gabriel · Film · 1995
Pocahontas (1995) draws thematic inspiration from the forbidden romance trope, centering on the clash between two cultures and the internal conflict of a protagonist choosing between duty and love.
Inspired by
Burning Daylight
Emily McIntire · Book
Burning Daylight (Emily McIntire) offers a modern literary retelling, focusing on the specific tension between Juliette Calloway and Roman Montgomery for readers who prefer contemporary prose over traditional stage adaptations.
Common questions
Is Romeo and Juliet (1968) the only film adaptation of the play?
No, there are several other adaptations of the story. You can watch the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet, which modernizes the setting, or the animated film Gnomeo & Juliet, which provides a lighthearted take on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
Should I watch Sherlock Gnomes if I enjoyed Gnomeo & Juliet?
Yes, Sherlock Gnomes is the direct sequel to Gnomeo & Juliet. Both films feature the same cast of characters and continue the animated narrative style established in the first movie, which is itself a creative adaptation of the Romeo and Juliet story.
How does The Lion King II: Simba's Pride relate to Romeo and Juliet?
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is inspired by the themes found in Romeo and Juliet. It features two lions from rival prides who fall in love despite their families' conflict, mirroring the core premise of the original play regarding forbidden romance and warring factions.
What order should I watch the Romeo and Juliet movies in?
There is no required viewing order for the various adaptations. You can watch the 1968 Romeo and Juliet, the 1996 Romeo + Juliet, or the animated Gnomeo & Juliet independently, as each film presents a unique interpretation of the source material rather than a chronological series.