A Guide to Every ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Adaptation & Where to Watch Them All

We all know Romeo and Juliet to some extent, aka Shakespeare’s ultimate tale of forbidden love, star-crossed swoons, and tragic heartbreak. Over the decades, filmmakers and storytellers have brought this story to life in ways big, small, musical, animated, and sometimes… totally wild. From classic Hollywood glamour to gang wars in 1950s New York, zombies, garden gnomes, and even pizza-fueled Italian rom-coms, there’s a version for every taste.

We’ve rounded up all the notable adaptations, from Leonardo DiCaprio‘s iconic modern Romeo to Hailee Steinfeld‘s red-cheeked Juliet. Some will make you cry, some will make you laugh, and some will make you reconsider what counts as true love. Without further ado, here is your complete guide to all Romeo and Juliet adaptations and details on where to watch them all.

Classic Romeo and Juliet Adaptations

Romeo and Juliet (1936)

A classic Hollywood take on one of Shakespeare’s finest. Directed by George Cukor, this MGM adaptation stars Leslie Howard and Norma Shearer, offering a faithful rendition of the play. The production is grand for its time, with lavish sets and costumes. The slightly older casting may be less true to the teenage lovers, but honestly, it adds a more digestible touch to the tragedy and still gives us all the breathtaking romance vibes.

Where to Watch Romeo and Juliet (1936): 

Romeo and Juliet (1936) is not available to stream for free anywhere at the moment, but you can rent/buy it on Prime Video, Google Play, Fandango at Home, YouTube, and Apple TV.

Romeo and Juliet (1954)

A story set in “fair Verona” about two warring Italian families, told in the language that defines it? Yup, this Italian adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic won major acclaim, including the Golden Lion at the 15th Venice Film Festival. Starring Laurence Harvey and Susan Shentall, it simplified the characters quite a bit — sometimes to its detriment, but still charming. Fun fact: Joan Collins was considered for the role of Juliet.

Where to Watch Romeo and Juliet (1954): 

Romeo and Juliet (1954) is available to stream on ScreenPix with a subscription.

Everett Collection

Romeo and Juliet (1968)

One of the most beloved adaptations of Shakespeare’s fateful tale, directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey. What makes this version so iconic? The youthful portrayals — remember, the original play is about a 14-year-old Romeo and a 13-year-old Juliet. Zeffirelli makes sure we feel that age and innocence. The film’s darker reputation comes from later controversies and lawsuits surrounding the actors’ nudity, which, given their age at the time, was absolutely inappropriate, but the story and performances remain unforgettable.

Where to Watch Romeo and Juliet (1954): 

Romeo and Juliet (1954) is not available to stream for free anywhere at the moment, but you can rent/buy it on Prime Video, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

Romeo and Juliet (2013)

You may know her from Pitch Perfect 2, but Steinfeld steps back into our hearts as the tragic Juliet, starring opposite Douglas Booth. This adaptation sticks to the original text, but trims and tweaks the story to make it more accessible for modern audiences. And yes, it has Gossip Girl‘s Ed Westwick as Tybalt. Enough said.

Where to Watch Romeo and Juliet (2013): 

Romeo and Juliet (2013) is available to stream on Tubi, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV.

Modern & Contemporary Romeo and Juliet Adaptations

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

It’s been almost 30 years, and we’re still not over Baz Luhrmann‘s wild, stylish take on Shakespeare. Set in a hyper-stylized Verona Beach, DiCaprio and Claire Danes play our doomed lovers. The film takes some artistic liberties but keeps the original text — often with ironic, almost meta twists, like a postal service called “Post Haste” and guns named “Dagger,” “Sword,” and “Rapier.”  Danes’ earnest Juliet — she was only 17 and clearly smitten with her Romeo — makes this version linger in our hearts long after the credits roll.

Where to Watch Romeo + Juliet (1996): 

Romeo + Juliet (1996) is not available to stream for free anywhere at the moment, but you can rent/buy it on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

20th Century Fox / Everett Collection

Love Is All There Is

Also in 1996, Angelina Jolie took on the virginal mantle of Juliet — well, Juliet Capulet 2.0 — as Gina Malacici. This rom-com flips the classic tragedy on its head, adding a meta twist: The lovers are also performing in a church production of Romeo and Juliet. Jolie stars opposite Nathaniel Marston as Rosario Capomezzo, and of course, the two families are at war… over their Italian culinary empires. Pasta, passion, and forbidden love, sign us up.

Where to Watch Love Is All There Is: 

You can watch Love Is All There Is on Tubi and MGM+.

Romeo Must Die (2000)

Less romance, more roundhouse kicks. Romeo Must Die, released in 2000, is an action-packed, gang-war–infused reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy, starring Jet Li and Aaliyah. Fun fact: This was Aaliyah’s only film released during her lifetime, and the soundtrack’s lead single, “Try Again,” topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Critics weren’t exactly swooning, but honestly, hip hop, martial arts, jaw-dropping stunts, and Shakespeare? It works.

Where to Watch Romeo Must Die:

Romeo Must Die is not available to stream for free anywhere at the moment, but you can rent/buy it on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play, YouTube, and Apple TV.

Romeo and Juliet (2021)

Josh O’Connor and Jessie Buckley as Romeo and Juliet? Say less! This version of the classic romantic tragedy is set in modern-day Italy. This adaptation was an original film for television by the National Theatre. Buckley is returning to Shakespeare’s roots in the upcoming Hamnet film adaptation, in which she plays Agnes Shakespeare.

Where to Watch Romeo and Juliet (2021): 

You can buy/rent Romeo and Juliet (2021) on Prime Video.

Juliet & Romeo (2025) 

This retelling, which was released in May 2025, puts a musical spin on Shakespeare’s work. Written and directed by Timothy Scott Bogart, Juliet & Romeo features a stacked cast that includes Claire Ruggard as Juliet and Jamie Ward as Romeo, as well as Jason Isaacs, Rebel Wilson, Rupert Everett, and Dan Fogler.

Where to Watch Juliet & Romeo:

Juliet & Romeo can be rented or bought on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play, YouTube, and Apple TV.

Genre-Bending Romeo and Juliet Adaptations

Warm Bodies (2013)

Now we’re in the “loose adaptation” zone, looser than martial arts and motorcycles, honestly. Warm Bodies is a zombie rom-com where a brain-eating protagonist falls for a human girl, putting a hilarious spin on the classic tale. Neither side wants them together, but love wins — as it always does in Romeo and Juliet. Starring Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, the 2013 movie is cute, cheeky, and yes… their names? Julie and R. Enough said.

Where to Watch Warm Bodies:

Warm Bodies is not available to stream for free anywhere at the moment, but you can rent/buy it on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play, YouTube, and Apple TV.

Jan Thijs / Summit Entertainment / Everett Collection

Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)

It counts! Yes, this 2011 animated retelling starring garden gnomes counts, especially when one of them is literally named Gnomeo. Our star-crossed lovers come from rival communities and must navigate family feuds to be together. And they’re voiced by none other than James McAvoy and Emily Blunt. Yep, now you really want to watch it.

Where to Watch Gnomeo & Juliet:

You can watch Gnomeo & Juliet on Disney+.

Rosaline (2022)

A cheeky little twist on the classic, but bear with us. Instead of following the Romeo and Juliet story we all know, Rosaline is told from the perspective of Romeo’s jilted ex, the original object of his affection before Juliet stole his heart. Starring the talented Kaitlyn Dever, it’s a fun, flirty rom-com that tells the story of the woman before the one and offers a fresh, hilarious look at familiar characters.

Where to Watch Rosaline: 

Rosaline is not available to stream for free, but you can rent/buy the movie on Apple TV or Fandango at Home.

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010)

Yes, even the JoBros get in on the Romeo and Juliet action. Nate (Nick Jonas) and Dana (Chloe Bridges) attend rival music camps but fall in love despite the rivalry. No Shakespearean language here, but you do get catchy original songs, choreographed dance numbers, and all your favorite Disney Channel vibes.

Where to Watch Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam: 

You can stream Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam on Disney+.

Little Italy (2018)

All the classic ingredients: Italian food, feuding family patriarchs, and two young lovers falling head over heels. Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen play the star-crossed couple, complete with a shared childhood past. Add in an older couple finding love and the quirky restaurant staff, and… yeah, there’s a lot happening. Perfect for a cozy pizza night watch.

Where to Watch Little Italy: 

You can watch Little Italy for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, and The CW app.

The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998)

Disney magic strikes again — because yes, this beloved sequel is basically Romeo and Juliet in fur. Kiara (voiced by Neve Campbell) and Kovu (Jason Marsden) come from rival prides and must navigate family drama to be together. Warring families? Check. Forbidden love? Check. Happily ever after? Only if love wins — and of course, it does.

Where to Watch The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride: 

You can watch The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride on Disney+.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Not exactly Romeo and Juliet, but close enough! This charming film follows a fictional love affair between William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) during the writing of the iconic play. Packed with nods to Romeo and Juliet and other Shakespeare works, it’s a delightful, swoonworthy companion watch for fans of the classic.

Where to Watch Shakespeare in Love: 

You can stream Shakespeare in Love on Paramount+.

Solomon & Gaenor (1999)

This Welsh gem is criminally underknown, and we’re here to fix that. Ioan Gruffudd stars as Solomon Lewinsky, an Orthodox Jewish man in early 20th-century Wales, who falls for a gentile woman, Gaenor Rees, played by Nia Roberts. Their forbidden love has devastating consequences, making this one of the rare modern adaptations that truly captures the heart-wrenching tragedy of the original Romeo and Juliet.

Where to Watch Solomon & Gaenor: 

Solomon & Gaenor is not available to stream for free, but you can rent/buy the movie on Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home.

Everett Collection

West Side Story (1961 and 2021)

Two adaptations of the same legendary musical, both rooted in Romeo and Juliet. This time, we’re in 1957 New York, caught between the Jets, a gang of white youths, and the Sharks, a gang of Puerto Rican youths. Amid the tension and violence, Maria and Tony fall in love. The 1961 classic starred Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, while the 2021 remake brought Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort to the iconic roles, giving the timeless story a fresh, modern heartbeat.

Where to Watch West Side Story (1961):  

You can watch the 1961 version of West Side Story on Tubi, The Roku Channel, Prime Video, and Pluto TV.

Where to Watch West Side Story (2021):  

Watch the 2021 version of West Side Story on Disney+ and Pluto TV.

Which Romeo and Juliet adaptation is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!