The variety of captivating plays is nearly endless, but local theaters can only perform a limited selection. Movie adaptations bypass this dilemma, as they are accessible from anywhere (as long as they’re available on a streaming platform). We’ve compiled 10 movie adaptations of plays that have won over us and/or the critics.
1. Carnage (2011)
This dark comedy by Roman Polanski features two sets of parents meeting to resolve a fight between their children. The situation escalates hilariously and tensely. Shot in the style of a chamber play, the movie is based on Yasmina Reza’s award-winning play Le Dieu du Carnage. The cast includes Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, and John C. Reilly, some of whom received awards for their performances.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
2. Moonlight (2016)
Barry Jenkins’ drama, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play In Moonlight Boys Look Blue, won the Oscar for Best Picture. This coming-of-age story follows Chiron, a young boy navigating life as an outsider in a tough environment. Three actors portray Chiron at different stages of his life.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Joyn
3. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This romantic comedy is a loose adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. The setting is an American high school, where Cameron schemes to date Bianca by setting up her older sister Kat with the rebellious Patrick. The film, starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, remains a classic romantic comedy.
Streaming: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
4. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
Mike Nichols’ drama, based on Edward Albee’s play, broke conventions of its time and won five Oscars. It follows two couples spending an evening together, exposing tensions and conflicts. The cast includes Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
5. The Father (2019)
Adapted from Florian Zeller’s play, this drama explores the perspective of a man with dementia, played by Anthony Hopkins. Fragmented and disjointed storytelling mirrors his perception of reality. The film, co-starring Olivia Colman, received six Oscar nominations.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
6. Faust (1960)
This adaptation of Goethe’s Faust I is a filmed version of Gustaf Gründgens’ legendary stage production at Hamburg’s Schauspielhaus. Combining cinematic techniques like close-ups with the theatrical staging, the film remains a testament to Gründgens’ iconic portrayal of Mephistopheles.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Freenet Video, videociety
7. August: Osage County (2013)
Based on Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this family drama features a star-studded cast, including Meryl Streep. The story focuses on the explosive family dynamics and buried secrets revealed at a funeral dinner.
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
8. Les Misérables (2012)
Tom Hooper’s musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, originally staged as a musical, follows Jean Valjean’s redemption journey against the backdrop of 19th-century France. Starring Hugh Jackman, the film won numerous Oscars and Golden Globes.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, freenet Video
9. William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann modernizes Shakespeare’s tragedy, setting it in a violent, crime-ridden environment. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, the film retains Shakespeare’s original language while updating the setting for a contemporary audience.
Streaming: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
10. Harvey (1950)
Henry Koster’s comedy, based on Mary Chase’s play, tells the story of Elwood, a kind and eccentric man whose best friend is an imaginary 6-foot-3 rabbit named Harvey. Starring James Stewart, this whimsical movie also wins over the people around Elwood.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
