thecouchcritic
MoviesTV ShowsTrendingTop ReviewedWhat to Watch
Log inSign up
thecouchcritic

Discover, rate, and review your favorite movies and TV shows.

Navigation

  • Movies
  • TV Shows
  • Trending
  • Top Reviewed

Account

  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Profile
  • Watchlist

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

© 2025 thecouchcritic. All rights reserved.

This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

Shakespeare in Love
Shakespeare in Love

Shakespeare in Love

December 11, 1998
2h 3m
Romance
History
Comedy
Critics
85/100
Story
82/100
Acting
88/100
Cinematography
90/100
Soundtrack
80/100
Audience
69/100
Story
78/100
Acting
83/100
Cinematography
85/100
Soundtrack
75/100

Young Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter," before it's even written. When a lovely noblewoman auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love -- and his play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship progresses, Shakespeare's comedy soon transforms into tragedy.

Where to Watch

Rent
Neon TV
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Microsoft Store
Buy
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Microsoft Store
Streaming availability data powered by JustWatch.

Details

Director
John Madden
Cast
Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, Simon Callow, Steven Beard
Release Date
December 11, 1998
Production
Miramax, Universal Pictures, Bedford Falls Productions

Rating Distribution

User Ratings

5 Stars65%
1235
4 Stars25%
475
3 Stars8%
152
2 Stars2%
38
1 Stars0%
0
Total: 1,900 ratings

Reviews

Want to write a review?

Sign in to share your thoughts and rate this movie.

Sign In
Mo
MovieCritic
Critic
December 15, 2023🇺🇸 US
90/100

An outstanding film that delivers on all fronts. The performances are stellar, and the direction is impeccable. Highly recommended for fans of the genre.

Story: 92Acting: 95Cinematography: 88Soundtrack: 85
Fi
FilmFan123
User
December 10, 2023🇬🇧 GB
98/100

Absolutely loved it! The story kept me engaged from start to finish, and the visuals were breathtaking. One of the best I've seen this year.

Story: 97Acting: 99Cinematography: 99Soundtrack: 96
Ci
CinemaExpert
Critic
December 5, 2023🇫🇷 FR
70/100

While the film has its moments, it falls short in some areas. The pacing is uneven, but the strong performances make up for it somewhat.

Story: 65Acting: 80Cinematography: 75Soundtrack: 60

Similar Movies

The Very Thought of You
Movie

Laurence recounts to his neighbour how his life long friendship with Frank and Daniel has been overturned in just three days by their each independently meeting, and falling for, Martha, who has no idea of their connection. Slowly the tale unfolds, the narrative moving backwards and forwards gradually filling in the gaps until we see the whole picture

The Very Thought of You

57%
Romeo and Juliet
Movie

In this Broadway stage production, Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad take on the title characters in a modern adaptation of the timeless classic, Romeo and Juliet.

Romeo and Juliet

60%
National Theatre Live: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Movie

A feuding fairy King and Queen of the forest cross paths with four runaway lovers and a troupe of actors trying to rehearse a play. As their dispute grows, the magical royal couple meddle with mortal lives leading to love triangles, mistaken identities and transformations… with hilarious, but dark consequences.

National Theatre Live: A Midsummer Night's Dream

76%
National Theatre Live: Present Laughter
Movie

As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.

National Theatre Live: Present Laughter

84%
Beauty and the Beast
Movie

The story of a gentle-hearted beast in love with a simple and beautiful girl. She is drawn to the repellent but strangely fascinating Beast, who tests her fidelity by giving her a key, telling her that if she doesn't return it to him by a specific time, he will die of grief. She is unable to return the key on time, but it is revealed that the Beast is the genuinely handsome one. A simple tale of tragic love that turns into a surreal vision of death, desire, and beauty.

Beauty and the Beast

75%
On the Waterfront
Movie

Terry Malloy is a kindhearted dockworker, and former boxer, who is tricked by his corrupt bosses into leading his friend to death. After falling in love, he tries to leave the waterfront and expose his employers.

On the Waterfront

79%
Ben-Hur
Movie

In 25 AD, Judah Ben-Hur, a Jew in ancient Judea, opposes the occupying Roman empire. Falsely accused by a Roman childhood friend-turned-overlord of trying to kill the Roman governor, he is put into slavery and his mother and sister are taken away as prisoners.

Ben-Hur

79%
The Bridges of Madison County
Movie

Photographer Robert Kincaid wanders into the life of housewife Francesca Johnson for four days in the 1960s.

The Bridges of Madison County

77%