Shakespeare in Love
1998, English. Directed by John Madden.
Love is the only inspiration.
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.8/10 from 3,320 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
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Where to watch Shakespeare in Love
Shakespeare in Love is streaming on JioHotstar in India.
Stream
JioHotstar
Apple TV Store
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- John MaddenDirector
- Joseph FiennesWill Shakespeare
- Gwyneth PaltrowViola De Lesseps
- Geoffrey RushPhilip Henslowe
- Tom WilkinsonHugh Fennyman
- Judi DenchQueen Elizabeth
- Imelda StauntonNurse
- Colin FirthLord Wessex
- Ben AffleckNed Alleyn
- Simon CallowTilney
- Steven BeardMakepeace
- Jim CarterRalph Bashford
- Rupert EverettChristopher Marlowe
Details
- Released
- 11 December 1998
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Marc Norman, Tom Stoppard
- Budget
- $25M
- Box office
- $289M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Shakespeare in Love: quick answers
Is Shakespeare in Love worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.8/10 from 3,320 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Shakespeare in Love?
Shakespeare in Love runs 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Does Shakespeare in Love have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Shakespeare in Love. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Shakespeare in Love parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Shakespeare in Love is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Shakespeare in Love on?
Shakespeare in Love is streaming on JioHotstar in India. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Shakespeare in Love?
If you liked Shakespeare in Love, try Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Dangerous Beauty, Much Ado About Nothing.
Who directed Shakespeare in Love?
Shakespeare in Love (1998) was directed by John Madden and stars Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush.