Shakespeare's Best & Worst Plays

Often coined the greatest writer to ever live, William Shakespeare will forever be remembered for his amazing storytelling and impressive writing ability. It's truly amazing seeing how his works continue to last the test of time. And while some of his plays are instantly recognized, some are much lesser known (maybe for a good reason). Let's explore 10 of Shakespeare's most influential works and 10 we're not surprised we haven't heard of.

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1. Romeo & Juliet

There isn't a living soul on this planet who hasn't heard about these two star-crossed lovers. Heck, that term was created thanks to this very play! The tragic love story of Romeo & Juliet has influenced more pieces of media than you could ever count. From movies to books and songs, this tale will forever live on. Many even consider this to be one of Shakespeare's most iconic works.

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2. Macbeth

Macbeth is definitely one of Shakespeare's stand-out plays that had everything from witches and magic to terrible mistakes and sin. It's one of his shorter works, which makes it more accessible for readers to enjoy. Don't get us wrong though, it's still packed with just as much great storytelling as his longer pieces. And to this day, the fall of the Macbeths continues to be an important lesson for all: don't be tempted by greed.

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3. Hamlet

To be, or not to be, that is the question. This line from Hamlet's famous monologue is one that continues to be memorized by actors and writers around the world. Many even quote it without knowing where it came from! As such, the influence of Hamlet is undeniable. The themes of this story, including honesty, morality, and revenge, continue to feel relevant and speak to readers of this day and age.

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4. Julius Caesar

Even if you've never read this play, we wouldn't be surprised if you knew the line "Et tu, Brute?". Synonymous with betrayal, these familiar words demonstrate just how impactful Julius Caesar truly is. Exploring relevant themes like loyalty, justice, and human complexity, we're not surprised this play is still talked about so often. 

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5. Twelfth Night

For readers who are sick of tragedies, they'll find joy learning Shakespeare has a variety of comedies in his collection as well. Twelfth Night continues to stand out as a favorite for many. With its unique gender swapping storyline, it provides plenty of laughs thanks to all the miscommunication and confusion. It's a rom com at its best! This fun read serves as a staple for those who prefer a more lighthearted story. 

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6. Othello

Often deemed one of Shakespeare's most tragic pieces, you just know it's going to be a play full of messy relationships, inner battles, and questionable morals. Yes, Othello checks off all of those. All thanks to a bit of jealousy, the main character, Othello, is driven mad by false beliefs and wicked lies. If you know Shakespeare, you can guess how this story will end (remember, it's a tragedy!). 

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7. A Midsummer Night's Dream

If you like a lot of different subplots and characters, A Midsummer Night's Dream will surely satisfy what you enjoy. All centered around the wedding between Theseus and Hippolyta, this play takes you on a crazy ride to explore other side stories. From fairies to magic spells and weird love triangles, this is one of Shakespeare's most enjoyed plays. People just love how bold and bizarre it is!

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8. Much Ado About Nothing

With so much love, deception, and trickery at the forefront in Much Ado About Nothing, we're not surprised this is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays. There's so much going on, keeping readers entertained at every corner; following along with Hero and Claudio's love story just feels like a rollercoaster ride! At this point, it sure feels like Shakespeare was the first to introduce so much drama into writing.

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9. King Lear

Considered to be one of Shakespeare's greatest works, King Lear tells the story of a man who learned the hard way that flattery is just words. Who knew dividing up your kingdom based on surface-level affection is not the best way to go? And knowing how most Shakespeare tragedies go, you can expect a couple of deaths in this one too.

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10. The Tempest

Whenever one of Shakespeare's plays involves magic at the forefront, you know it's going to be a good one. The Tempest is a prime example of that, featuring an intense story about revenge, betrayal, and forgiveness. Seen as his last independently written play, it makes sense that this piece got a lot of attention. After all, it's like the final chapter of this amazing writer's collection.

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1. The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Out of everything Shakespeare's ever written (which is a lot!), many often vote that The Two Gentlemen of Verona is one of the worst. The reasons may vary, but most agree that the play is incredibly underwhelming, has bland characters, and even features some uncomfortable views regarding women. Compared to how engaging Shakespeare's other pieces can be, this one didn't leave readers satisfied. 

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2. The Taming of the Shrew

Just because this was written during a different time doesn't mean it's okay. Often considered one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays, The Taming of the Shrew is incredibly misogynistic. By creating Petruchio, a character that sees his wife as a "beast" that needs to be "tamed," this puts male dominance and mistreatment at the forefront of this story. This alone clearly shows this work did not age well.

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3. Cymbeline

Full of tragedy, drama, comedy, and even romance, it's a bit hard defining what genre best fits Cymbeline. While Shakespeare initially called it a tragedy, many modern readers disagree with this categorization. Calling it "tragicomedy," which is a literary term used to describe works that blend tragedy and comedy together, this play is just a bit confusing. It's received many mixed responses over the years, with readers feeling just as boggled by the amount of subplots as there is genres.

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4. Titus Andronicus

Full of violence, this Shakespeare play is the equivalent of modern slasher films. For some, it's going to be very hard to stomach. Titus Andronicus is anything but lighthearted; it's full of dark themes, dark imagery, and dark writing. We're not surprised this isn't a popular piece of work, and honestly, its obsession with violence is downright strange.

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5. The Comedy of Errors

While the title might grab your attention, The Comedy of Errors is generally seen as one of Shakespeare's weakest plays. While you'll certainly get a couple of laughs from it, don't expect anything too deep as you might with some of his other works. It is a short read though, so if you're looking for a quick, comedic play, it could be one worth considering.

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6. Timon of Athens

Turns out even the most wealthy have a limit to their riches. While this premise seems like a good one, many argue that Timon of Athens lacks in execution and delivery. The play simply isn't as engaging as most of Shakespeare's other works and feels quite rough around the edges. 

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7. Henry VIII

Why does Henry VIII get so much hate? While Shakespeare's works can be difficult to read for the general public, his amazing storytelling ability is enough to grab people's attention. But in this particular play, many readers say it's so boring, it's not worth the time and effort. The main issue has to do with the characters - they're not very well written and don't feel developed enough. 

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8. Merry Wives of Windsor

If there's one Shakespeare play that constantly gets a bad rep, it's Merry Wives of Windsor. How many of you have actually heard of this one before? Many complain that the main character, Falstaff, who is seen in Henry IV, seems like he's been downgraded. But while it might not work as the greatest read, as far as performances go, many praise seeing it live as a play (as it's intended!). 

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9. Pericles, Prince of Tyre

Although many of you likely haven't heard of Pericles, Prince of Tyre before, this is one play that Shakespeare fans consider a hidden gem. Cowritten with George Wilkins, readers appreciate how engaging and mythical the plot is. The biggest complaints lie in that the themes aren't as compelling as some of Shakespeare's greater works like Hamlet, but this is definitely an underrated read worth trying. 

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10. Troilus and Cressida 

When it comes to having a split opinion on a Shakespeare play, Troilus and Cressida often tops the list for getting the most mixed reactions. While some appreciate the satire and morals of the story, this play gets misinterpreted quite often, leading to many confused responses. It seems like many just don't know what to make of it, meaning it's one you'll have to read yourself to find out.

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