It was a time of enlightenment , royalty , and rebirth . It was an age of corsets , collars , and Pantaloon , where some of the greatest thinkers and esthetic imaginations prospered . The Renaissance was a world - shift era for history , so it makes sense that this era would be visually explored through the mass medium of film .

From dark political thrillers to light and earnest costume dramas , the period is nothing but elastic when it come in to genre , and while it ’s not the most - explored context , there are more than a few Renaissance / Elizabethan motion picture to fulfill the armchair historians and drama club alumni out there .

The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) (6.7)

Royalty , love story , and ruthless deception , these are the catalysts that fuelThe Other Boleyn Girl . A highly - romanticized history of King Henry VIII , Anne Boleyn , and Mary Queen of Scots is the borderline unimaginative example of a costume dramatic event , but it ’s not without some serious virtue . It is very interesting to see gender role reversed as two woman fight down for the affections ( and the crown ) of one serviceman in this tale of seduction , treason , and sinister sibling rivalry .

Anonymous (2011) (6.9)

fan of the bard have all been play in this 2011 drama pertain the world ’s most famous writer . This film might have a 6.9 rating , but it is inhale by one of the most disgraceful confederacy theories concerning a historical chassis . Anonymousasks the question " Was Shakespeare a fraud ? "

What if the most beloved and beautiful plays and verse form were actually a mysterious quislingism between a kindling playwright and British royalty ?

The Merchant of Venice (2004)  (7.0)

Speaking ofWilliam Shakespeare , the Renaissance musical style would n’t even exist without adaptations of his plays . While this picture show version of Shakespeare’sMerchant of Veniceonly sportswoman a 7.0 evaluation , it ’s two run talents are 10/10 in the kingdom of field . Jeremy Irons and Al Pacino star in this dramatic fib of greed , persecution , and pounds of flesh , and their performances drip with a warmth that Shakespeare himself could admire .

The Taming of the Shrew (1967) (7.1)

For those looking for something more lighthearted and comical , look no further thanTaming of the Shrew . Before it received the more modern and arguably more darling adaptation,10 Things I Hate About You , Elizabeth Taylor ,   Richard Burton , and Michael York starred in this colourful comedy .

Viewers will gasp with laugh as the Wily and bestial Pertrucio tames the shrewd and shrewish Kathrina , proving that while the playscript may be a few C onetime , the story is timeless .

Shakespeare in Love (1998) (7.1)

There are few films aboutShakespeare himselfas iconic and well - known asShakespeare in Love . In this fanciful chronicle of the conception of one of the author ’s most illustrious looseness , a struggling William Shakespeare falls for the endearing Viola de Lesseps and pursues her as his muse . With two patron impatiently waiting for his next maneuver , yet to be written , the writer finds stirring and more in his fresh romantic interest .

The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965) (7.2)

Stepping back from the Globe Theatre , the next pic takes viewer to the Sistine Chapel during the twist and creative activity of one of the most famous piece of art during the Renaissance .

The Agony and the Ecstacy   isthe tumultuous report of Michaelangelo and Pope Julius II , two fiery personality who forge one of the greatest works of art ever conceived during the era . With Charlton Heston as the passionate artist and Rex Harrison as the strong - willed Bishop of Rome , the vigour between the two is absolutely astounding .

Elizabeth (7.4)

How could anyone speak about the Renaissance without mentioning one of it ’s most prominent figures , Queen Elizabeth I ? While most are familiar with the royal and regal effigy of the tabby with her neck ruff and frocks , Elizabethpulls back the mantle and shines a light on a younger poove as she make headway the stool amidst brewing unrest with France and Spain , as well as a extract of men in her life . utter for anyone want a political thriller .

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (7.5)

Although the deed of conveyance might use Shakespeare ’s greatest play as its backdrop , this is unquestionably a farce comedy of both the bard and theatre in general .

fundamentally , the film is the narrative of Hamlet , but separate from the head of perspective of the venial characters , Rosencrantz and Guildenstern , and check through their eye as they attempt to salve their friend and keep from ( ineluctably ) lose their forefront in the process . A comedy of error if there ever was one , unquestionably a must - watch for dramaturgy - buffs everywhere .

Romeo and Juliet (1968) (7.6)

To say thatRomeo and Julietisn’t the most noted love life story ever put to report would be an outright lie . That being said , it ’s been done and redone so many time it ’s almost a platitude . While there are dozens to choose from , the 1968 classic still holds up as one of the most wild-eyed adaptations of the star - crossed buff of fair Verona . It ’s nothing innovational , but a Shakespeare - mollify comforter food of a flick that ’s idealistic for a duet ’s night in .

A Man for All Seasons (1966) (7.7)

Based on the award - winning play of the same name , A Man for All Seasonsconcerns the account of Sir Thomas More and his affair during the disgraceful divorcement of King Henry VIII . Those who are unfamiliar with the play will certainly know the host of natural endowment that brings this drama to life , including the likes of Paul Scofield , Orson Welles , and even an former projection screen visual aspect from John Hurt . It ’s a routine of an acquired tasting but will satisfy those wanting political drama , scandals , and treachery .

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Renniassance Films Featured

Scarlett Johansson as Mary places a necklace on Natalie Portman as Anne in The Other Boleyn Girl

Anonymous Conspirators Meeting

Al Pachino as Shylock

The wedding as depicted in The Taming of the Shrew

Shakespeare in Love with Viola de Lesseps

Michelangelo and the Pope in The Agony and the Ecstasy

Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern on Horseback

Romeo and Juliet Death Scene

A Man for All Seasons

Movies