10 Essential Shakespeare Works That Still Resonate Today
Think you know William Shakespeare? These game changers should be on your reading list.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
William Shakespeare, arguably one of the most influential literary figures in history, should be celebrated every single day. Going on to become an inspiration for many storytellers that came after him, England’s national poet’s plays—originally written for the stage—have transcended time and geography to become essential reading in classrooms and literary circles across the globe. Whether it’s the brooding tragedy of Hamlet, the magical mischief of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or the biting political commentary in Julius Caesar, Shakespeare's stories continue to resonate today.
And beyond literature, his influence has shaped language, pop culture, and even psychology. Terms like “Oedipal complex” and “green-eyed monster” are rooted in his work, in fact. For those new to Shakespeare or eager to revisit his genius, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming.
Having lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, he penned 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several poems! That’s why we’ve rounded up the best Shakespeare books and plays: From celebrated tragedies to iconic comedies and lesser-known gems, this curated list will help you experience the depth and breadth of his brilliance, and give you inspo for your reading list.
Eupator Classics ‘Hamlet’
Arguably Shakespeare’s most famous play, Hamlet follows the Danish prince of the same name as he seeks revenge for the murder of his father. After encountering his father’s ghost, Hamlet spirals into existential despair, feigned madness, and philosophical introspection. The play is filled with unforgettable soliloquies—most notably, “To be or not to be.” Hamlet is a study of grief, revenge, and the complexity of human emotion. No wonder it’s often referenced in psychology.
In this haunting tragedy, Shakespeare examines the corrupting power of ambition. Macbeth begins with a Scottish general encountering three witches who predict his rise to the throne. Spurred on by his ambitious wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and descends into a terrifying spiral of paranoia and tyranny. The supernatural elements—witches, visions, and ghosts, oh my!—add an eerie tension that builds to a (spoiler alert!) climactic, bloody conclusion. With its themes of fate, guilt, and moral decay, Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s darkest and most gripping works.
‘Romeo and Juliet’
You must know how this one goes... The timeless tale of star-crossed lovers remains one of the most iconic love stories ever told. Romeo and Juliet chronicles the doomed romance between two young people from feuding families in Verona. Despite their passionate connection, a series of miscommunications and impulsive choices leads to their tragic deaths. The play, rich in poetic language, memorable balcony scenes, and heartfelt emotion, explores love, fate, and how longstanding hatred can destroy. It’s a must-read for romantics and cynics alike.
‘King Lear’
King Lear explores power, loyalty, and madness. The play opens with the aging King Lear dividing his kingdom among his daughters based on their flattery. (It’s giving Succession.) When his youngest and most honest daughter refuses to exaggerate her love for him, he disowns her, setting off a tragic chain of events.
As Lear descends into madness and betrayal, the play explores the vulnerability of emotion and choice. Stark, poetic, and emotionally devastating, King Lear is considered by many to be Shakespeare’s most emotionally raw tragedy.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
A whimsical blend of romance, magic, and humor, A Midsummer Night’s Dream transports readers to a forest filled with mischievous fairies and confused lovers. When four young Athenians flee into the woods, they become entangled in a web of enchantments and misunderstandings, which proves to be quite funny. The fairy king Oberon and his servant Puck manipulate the humans with magical love potions, leading to comedic chaos. Meanwhile, a troupe of amateur actors prepares a hilariously disastrous play for a royal wedding.
Dover Thrift Editions ‘Julius Caesar’
Dover Thrift Editions ‘Julius Caesar’
A tense political drama, Julius Caesar delves into themes of loyalty, power, and betrayal in ancient Rome. The story follows the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar and the subsequent fallout that tears the republic apart. Brutus, one of Caesar’s closest friends, is torn between personal loyalty and civic duty. The famous line, “Et tu, Brute?” still resonates as a symbol of the betrayal, in fact. With its powerful rhetoric, dramatic speeches, and moral complexity, Julius Caesar remains a potent study in the consequences of political chaos.
Folger Shakespeare Library ‘Othello’
Folger Shakespeare Library ‘Othello’
Othello is a harrowing exploration of jealousy, manipulation, and racial tension. The play centers on Othello, a respected Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his descent into tragic rage after being deceived by his envious subordinate, Iago. Fueled by lies, Othello’s trust in his beloved wife Desdemona deteriorates, leading to a heartbreaking climax. (No spoilers here!) The play explores identity, prejudice, and the destructiveness of suspicion. Consider Othello one of Shakespeare’s most psychologically intense and emotionally wrenching tragedies.
Folger Shakespeare Library ‘The Tempest’
Folger Shakespeare Library ‘The Tempest’
This romance combines magic, revenge, and forgiveness on a mysterious island. Prospero, a wronged duke and powerful sorcerer, conjures a storm to shipwreck his enemies on the island where he has lived in exile with his daughter, Miranda. As Prospero orchestrates events to regain his power, the play explores themes of power, colonization, and redemption. Rich in visual spectacle and lyrical language, The Tempest has long fascinated scholars and directors alike. It’s often seen as Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage, with many theorizing that Prospero was a stand-in for Shakespeare.
Folger Shakespeare Library ‘Twelfth Night’
Folger Shakespeare Library ‘Twelfth Night’
Filled with mistaken identities and gender-bending disguises, Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. The play follows Viola, who, after being shipwrecked, disguises herself as a man named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino. What ensues is a tangled web of unrequited love, comedic misunderstandings, and joyful revelations. We love how this story explores love, identity, and self-discovery through witty dialogue.
Cloud Mill Press ‘Shakespeare’s Sonnets’
Cloud Mill Press ‘Shakespeare’s Sonnets’
While Shakespeare is best known for his plays, his 154 sonnets are masterworks of poetic form and emotional depth. These poems explore love, beauty, time, and mortality with incredible linguistic precision and imagination. Some of the most famous lines in English literature come from these verses, as a matter of fact. The sonnets often depict a deep and complex emotional journey like his plays, touching on both romantic devotion and inner conflict. Whether read individually or as a sequence, Shakespeare’s sonnets will give you a window into his mind and brilliance.
Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor who has created share-worthy content for publishers like Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and BestGifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in shopping, parenting, and home are rooted in her everyday life. Her passion is hunting for the best products and sharing them with the masses, so others don't have to waste time and money.
Books Taylor Swift Loves
Sarah J. Maas Announces “ACOTAR” Books 6 and 7
How to Buy a Kindle for Less
Save These 9 Hockey Romance Books For Your Next Read
