Overview
A timeless tale of love and tragedy unfolds in a city divided by hatred.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- ardent
- romantic
- melancholic
- classic film night
- literary adaptation marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Zeffirelli's adaptation as a highly effective, visually beautiful, and emotionally powerful rendering of Shakespeare's tragedy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Romeo and Juliet belong to rival Montague and Capulet clans, forcing their devotion into secrecy and peril.
The Verona setting is presented through location photography, lived-in streets, and ceremonial spaces rather than abstract studio backdrops.
The lovers' vows are repeatedly overwhelmed by the longstanding Montague-Capulet feud and the machinations of fate.
Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey portray Romeo and Juliet as passionate adolescents whose brief encounter rapidly becomes absolute devotion.
Films like Romeo and Juliet, and why
West Side Story
tragic forbidden romance shaped by family conflict and social constraints
Atonement
period romance combining youthful passion, family opposition, lush visuals, and tragic fate
Wuthering Heights
literary romantic tragedy centered on idealized young lovers and forces beyond their control
Movie Details
- Director
- Franco Zeffirelli
- Release Date
- 1968-04-02
- Runtime
- 138 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (755)
Cast
- Leonard Whiting
- Olivia Hussey
- John McEnery
- Michael York
- Milo O'Shea
- Pat Heywood
- Robert Stephens
- Bruce Robinson
- Paul Hardwick
- Natasha Parry
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Romeo and Juliet about?
- Two young lovers challenge Verona’s murderous family feud, turning first love into an exquisitely visual tragedy.
- What is Romeo and Juliet like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Romeo and Juliet as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Romeo and Juliet violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Romeo and Juliet as mild.
- What did critics think of Romeo and Juliet?
- Critics broadly regard Zeffirelli's adaptation as a highly effective, visually beautiful, and emotionally powerful rendering of Shakespeare's tragedy.
- Which films are like Romeo and Juliet?
- Films with a similar feel include West Side Story, Atonement, and Wuthering Heights.
- How long is Romeo and Juliet?
- Romeo and Juliet runs 138 minutes.
- Where can I watch Romeo and Juliet?
- In United States, Romeo and Juliet is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
