tier ranking every Shakespeare play I've read

to read or not to read??
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[@juliangross3192]

i honestly think the key with the comedies is seeing them performed, i've seen performances of the dream or much ado that made me cry with laughter, but reading the play it just doesnt hit the same.. kind of different for the tragedies, the comedy can really depend on the approach and is physical a lot of the time too

[@ellenrooms_writes9047]

I saw The Merry Wives of Windsor performed at the Globe a couple of years ago and it was SO GOOD, but not sure if I would enjoy it if I were to read it. So yes, definitely agree with this!!

[@druidbottles]

Yes! In high school, a teacher explained to me that even though reading the plays is great, it's such an enhanced experience to see Shakespeare performed. She mentioned how there's a rhythm to his writing that you don't fully appreciate until watching someone perform it. I haven't gotten to see a live Shakespeare before, but it's definitely a dream!

[@unsweetenedit9090]

Excellent point. I enjoyed reading A Midsummer Night's Dream but when I caught a video of some college's performance of it that's when it became my favorite. It completely brought everything up a level despite the fact that the acting, God bless them, was not that great. It still delivered the laughs.

[@oppie47]

This is so important! Performance doesn’t just change how you experience comedies though. A good or bad performance can affect your perception of tragedies too. My opinion of Twelfth Night and Macbeth both went up after seeing better performances after seeing weak performances first.

[@daydays12]

I hope you do soon. It is wonderful when performed well.@@druidbottles

[@filipepereira2688]

3:34 - Julius Ceaser 5:25 - A Midsummer Night's Dream 6:58 - Richard III 10:08 - Richard II 12:38 - The Taming of the Shrew 15:42 - Hamlet 16:33 - Anthony and Cleopatra 17:13 - Macbeth 19:29 - Measure For Measure 23:02 - As You Like It 24:44 - The Merchant of Venice 25:30 - The Tempest 26:13 - Rome and Juliet 27:13 - Twelfth Night 28:01 - King Lear I just read Othello and came to this video thinking you might have read it, but lo and behold, you didn't ahah Anyway, hope the timestamps please other people.

[@elenalanzieri2906]

thank you sm🥲

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

Emma was the reason i started loving classics. Is this my call to pick Shakespeare?

[@sarahlouise7133]

Yes yes yes!!! ❤

[@sophieeliot]

Yes, absolutely. Shakespeare's plays are fantastic

[@someoneunknown7259]

Got king lear cause of her but still didn’t read it yet. Really looking forward to

[@halfgodfairy8654]

Yes!!!!

[@emmiereads]

ah yes absolutely!

[@tamarajovanovic3769]

After two semesters of studying Shakespeare at uni, I can finally see why every scholar is obsessed with him. Shakespeare is every lit student's dream! You can read him for beautiful writing, for extraordinary characters, for captivating plot... You can go through every emotion with him. Personally, I enjoyed equally analysing his plays as well as reading them for fun. I've always loved Shakespeare but now I ADORE him! My favourite plays are Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream

[@c_r_i_ss_y]

You absolutely have to see Macbeth performed Emma! I had the pleasure to see Macbeth at the Almeida Theatre in London a couple years back with Saoirse Ronan and James McArdle: the setting was adapted to look like the action was taking place during either WWI or WWII. James McArdle was unbelievable as Macbeth 🩷🤌🏻

[@penultimateh766]

Oh yeah, that goes for any Shakespeare and indeed any play. The dimensions of staging and acting and direction seem indispensable to enjoying it.

[@user-vx6bn1pl5h]

so sick of seeing shakeapeare adapted with guns... its been done so many times now it feels like a serious lack of creativity. We could have so many amaxzing costumes and all anyone wants to do is use camo gear and suits :(

[@delaneyfarrell4627]

I haven't read Much Ado but I just saw it live a few weeks ago and it is delightful! The whole theater was cracking up for like 80% of the show, the humor is so amazing. The love story between Benedick and Beatrice is done so well (the og enemies to lovers). Definitely a fun one to see live because the actors added so much through physical comedy but now I can't wait to read the play!

[@morganmeadowes6861]

I recently watched a recording of Much Ado with David Tennant and Catherine Tate playing Benedick and Beatrice and read it almost immediately afterwards, I think I’m in love.

[@michaeljackson6613]

My favorite

[@lunaginebra]

Ever since you started talking about your Shakespeare course and after listening your super valuable recs I definitely want to read more of his plays ❤ also I loved the tier names hahah

[@paula_lsc]

I truly love your way of describing books so much, Emma.🥰It’s just so vivid and passionate! You sort of manage to make me feel good about the amount of books I already read, but also motivate me to read more. I will definitely try to start my first Shakespeare pretty soon. Please stay the way you are!❤️

[@alexandranapoli431]

Love Shakespeare! My city does FREE Shakespeare in the park plays every summer. I'm so lucky to have seen many of these performed live!

[@mollybrewer8098]

Much Ado About Nothing absolutely delivers 🙌 one of my favorites!! Macbeth is on my Fall TBR and I can’t wait!

[@benmartizz8238]

My fave shakespeare play would be A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet for sure!! The language from the two plays are just sooooo creatively sublime that I just fall again and again with Shakespeare lol

[@BooksAllTheWayDown]

Othello is my all time favorite Shakespeare play! Love love LOVE it!! Desdemona and Iago are some of my all time favorite characters!

[@cilantropacket]

I’ve read some Shakespeare in high school, and have enjoyed most of it. I’ve always wondered where to go next. Thanks for the help narrowing it down Emma!!!❤️

[@jaimeslibrary]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS ABOUT THE TEMPEST, i absolutely love that play and it is SO underrated. i am such a shakespeare fan, thank you drama school, and cannot wait to see you read more. i would love to hear your thoughts on much ado about nothing, othello, and titus andronicus. i haven't read even close to all of his works but my favourite and least favourite from the bard are macbeth and all's well that ends well (would actually love to hear you slander this one to pieces lol).

[@nickel_0]

I was so inspired by your video that I just started a reread of Romeo & Juliet, and I'm loving it! So many great lines and the side characters are awesome. When I read Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth in high school, I just thought it they were both mid, but I knew I just didn't get it yet. I'm so glad I'm giving Shakespeare another go

[@CherryBlossomXX93]

This video spoke to my soul on a level I was not expecting for a Wednesday afternoon. 😂 I am such a Shakespeare girl, and I wholeheartedly agree with your ranking for almost all of these. I would add Othello and Much Ado.. to tier 2, the Henry plays to tier 3 mostly, and swap around The Tempest with Twelfth Night. I haven't read Measure for Measure, but you have totally bumped it up my list after this video! PLEASE update us with your tier ranking for Twelfth Night when you re-read it with Carolyn because I absolutely ADORE that play. The role of gender, the witty female protagonist, the hints to queerness and sexuality, the comedy and dramatic irony, the subtle discussions on how people with mental health issues were treated... It's just so so good! I did have an issue with the conservative ending though. That's the only reason it's not top teir for me! 😋

[@jeeranko3359]

Hamlet is not just my favourite Shakespeare play, but my favourite play, period. And Much ado about nothing is a brilliant romcom, very witty and funny. I don't know your attitude to David Tennant, but he stared in both of those (not only in those, tho), and his versions are just brilliant. He's my favourite Hamlet, and I've seen A LOT (probably around 10 adaptations, give or take). Shakespeare's language is exquisite, no one'd ever written like he had.

[@Missfrankiecat]

My favourite too. The greatest play ever written - and you will see different meanings the more times you watch it at different seasons of life.

[@Blondie101010100]

Emma and Shakespeare - excellent pairing! My absolute favourite is King Lear. I agree with your top 3. You'll love Much Ado About Nothing. Act 1 Scene 1 quote: 'I can see he's not in your good books,' said the messenger. 'No, and if he were I would burn my library.' 😁

[@Insha2345]

I guess emma has this kind of charm that makes you listen to her all day and night. She has such soothing voice 😩

[@circleofleaves2676]

She really does. Her buddy Carolyn from the channel Carolyn Marie Reads also has a very soothing voice, as well as great taste in books and being a very talented artist. Emma, Carolyn, and Christy Anne Jones are my 3 favourite booktubers, from Canada, the US, and Australia respectively.

[@Insha2345]

@@circleofleaves2676 I love Carolyn's smile, it is so wholesome. Everytime she smiles I get so happy. And Carolyn is the most sweetest person I have ever seen literally

[@anitas5817]

I missed you this past week! I know you did 4 videos in a row the week before, but I’m happy to have a new one today! 😊

[@tithichatterjee3734]

I'm really looking forward to your opinion on Othello when you read it. Though for me it doesn't reach the heights of Macbeth, it still is a wonderful play. And thank you for the recommendations❤

[@JohnSaxon-vw5vi]

Emma this is a five star video love it 🥰 and your amazing channel and I am going to have to go back and read all of Shakespeare wonderful and amazing plays ❤❤

[@angelablanco6671]

love your classic literature videos!! 💌 would love to see more

[@elisaslibrary]

I don't love reading plays generally but you make me want to try out shakespeare plays again ngl Especially since i've been meaning to read Hamlet ever since I saw it performed in the West end in London, and loved it

[@r.j.williams]

i've only read macbeth in its entirety (i've read some of a midsummer's night dream and some of romeo and juliet) and i absolutely loved that. i wasn't too invested in either of the other 2 that i've read bits of, but i think that might be partially because that was a few years ago and i wasn't massively into classic literature at all, let alone reading shakespeare. i want to read hamlet next i think. it will be the first time i've read any shakespeare for pleasure rather than school

[@julietbeck2945]

ahh love this so much. would love to hear your thoughts on coriolanus because the enemies who may be infatuated with one another is soo good 😍

[@jamesduggan7200]

Coriolanus does not get the love it deserves.

[@nicholasriba6941]

@@jamesduggan7200 Agreed! Coriolanus is probably my favourite (although there is a lot of competition for that title haha)

[@sarahellis6703]

yes! Coriolanus is such a great play and it doesn’t get enough love

[@mena4397]

I never thought i would avidly enjoy Shakespeare but i picked up Romeo and Juliet recently and suddenly found his plays were way wittier and interesting than i had initially assumed! This video makes me very excited to pick up Hamlet as i adored Macbeth :)

[@amulya2668]

I love watching your videos, so calming so informative

[@emmiereads]

thank you lovely

[@johnmagnuson2499]

A very good pick to review these plays. I believe I will reread Julius Caesar for starters after a long absence. Good form!

[@halfgodfairy8654]

While I havent read as many of Shakespeares plays as you have, MacBeth is my favourite one so far too!! I was so lucky that I could see a performance of it last year. It was wonderful!! They took some creative liberties due to the small size of the cast and the fact that almost all of them were women, but it was amazing nonetheless. I also read Hamlet in my English class last year and we went to see a performance of it too. Im constantly looking for more performances of Shakespeares plays, but sadly there arent many near me at the moment. If you ever get the chance to see either of those plays, you definitely should!!!

[@zan8152]

This is so fun! Been reading through Shakespeare 1 play a month for the past couple years, 20 or so in, and just having a delight. I think we agree on almost every damn thing too, your ranking is real close to mine. Ones not here I really loved: Henry IV, Part 1 (I haven't loved most of the histories, I agree they're a little overly convoluted, but this one is incredible), and Love's Labour's Lost - kinda a nothing comedy, but its themes and play-within-a-play work so so much better than many of the other nothing comedies Favorite's definitely Macbeth, though I haven't gotten around to reading it this pass. Least, so far it's been Henry VI, Part 1 - I *struggled* with the Henry VI plays, they're rough as heck. Also! Watch the Coen Bros. Tragedy of Macbeth that came out a year or two ago - it's one of the most striking, memorable production/movie I've seen of a Shakespeare play.

[@thefool8750]

Great video! I’m just getting into Shakespeare and so far I’ve had such an all or nothing experience lol. I read Merchant of Venice first, for school. (I think our teacher chose that of our various options and idek what she was thinking) Thought it was okay, but a little slow and rough. Plus hated the ending with Shylock being forced to convert. Then I read Hamlet, and I was not okay. I loooooved it so much, and it really changed me as writer, now none of my characters can be happy 😈 Now I’m reading Macbeth for my own pleasure and have been loving it so far! (I’m at the end of Act 3 roughly)

[@superpandapieguy]

I also would name those three as my favorites. I'm currently in a production of Much Ado About Nothing, and it's become my favorite of his comedies (although I've not seen/read the majority.)

[@milenapiccoli8169]

omg emmie I loved this sooo much! And I think you should read Othello!

[@NatalyaVins-blueflower775]

I think Macbeth might be my favourite Shakespeare play out of the ones I read so far. I also really loved Othello when I read it in high school. I had a great English teacher in grade 12 and he really helped me to understand and appreciate Shakespeare. I'm currently reading King Lear for the first time.

[@iamrjdennis]

30 minutes of Emma talking about Shakespeare, I am SO EXCITED!!! Also, I hope you're doing well, Emma! 😊

[@emmiereads]

thank you so much - I hope you're having a lovely week!

[@jamesisaacson6379]

@emmiereads question have you done next book in Ann Rice vampire chronicles series book the vampire lestat if not when and if so witch video was it?

[@fiddleleaffiction]

Happy belated birthday, Emma!!

[@dellh86]

This is the best Shakespeare ranking video on KZbin. This video helped inspire me to start my own Shakespeare journey.

[@maureen_nyc1327]

My favorite Shakespeare is a tie between Hamlet and Othello. Based on your top three I think you would lovvveeee Othello. Pick it up as soon as you can!!

[@theeconstantreader]

As a theater major, I surprisingly didn’t read that much Shakespeare, but don’t worry, I’ve had to read “Much Ado” at LEAST 5 TIMES. I’m ready for some new ones 😂

[@phillipbrock9967]

I am looking forward to what you think about "Much Ado"! It is probably my favorite Shakespeare comedy, and in a way, it sort of nullifies "Taming of the Shrew" (which I also do not like at ALL); it renders it obsolete. Nice work!

[@emmalechner2413]

My first Shakespeare play that I watched live was Julius Caesar, when I was around 15, and I have loved it ever since, ! It really was captivating and just drew me right in. I've been a fan of Shakespeare ever since. Would love to see A Midsummer Night's dream, and Hamlet, live. Macbeth was good to read, but the performance I saw was poorly done, so would love to see it somewhere else someday

[@Desi_Rae]

Not me obsessively checking all week if Emmie posted a new upload😂❤

[@annasbooks]

I have been adoring shakespear more as well! For me macbeth is my favorite so far but i do still have a lot of plays to read

[@annamaria9392]

I recently read midsummer’s night dream and absolutely loved it and I’m planning on reading Macbeth soon (this video honestly is giving me the motivation to read more Shakespeare)

[@BMTitus]

"To see or not to see???". The DVDs of Shakespeare that I like are the Richard II to Richard III history plays that the BBC produced from 1978 to 1982 and Roman Polanski's Macbeth.

[@jamesduggan7200]

Yes, Polanski's Macbeth is not something to miss, especially after becoming familiar with the tragedy that hit him before starting work on the production. The other Macbeths have good points - Wells' banquet with and without Banquo was particularly good. Otherwise, beside Polanski the best is probably the BBC, where the lead actor brings out better than any others Macbeth's unfitness to be king of Scotland.

[@AniasBellJar]

would love to hear your thoughts on The Winters Tale! some people also categorize it as a problem play because of the jarring shift in tone, but I find it so interesting 🤠

[@Tolstoy111]

It's a Romance! Supernatural themes, Father/Daughter relationship etc

[@TheMooseandsquirrel]

Merchant of Venice is actually my favorite Shakespeare, haha followed by Macbeth and King Lear. It's got two of my favorite monologues ever.

[@MarNieves]

Oh you MUST read Othello! It’s my second favourite Shakespeare play (right after Henry V), but I think you’ll love it! Soooo funny and so tragic at the same time it had me gasping the whole time lolol

[@paulmyers9049]

Juliet is the sun!!! I still remember backstage a page boy!!! 😭😭 great play!! 😔

[@ReadingNymph]

Macbeth is my favourite Shakespeare play 🎉 Loved this ranking

[@romywolfofficial]

I was irrationally scared you might for some reason pack Macbeth into a low tier and was more relieved than I like to admit that it also turned out to be your favourite. PHEW. I love this play so much. I've seen some Shakespeare plays at the Globe but never Macbeth. It's definitely on my bucket list.

[@starwarsfan729]

I’ve just bought all the BBC adaptations of ALL the Shakespeare and I’m so excited to watch them all.

[@Julie-nx5np]

A midsummer nights dream is so fun to see performed if you ever have the opportunity!!

[@matthewluisantero5051]

I'm more of a philosophy guy (particularly love reading about the medieval/scholastic tradition) and so I am fond of careful, unambiguous, and precise thinking and wording of stuff that I read. I just finished reading my first novel in years a few days ago and the lack of clarity at times and the "mystery" aspect of it all has caught me off guard at lot of times haha. Anyhow, I'm just glad someone like you still exists today, Emmie: someone who can guide me into my journey through other types of literature besides the philosophical and Theological. In a world were people are fond of the easy, efficient, practical, and technological, I am glad there are still humans today that are willing to "struggle" with the wisdom we have received from authors of old by reading their works, and not just accept what is considered as the given or what is new.

[@paulmyers9049]

fairest maiden!! Good tidings bequeathed to set my lark abreast!! i love shakespear!!! midsomer night's dream is my favorite! i think. but i havent read that many yet.. 😣😣

[@jacquesigerist962]

I'm 5 plays into my Shakespeare journey and my favorite so far is Macbeth. ❤ Emma, will you do a "what books would I save in a house fire" video? I would love to know what books you would save if you could only take what you can carry. Time yourself. The race against the clock will really tell.

[@noramarie2891]

I might need to pick up some Shakespeare then..... I own multiple plays/books of his already but haven't read them yet haha. Love your videos, E

[@dharmanshah1239]

Happy belated birthday Emma!!

[@thekerfuffle9415]

I knew you'd love Shakespeare eventually !!! And no to taking it off the high school syllabus. I read Hamlet and Macbeth in high school (in English, my second language no less) and I was HOOKED! Probably the main reason I studied English later on.

[@michaelsommers2356]

If you have not seen _Slings & Arrows,_ do so immediately. It is a Canadian television series set in the fictional New Burbage Festival in Ontario. Each six-episode season centers around one production at the festival: Hamlet, the Scottish play (the curse plays a part), and Lear. It even has a ghost.

[@zee3018]

i'm not really a shakespeare girlie but i LOVE listening to you talk about shakespeare plays

[@hmm6411]

Julius Caesar is probably the best Shakespeare play to read as you watch the movie. It stays closer to the text than any other Shakespeare I've seen.

[@LAK_770]

My buddy ran a Shakespeare company in Philly that put on free plays outdoors in the parks frequently, and I was lucky enough to see about a dozen of them. They did Macbeth once in late October - as night fell it dipped to about 45 degrees, my friend and I were huddled on a picnic blanket freezing to death drinking scotch out of a flask. Absolutely perfect viewing experience for that play.

[@milaces1323]

My favourite Shakespeare play is Julius Caesar and i read it with you, Carolyn, Ciara, Mary and Lucy for the DA book club 😊

[@cez_is_typing]

The only shakespeare work ive read all the way through is Hamlet, did it for my A level course and I loved it. It was tough because its kind of a hard play to teach, juggling teaching language, explaining things as you go and then having to double back to re-contextualise scenes. Especially since we only had one lesson a fortnight on it, but I did adore it. When I was a GCSE student I was a cynical one who was like "okay I think people are reading too far into this" but I felt the opposite with Hamlet. Everything felt so intentional and put together and so so genius. All the characters felt like they had their place and role and nothing felt overlooked (although the start could be a little boring as there's a lot of setup). Not to mention all the critical interpretations, you could literally study Hamlet for 3 years and not see every angle of it. Glad to see it so highly praised!!!!

[@gabrielladidjurgeit5622]

You need to read Othelo!! My favorite tied with Macbeth and Midsummer’s nights dream😍. My least favorite so far has been The tempest (sorry)

[@kathy2539]

Hamlet and Macbeth love these and I love Much Ado About Nothing, if you want fun and games this one has it and tragedy, too.

[@denisefreitas6727]

It's 2.06 A.M. in Rio de Janeiro, i should be sleeping, but i'm watching this amazing Emma's video about Shakespeare!!!! 😍😍

[@d3ppy_1n_w0nderl4nd]

you're literally the reason why i started getting more into classics so i'm taking this as a sign to read shakespeare?? and emma, THIS IS YOUR REMINDER TO READ LITTLE WOMEN. PLEASE.

[@emmiereads]

that's so amazing:') and haha thank you!!

[@ellieweir984]

I'm wholly in love with shakespeare. King Lear was the first ever play I performed in and I have Shakespeare since.

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Good morning emmie happy Wednesday morning and I loved your vlogs and you are amazing Supporter

[@p.quezon]

in my elementary school we put on AMND every year so midsum has a very special place in my heart. I've only ever read 3 shakespear plays and that was AMND, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth (comedy, romance, & tragedy for school) and I didn't hate any of them. I really want to get my hands on Hamlet and Othello but now I might have to include King lear into that mini TBR because you hyped it up so well for me hahahahahahah

[@jamesduggan7200]

Thx Emmie, that was nice. There's a lot I would say but after editing my suggestions there's only one left. Cut down to about 90 minutes the adaption of Richard III starring Ian "Gandalf" McKellen is perfect for you. As an honorable mention, likely you'll change your opinion regarding Shrew after you see Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as Kat and Petruchio, respectively.

[@user-iy5zn9zu5l]

That is so useful when you want to get started with Shakespeare stuff

[@Misseggy24]

Much Ado is gorgeous! Genuinely hilarious, a truly wholesome story (which I feel is hard to find for Shakespeare), likeable characters including villains who are funny and relatable in their own ways… I truly think it is one of the most solid, widely enjoyable, objectively good Shakespeare plays.

[@katietatey]

There is an amazing performance of Twelfth Night somewhere on youtube starring Helen Hunt (and others) and you should watch it. Twelfth Night is one of my faves but watching that performance was a big reason why. It was pretty hilarious. I actually have read all but 2 of Shakespeare's plays (thank you pandemic lock-down). My other faves are Julius Caesar, Richard II, Henry IV Part 1, Henry V, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and Romeo and Juliet. I think watching adaptations really brings them to life. Oh and Much Ado about nothing, loved that one also. I really wish I'd appreciated Shakespeare in high school when we had a year of Shakespeare in 9th grade. I came to appreciate him late but better late than never.

[@nikolaiquack8548]

Love this video idea, but even more so love you in that blazer. Hell yeah, Emma! 💚

[@circleofleaves2676]

I recommend re-reading The Tempest, then reading Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood. It's a retelling/cover version that's part of The Hogarth Shakespeare Series.

[@phoenix-hi1bo]

Macbeth is my favourite too, I was able to see it at the globe just this week!😁✨

[@unsweetenedit9090]

Great list! I haven't read all of these yet but out of I have read I agree with you almost completely. You are completely right about the top tier. My one difference is with The Tempest. I read if for the first time recently and I was disappointed. It just felt like wish fulfillment to me. I should probably read it again at some point. Have you not read Othello? Read it soon if you haven't. I would love to hear your opinion on it. Also, Favorite: Macbeth/Midsummer Nights Dream (tie) Least favorite: The Tempest (though I'm committed to giving it a second chance).

[@limeparticle]

I did a Shakespeare intensive on my summer vacation two years ago and ended up reading 16 plays in 4 weeks. You’re inspiring me to do it again this summer! ❤ (Different plays ofc but maybe a few rereads as well!)

[@shukrankareem218]

Oh nice , I need friend like you.

[@emmiereads]

that is insane! which was your fave?

[@mathildehebras7519]

i read macbeth in january for my hs senior year english class and literally ADORED it, so i’m debating picking up another shakespeare… i’m just scared of it being too difficult or long ig. i’ve heard a lot of good things about much ado about nothing and measure for measure seems rlly interesting

[@michaelsommers2356]

Regarding difficulty, yes, the language is archaic, and many words have significantly changed meaning over the centuries, but any decent modern edition will help enormously with that. I have found that the plays are easier to understand when performed rather then when read. Remember that the original audiences for the plays did not have anywhere near the education you do. As to length, novels are much longer than plays.

[@carewoo]

My favorite Shakespeare play has to be King Lear. So unexpected and yet captivating! My least favorite is no surprise to be Titus Andronicus.

[@ilynn9794]

Theres such a good movie of much ado with alllllll the british national treasures

[@elizalee814]

was in production of the comedy of errors when I was younger and it had me laughing backstage every time so highly recommend you get to that one. just pure Shakespeare ridiculousness! maybe not his most well known but might be my personal favorite after Macbeth even if it’s partly for nostalgic reasons

[@michaelsommers2356]

You should see the Rodgers and Hart musical _The Boys from Syracuse,_ made into a movie in 1940.

[@phyabarrientos9357]

I’m convinced. Time to read Shakespeare! ❤

[@emmiereads]

ah have the best time!!

[@Deepakkumar-uj5nz]

we have the merchant of Venice as our English coursebook covering the drama part of the syllabus for TWO years can you believe it 😭 it's been hell trying to read that damned book for two whole years

[@danielanorambuenadiaz9183]

I’m Macbeth enthusiast, like I remember the feeling “what I’m a reading? So rare yet the way that they speak is wow” And Otelo, I love drama and the villain of the play is naughty, he has no shame 😂

[@shilohpeterson5307]

I saw Macbeth performed live about 12 years ago and still remember how awesome it was! Shakespeare at his best. As far as comedies...Much ado about Nothing is sublime. Laugh out loud funny, at least to me. The 1993 film adaption with Emma Thompson is excellent

[@tomjohnson4922]

I love Shakespeare's histories! True they're not accurate I did a comparison paper on Northumberland) but all the death, murder, and the fun. I do love Richard III and Henry IV. I do find the comedies work better acted than read, but that's me, though I really enjoyed Merry Wives. I haven't read Merchant yet but hope you enjoy Othello when you get to it, along with Much Ado.

[@tabithamiscellania]

I always loved a midsummer night's dream as a kid. I read much ado about nothing recently and loved it. Other than romeo and Juliet in high school, I haven't read any others. Which is odd since I was in shakespeare club in school 😅

[@isabelmariamoorealonso666]

Love Othello, I wanna know what your thoughts would be on ittttt💕💕💕

[@tundeszabo8220]

I've only read 9 Shakespeare plays so far, but my favorite is Macbeth. I'm planning a reread in October. I agree with you, The Merchant of Venice is my least favorite too. I felt so uncomfortable while reading it.

[@word42069]

I recently purchased the excessive Folio Society limited edition of Shakespeare’s complete plays and in my rekindling of my passion for Shakespeare stumbled upon your video. I’m by no means an expert on Shakespeare but having taken a course on him at university and read his plays over the years (not all of them yet)… I have to say that I largely agree with your rankings and sentiments! You makes some poignant critiques and observations. That’s said, I was a little heartbroken when you ranked Twelfth Night so low 😂 I do think you should give it a re-read… I find it funny for being such a simple plot and at least parallel-y relevant to certain themes that are debated today regarding gender. I don’t think a high school me would have appreciated it the same. Also, I’m surprised you haven’t read Othello while I feel like not having read Much Ado About Nothing is fairly common. I suspect you will enjoy both, but perhaps Othello more so. Anyway, thanks for the great video! PS: for those new to Shakespeare and/or wanting an accessible (both financially and in comprehension) but complete collection of his works combined with a compendium… I believe “The Complete Pelican Shakespeare” is your one-stop shop. It’s massive, but all-encompassing and the Penguin (same publisher as Pelican) versions of the text are very useful.

[@daydays12]

Lovely idea for categories! But you MUST see and re- read "Twelfth Night!! It has Malvolio and Sir Toby Belch and Maria and Olivia and Viola in it and has one of the funniest scenes in all Shakespeare .

[@Ozgipsy]

Good ranking. You’ll love Othello. 👍

[@Cubehead27]

Never been remarkably attached to Shakespeare and haven't read/seen more than nine or ten plays but it's frankly ridiculous how good Macbeth is (please watch the A24 film version if you haven't already, oh my god it's incredible) Also I get teaching a little bit of Shakespeare in high school but I feel like emphasizing him as much as they do just makes most people hate him, and it takes up so much time they could easily use to introduce kids to other things they might not know about/might enjoy more

[@AllyEmReads]

I haven't watched a lot of Shakespeare and read even less - I've read and watched both Romeo and Juliet and King Lear, and then I've read Taming of the Shrew, and watched Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, and Macbeth. I think my favorite is actually King Lear which I know is a very unpopular opinion lol, but I like it because I've found that I read it wrong? I read it focused on the sisters rather than King Lear which apparently is not supposed to be the way it comes across. Weird but I'll take it, I guess Edit: I'm so glad I'm not alone in my love for King Lear!

[@milosal8659]

Emma, you're awesome. :)