Romeo + Juliet poster

Romeo + Juliet

"My only love sprung from my only hate."

Movie PG-13 1996 2h 6.8 /10

Baz Luhrmann relocates Shakespeare's tragedy to a sun drenched urban shore town where the long running feud between the Montagues and Capulets erupts amid neon lights and glossy cars. Romeo and Juliet meet at a party, feel an instant spark, and decide to wed despite the danger surrounding them.... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 29, 2026

About Romeo + Juliet

Baz Luhrmann relocates Shakespeare's tragedy to a sun drenched urban shore town where the long running feud between the Montagues and Capulets erupts amid neon lights and glossy cars. Romeo and Juliet meet at a party, feel an instant spark, and decide to wed despite the danger surrounding them. The film keeps the Bard's verse but presents it in a brisk, contemporary rhythm that fits the era's energy. The lovers marry in secret with the help of a loyal priest and a devoted nurse, mounting a private rebellion against their families. The visuals amplify emotion and danger, turning a timeless romance into a feverish, modern fable that honors the original text while inviting a new audience to feel its pulse.

Released in 1996 and directed by Baz Luhrmann, this film reimagines William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as a sun drenched urban tragedy. It uses the original verse, with Craig Pearce co writing the screenplay and a bold, kinetic style today.

Box office information is not provided in the available data, so a precise worldwide gross cannot be stated here. The film opened in theaters around the world and its distinctive style helped it become a defining entry in Luhrmann's filmography.

Romeo plus Juliet is widely cited for its neon 1990s aesthetic, fast cutting, and the way it makes Shakespeare feel urgently relevant. Its bold fusion of pop soundtrack and period poetry influenced later adaptations and remains a reference point for risky, creative takes on classic texts, leaving a lasting impression.

Critics praised the film's audacious styling, performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, and a brisk energy that keeps the tragedy emotionally charged. Some reviewers felt the modern frame overshadowed the verse, while others saw love, fate, and family loyalty as timeless themes, across many generations now for global audiences.

What Viewers Are Saying

6.8/10
from 5,241 ratings

Viewers appreciate Baz Luhrmann's modern and visually striking adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo + Juliet," highlighting the contemporary setting and soundtrack that bring a fresh energy to the classic tragedy. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is generally praised, though some feel it is one of his weaker roles. However, some audiences find the combination of modern visuals with Shakespearean language jarring and difficult to connect with, leading to a mixed reception on the film’s stylistic choices. Overall, the film is recommended for its bold approach, despite some viewers’ reservations.

Details

Release Date
November 01, 1996
Runtime
2h
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
5,241 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Drama, Romance
Country
Australia
Studio
20th Century Fox +1 more
Budget
$14,500,000
Box Office
$147,298,761
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio

Romeo

Claire Danes

Claire Danes

Juliet

Jesse Bradford

Jesse Bradford

Balthasar

Vondie Curtis-Hall

Vondie Curtis-Hall

Captain Prince

Brian Dennehy

Brian Dennehy

Ted Montague

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo

Tybalt

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes

Nurse

Harold Perrineau

Harold Perrineau

Mercutio

Christina Pickles

Christina Pickles

Caroline Montague

Pete Postlethwaite

Pete Postlethwaite

Father Laurence

Written by: Craig Pearce, Baz Luhrmann, William Shakespeare

Frequently Asked Questions

Romeo + Juliet is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 6.8/10 from 5,241 viewers, Romeo + Juliet is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

Baz Luhrmann relocates Shakespeare's tragedy to a sun drenched urban shore town where the long running feud between the Montagues and Capulets erupts amid neon lights and glossy cars. Romeo and Juliet meet at a party, feel an instant spark, and decide to wed despite the danger surrounding them. T...

Romeo + Juliet stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Jesse Bradford, Vondie Curtis-Hall, and Brian Dennehy.

Romeo + Juliet was released on November 01, 1996.

Romeo + Juliet is a Drama and Romance film.

No, it's Baz Luhrmann's modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Romeo and Claire Danes plays Juliet in a contemporary Verona Beach setting, but the story itself is fiction.

Leonardo DiCaprio is Romeo, and Claire Danes is Juliet. Their performances anchor this stylish, modern retelling of the classic play.

The film ends with the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, mirroring Shakespeare's tragedy. After a cascade of misunderstandings and feuding, both lovers die, and the feuds between the families continue in sorrow.

The film preserves much of Shakespeare's original dialogue, though it's delivered in a modern Verona Beach setting. Baz Luhrmann keeps the verse while updating the visuals and tone.