Where to watch Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Yes — Shakespeare in Love is free on Kanopy, which you get through most public libraries with a library card.
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
Every legal way to watch Shakespeare in Love
Free — no account needed
Nothing to pay and nothing to sign up for.
Included with a subscription
No extra charge if you already subscribe to one of these.
Rent
A one-off charge for a viewing window, usually 48 hours.
Buy
A one-off charge to keep it in your library.
Prices and availability change constantly. Check the live listing before you pay for anything.
Shakespeare in Love — common questions
- Can I watch Shakespeare in Love for free?
- Yes. Shakespeare in Love is streaming at no cost on Kanopy. These are licensed services — free because they run ads or are funded by public libraries, not because they are pirating anything.
- Is Shakespeare in Love on Netflix?
- No. Shakespeare in Love is not on Netflix here. The services that do carry it are listed above.
- How do I watch Shakespeare in Love without paying anything?
- Through a library. Kanopy is free to use but signs you in with a library or university card, so you will need one — most public library systems in the US and UK include it at no charge.
- How long is Shakespeare in Love?
- Shakespeare in Love runs 124 minutes, rated R.
