A number of Shakespeare’s plays have been reintroduced to the public eye through various films of Disney. Which ones, you say? Well, after consideration and a careful search, I’ve managed to find at least 5 (there may be more, but these are the ones I’m sure of):

Aladdin (Othello)

The story of a young man pursuing the woman he loves while being opposed by a jealous, deceitful rival. The connection is more vague than other cases, but the addition of Iago (the villain of Othello) helps bring together the hybrid of ancient fairy tale and Renaissance play.

The Lion King (Hamlet)

This one is a bit more obvious – C.S. Lewis also seems to have borrowed from this theme in writing “Prince Caspian.” 1) A king, killed by his power-hungry brother; 2) a young prince, left to wrestle with the idea of manhood without his father’s guidance; 3) the father’s ghost appearing to his son, urging him to take action.

Pocahontas (Romeo & Juliet)

The classic tale in an entirely different setting. Two star-crossed lovers find themselves in the midst of a rivalry between opposing groups who are determined to wipe each other out. In a way, “Tarzan” borrows from this as well, but the opposition is mainly focused into a single man.

Mulan (Twelfth Night)

A young woman who disguises herself to blend into a man’s world? That’s a dead ringer for Twelfth Night, especially when the main character falls in love with a man she meets along the way.

Brave (Macbeth)

Ah, the parallels! Following a mysterious encounter, a young royal makes the choice to seize control of destiny, only to discover the consequences of doing so.