Is Hamlet Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Hamlet is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 242 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Hamlet Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1996, Hamlet emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother now marrying the murderer. Unlike standard genre fare, Hamlet attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hamlet features a noteworthy lineup led by Kenneth Branagh . Supported by the likes of Derek Jacobi and Kate Winslet , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Hamlet (1996) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Hamlet Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Hamlet is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother now marrying the murderer... his uncle. Meanwhile, war is brewing. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Hamlet Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Hamlet resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hamlet reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Hamlet?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Hamlet Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Hamlet Budget
The estimated production budget for Hamlet is $18.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Hamlet
- Kenneth Branagh – Prince Hamlet
- Derek Jacobi – King Claudius
- Kate Winslet – Ophelia
- Julie Christie – Gertrude
- Richard Briers – Polonius
Top Highlights
Kenneth BranaghPrince Hamlet
Derek JacobiKing Claudius
Kate WinsletOphelia
Julie ChristieGertrude
Richard BriersPolonius
Nicholas FarrellHoratio
Rufus SewellFortinbras
Reece DinsdaleGuildenstern
Timothy SpallRosencrantz
Michael MaloneyLaertes
Where to Watch Hamlet Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Hamlet is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, Hamlet stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hamlet movie hit or flop?
Hamlet is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Hamlet worth watching?
Yes, Hamlet is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Hamlet online?
Hamlet may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Hamlet Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Hamlet
Without a doubt, Branagh's film of **HAMLET** is the most ambitious Shakespeare film to date. He goes all in on.. well, everything. He brings aboard a stellar all-star cast, too many to highlight all, but includes Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Jack Lemmon - none of which are known for their Shakespearian pedigree. Branagh takes on Hamlet, the largest role in all of Shakespeare - and most English language literature. His interpretation is - not surprisingly - brilliant and worthy of study. Kate Winslet plays his challenged love Ophelia, and Derek Jacobi is the fraudulent King. Rounding out the largest roles, Julie Christie is the doomed queen and Richard Briers is the fussy Polonius. All excellent in their handle of the language and expression of humanity. Much of the film takes place inside the castle of Elsinore, a gorgeous and regal stage set lined with mirrors to challenge each individual's intentions and a chess-board floor to accentuate the challenge in the royal battle for checkmate. The Elsinore grounds are widespread and scenes in the snow covered Danish mountains all shown in glorious 65mm film... an extremely detailed film stock that was rarely used because of the extreme expense and cumbersome camera size. With **HENRY V** and **MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING**, Branagh has proven he is a master of adapting Shakespeare's long form story into much more manageable American movie length. Well, here he goes all in and captures the 4 hour play in its uncut full length. The film was shown with a 15 minute intermission. **HAMLET** itself is doubtlessly one of the most intelligent character studies ever written by any author, and Branagh does a great job recording that. Even many other productions of the show do as good a job or even better job in relaying that story. Either way Branagh's film work is filled with many treasures and to this point, his Shakespeare films are close to flawless. For now...
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
