The acclaimed late-1990s romantic comedy-drama, Shakespeare in Love, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, will be removed from Netflix on February 20, 2026. Set in late 16th-century England, this film narrates a fictional romance between William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps, captivating audiences since its 1998 debut.
Alongside Shakespeare in Love, Netflix will also lose the historical thriller Operation Finale (2018) and the documentary Wave of Cinema: Surat dari Timur (2020) on the same date.
Details About the Film, Cast, and Critical Praise
Directed by John Madden, Shakespeare in Love features a script crafted by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. The ensemble cast includes Joseph Fiennes portraying William Shakespeare, Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola de Lesseps, Geoffrey Rush playing Philip Henslowe, Colin Firth as Lord Wessex, Ben Affleck in the role of Ned Alleyn, Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth I, Simon Callow as Edmund Tilney, Jim Carter as Ralph Bashford, Martin Clunes as Richard Burbage, and Tom Wilkinson as Hugh Fennyman.
The movie achieved notable commercial success, earning $289.3 million worldwide. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a high approval rating of 92% based on 147 reviews. Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal praised the film, saying,
“Scene after scene engages us as cheerful groundlings, tosses us jokes, toys with our expectations, then sweeps away the boundaries between film and stage, comedy and tragedy so we’re open to the power of language and the feelings behind it.”
— Joe Morgenstern, Film Critic
Acclaimed Award Recognition and Enduring Legacy
Shakespeare in Love received 13 nominations at the 71st Academy Awards, winning seven including Best Picture, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Musical or Comedy Score. Gwyneth Paltrow earned the Best Actress Oscar for her role, while Geoffrey Rush and Judi Dench won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, cementing the film’s place among the greats.
The departure of this film from Netflix marks the end of an era for viewers who cherish its blend of historical fiction and romance, featuring iconic portrayals and a celebrated script that brilliantly brought life to Shakespeare’s imagined love story. As it leaves the streaming platform, fans may look forward to future opportunities to revisit its timeless appeal through other media channels.
