The 25 Best Shakespeare Audiobooks for 2025

For lovers of Shakespeare’s timeless works and audio drama enthusiasts, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the Bard’s world. ShakespeareAudio offers not only access to complete works but also insightful interpretations, dramatic adaptations, and illuminating lectures—perfect for both seasoned scholars and newcomers to the playwright’s world.

In celebration of Shakespeare's enduring brilliance and the rise of expertly crafted audio performances, we've gathered the 25 best Shakespeare audiobooks for 2025, offering a range of styles—from full-cast dramatizations to insightful lectures and even Star Wars-inspired adaptations. These selections promise an unmatched listening journey into the world of love, power, tragedy, and comedy.

1. Shakespeare: The Complete Works

A monumental collection from Argo Classics, featuring legendary narrators such as Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, and Diana Rigg. This nearly 99-hour set brings together Shakespeare’s entire canon, with performances that breathe life into every verse and soliloquy.

2. Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent

Judi Dench and Brendan O'Hea deliver a heartfelt and engaging exploration of Shakespeare’s impact on stage and life. With Dench’s personal anecdotes and O’Hea’s rich storytelling, this is a must-listen for theatre lovers.

3. Shakespeare: The World as Stage

Bill Bryson’s accessible biography, narrated by Bryson himself, unpacks the enigmatic life of Shakespeare, combining historical insight with his signature humor and warmth.

4. BBC Radio Shakespeare: A Collection of Eight Comedies

This delightful collection features full-cast performances with stars like David Tennant and Helena Bonham Carter, bringing to life comedies like Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

5. BBC Radio Shakespeare: A Collection of Six Tragedies

A powerful anthology that captures the emotional depth of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedies, performed by a stellar ensemble including Michael Sheen and Juliet Stevenson.

6. Shakespeare: The Histories

This expansive collection covers Shakespeare’s historical plays, from Henry IV to Richard III, featuring standout performances by Derek Jacobi and Prunella Scales.

7. How to Read and Understand Shakespeare

Marc C. Conner’s insightful lecture series from The Great Courses breaks down Shakespeare’s complex language and themes, making his plays accessible and relevant for modern audiences.

8. Shakespeare's Sonnets

Narrated by Simon Callow, this elegant collection captures the lyricism and depth of Shakespeare’s sonnets, ideal for poetry lovers.

9. Shakespeare: The Tragedies

A captivating dramatization of Shakespeare’s major tragedies, including Hamlet and Macbeth, with an all-star cast led by Ian McKellen and Diana Rigg.

10. Shakespeare: The Word and the Action

Peter Saccio’s engaging lectures delve into the intersection of Shakespeare’s language and performance, illuminating how his words come alive on stage.

11. BBC Radio Shakespeare: A Collection of Three Roman Plays

This collection brings Rome’s grandeur and intrigue to life with expert performances of Julius Caesar, Coriolanus, and Antony and Cleopatra.

12. Shakespeare: The Biography

Peter Ackroyd’s comprehensive biography, narrated by Simon Vance, paints a vivid picture of Shakespeare’s life and times, blending fact with storytelling.

13. William Shakespeare's The Empire Striketh Back

A playful and brilliant mash-up by Ian Doescher that reimagines The Empire Strikes Back in Shakespearean verse, narrated by a talented full cast.

14. The Shakespeare Stealer

Gary Blackwood’s engaging historical novel follows a young boy in Shakespeare’s London, perfect for younger listeners or fans of historical fiction.

15. Macbeth

A gripping and fast-paced dramatization with James Marsters and Joanne Whalley capturing the dark ambition and madness of the Scottish play.

16. Otelo (Othello)

A Spanish-language rendition of Othello from Staff Audiolibros Colección, offering a fresh perspective for Spanish-speaking audiences.

17. Hamlet

Josh Stamberg and a talented ensemble deliver a nuanced and compelling performance of one of Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedies.

18. The Complete Sonnets of William Shakespeare

A rich and diverse collection with narrators including Vanessa Redgrave and David Warner, offering a comprehensive take on the Bard’s poetic works.

19. King Lear (Arkangel Shakespeare)

A full-cast production that captures the tragic power of King Lear, led by Trevor Peacock and Clive Merrison, with outstanding audio quality.

20. Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

A free podcast series featuring expert interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and discussions about Shakespeare’s plays and legacy.

21. William Shakespeare: Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies

Peter Saccio returns with an in-depth exploration of Shakespeare’s range, covering major plays across genres with a focus on their literary and cultural significance.

22. The Tempest

Sir Ian McKellen and Emilia Fox lead a vibrant production of The Tempest, delivering the magic and mystery of Shakespeare’s final play.

23. Shakespeare's Kings

John Julius Norwich offers a compelling historical context for Shakespeare’s history plays, connecting them with real events from 1337–1485.

24. Shakespeare (Judi Dench)

A shorter version of Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, highlighting Judi Dench’s rich reflections on Shakespeare’s world and her personal experiences.

25. BBC Radio Shakespeare: Miscellaneous Gems

An excellent sampler for those seeking an introduction to Shakespeare’s world, featuring select scenes, excerpts, and full performances from the BBC archives.

Whether you’re seeking a comprehensive collection, a scholarly deep dive, or a lively dramatization, these audiobooks offer something for everyone. shakespeareaudio.org makes it easy to access these gems, creating a hub for listeners who want to savor Shakespeare’s brilliance from anywhere in the world. Explore their curated playlists, in-depth analyses, and free resources to enhance your listening experience.

In 2025, let the timeless words of Shakespeare and the vibrant voices of these narrators transport you to worlds of love, betrayal, power, and wit. Happy listening!