Is twilight based on Romeo and Juliet?

While there are some similarities between the two stories—including forbidden love, family conflict, and tragic endings—there are also many differences. Romeo and Juliet is focused on the relationship between the two young lovers, while Twilight is more focused on the supernatural elements and the love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob. Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance period, while Twilight is set in Forks, Washington, in the present day.

While Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet nearly 400 years ago, Stephenie Meyer wrote Twilight slightly over a decade ago. In addition to the time difference, the genres are vastly different. While Shakespeare writes a tragedy focused on love and familial conflict, Meyer writes a romance and urban fantasy series.