Jane Austen would be turning 250 years old this year. Because her stories are so timeless, and she left so few of them behind, that sounds unbelievable. But it’s true. Her romances have given joy to so many people for so many years, and the screen adaptations are a part of that. The television and film versions of Jane Austen’s work vary a lot. And while we love them all here at Fangirlish, we definitely have ideas about the best ones. Traditional versions, modernizations– they all have a place among our favorites. Here are the 10 Best Jane Austen Adaptations!
MORE: If you want more Jane Austen, read our review of the recent PBS series Miss Austen!
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
The gold standard of Austen adaptations. This BBC miniseries stars Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. It was written by Andrew Davies and directed by Simon Langton. The famous “wet shirt Darcy” scene is in this version. This is a faithful adaptation, hitting all the comedic and romantic beats that make the novel so classic. I also adore the costuming, music, and locations. The most remarkable element of this adaptation, though, is the chemistry between Firth and Ehle. There is one moment between them, an exchange of eye contact as Elizabeth turns pages of music for Darcy’s sister Georgiana, and Firth’s look of pure adoration is the pinnacle of Austen on screen. It’s known as “The Look” among Janeites. “Pride and Prejudice” is my favorite novel of all time, so knowing it has an adaptation like this is incredible.
Pride and Prejudice is streaming on Hulu and Peacock.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Acclaimed Taiwanese director Ang Lee took the helm for this film version of Austen’s tale of three sisters who slip into genteel poverty when their father dies. Acclaimed actress Emma Thompson wrote the script and takes on one of the lead roles. Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman also fill out the cast. Is it any wonder critics loved this adaptation? The double romance of the plot delivers unforgettable drama and emotion coming from such talented actors. Lee’s use of framing as a directorial technique, Thompson’s grasp of how to convey the feminine point of view, and the superb supporting performances are all things that distinguish this film. These elements lift it above the usual prestige literature adaptation. Its seven Oscar nominations, including one win, were well earned.
Sense and Sensibility is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.
Emma. (2020)
I have a confession: though I love all of Austen’s novels, Emma is my least favorite. I don’t relate much to the lead character. However, director Autumn de Wilde and her leading lady, Anya Taylor-Joy, make an exceptional team. They keep the focus on Emma’s wonderful character arc. The production values, especially the sets and costumes, of this film are also exceptional. They truly feel like they add layers to the characterizations and setting. Also, novelist Eleanor Catton wrote the script, and you can tell how much care went into preserving Austen’s familiar story while also making it feel new. The plot readers know and love is here. But there is also a freshness to its presentation that viewers usually only find in a modernization. Also, I like the way Johnny Flynn’s casting as Knightley negates the story’s age-gap ickiness.
Emma is streaming on Peacock.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
For the chronically online younger generations, this adaptation of Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Darcy’s (Matthew Macfadyen) love story is the one they’re most familiar with. That means it gets the most social media attention. To be fair, this version is excellent. Director Joe Wright confidently crafts long, unbroken tracking shots. The cinematography and score are beautiful. And that famous hand flex moment was made for a GIF, wasn’t it? Knightley and Macfadyen’s chemistry is satisfying. They make the romantic moments sizzle effectively. Four Oscar nominations, including Knightley’s for Best Actress, testify to the strength of this adaptation. I mean, if you have to edit this amazing novel down to a two hour movie, this is the way to do it.
Pride & Prejudice is streaming on Peacock.
Persuasion (1995)
What was in the water in 1995? It was an astounding year for Jane Austen adaptations. This version of her second-chance romance stars Amanda Root as Anne Elliott and Ciaran Hinds as Captain Wentworth. Everything about this film is low-key compared to the other traditional adaptations I’ve already mentioned. In fact, it was a TV production that got a limited theatrical release here in the US. That smaller scale does not diminish the emotional impact of the story at all. The plot doesn’t need spectacle to make it work; it’s so mature and romantic by itself. Director Roger Michell seems to understand that. The actors do too, with Root and Hinds particularly good at conveying the grand scope of the emotions. Janeites waiting for Captain Wentworth’s beloved letter won’t be disappointed.
Persuasion is streaming on Tubi.
Clueless (1995)
Yep, 1995 again. This time, we’re talking about a modernization. This film transplants Emma into contemporary America, specifically, to a Beverly Hills high school. And it works surprisingly well. The result is one of the best teen comedies of the 1990s, with Alicia Silverstone in the lead role of Cher alongside a supporting cast full of talent like Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, and Donald Faison. Amy Heckerling wrote and directed this movie. It hums with youthful humor and energy, and it also has a ton of heart, which is important when you’re asking your audience to root for the popular girl. One concern for any version of Emma is ensuring the title character is likeable. Very few viewers can say they were one of the beautiful people, which is an obstacle this story has to deal with, and Clueless does it effortlessly.
Clueless is streaming on Paramount Plus.
MORE: Did you know there is a new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility coming? Here’s Everything We Know about it!
Bride & Prejudice (2004)
Sometimes, a modernization does more than just update the story to the present day. Sometimes it transfers it into a whole new culture. That’s what this film does, as Lalita Bakshi (Aishwarya Rai) meets Will Darcy (Martin Henderson) when he comes to Amritsar, India. This is a Bollywood-influenced adaptation. It has numerous colorful musical numbers, which enhance the emotional highs of Pride and Prejudice in exactly the right way. They are thoroughly catchy and entertaining. The audience can easily appreciate the universal appeal of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic when it’s presented in a vibrant new atmosphere, and that’s what this film accomplishes. If you want to add dancing to your laughing and swooning, then this is the adaptation you need.
Bride & Prejudice is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.
Northanger Abbey (2007)
Jane Austen left behind only six complete novels. Northanger Abbey is her first completed novel, but it was published posthumously. It’s less well known than her other novels, which is a shame because it still has a sweet romance, a fantastic hero, and an infectious sense of fun. Multiple future Oscar nominee Felicity Jones leads the cast. J.J. Feild is her love interest, while Carey Mulligan (also a future multiple Oscar nominee) is her best friend. The quality of the cast should tell you how enjoyable this adaptation is to watch. Any author would love to create a story this memorable so early in their career, but with Austen, it’s not a surprise. This version highlights the chemistry between Jones and Feild. It also demonstrates how good Austen was at crafting characters that feel real.
Northanger Abbey is streaming on Kanopy.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Welcome Colin Firth back to this list! Bridget Jones’s Diary is a modernization of Pride and Prejudice, and Firth takes on the Darcy role once again. And once again, he is perfect. Thanks to Firth, Renee Zellweger as the title character, and Hugh Grant (also a repeat performer on this list) in the cad role, this adaptation has become a classic romantic comedy in its own right. Just look for Bridget lip-syncing “All By Myself” with enthusiastic, sad gusto. Or for what may be the funniest fight ever put on film. Or for an ending that will leave you gasping from the romance of it all. This version is so successful that it spawned three sequels, a rare feat for this genre. But such is the power of Jane Austen’s genius.
Bridget Jones’s Diary is streaming on Paramount Plus.
Love & Friendship (2017)
Aside from her novels, Jane Austen left behind assorted short works, like the novella “Lady Susan.” Love & Friendship adapts this story. And it is a hoot. The lead character, played with biting energy by Kate Beckinsale, is an amoral but captivating woman who tries to marry her daughter off to a fool while flirting with the young man her daughter loves. Happily, everything works out as only Jane can accomplish. The wit and the gorgeous costumes particularly stand out in this adaptation. Most of all, though, it is a treat to savor Jane’s work when the source material is a little less familiar and hasn’t been filmed before. Writer-director Whit Stillman clearly has respect and affection for Austen. That only enhances this viewing experience.
Love & Friendship is streaming on Prime Video.
MORE: There’s a hilarious short film combining Jane Austen and menstruation out there. Read our review of Jane Austen’s Period Drama!
So, what do you think of our list? What are your favorite Jane Austen adaptations? Let us know in the comments!
