Even with Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary approaching, her popularity hasn’t diminished. In fact, over the decades, Austen is one of the few writers who has not just lived through her books, but also through countless adaptations that reimagine her characters in different settings and cultures.
The internet still can’t seem to settle the classic Pride and Prejudice debate: 1995 or 2005? (We’ve ranked every version here if you’re ready to take sides.)
Materializing as a Delhi socialite, a popular high school student, a flirty anti-heroine, or as simple sisters living in a small South Indian town, Austen’s characters break the confines of the Regency era time and again.
Whether you’re a fan of period dramas or prefer your favourite Austen heroine with a modern twist, there is an adaptation that will speak to you. Here are the top ten Jane Austen adaptations you shouldn’t miss.
Clueless (1995)
At first glance, Clueless seems like another endlessly quotable rom-com. But true Austen aficionados know that it’s a reimagining of Emma, set in a Beverly Hills high school. If you were raised on a healthy diet of ‘90s and 2000s rom-coms like Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, or She’s The Man, then this one will bring all the nostalgic feels. Austen fans who are sticklers for the original may not resonate with this movie, but anyone who loves a warm, funny, coming-of-age story will absolutely enjoy this.
Aisha (2010)
With a Bollywood adaptation comes great music, fashion, and drama. Set in bustling Delhi, Sonam Kapoor plays the spoiled, rich socialite Aisha, who gets into endless trouble while meddling in her friends’ love lives; a well-meaning endeavour that often ends in a mess.
Aisha is a fun (and at times emotional) blend of matchmaking, couture, and low-key critique of Delhi’s classist culture. Fans of Gossip Girl and chick-flicks like Khoobsurat will enjoy this movie. While Aisha might not appeal to fans of Austen who love period dramas, it’s a great option for people who want Austen’s Emma, but with choreography and glam.
Love & Friendship (2016)
Jane Austen wasn’t just the queen of romance, she was also notoriously funny with a dark sense of humour, and Love & Friendship proves it. Based on her novella Lady Susan (which doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves), this film flips the Austen script: instead of a romantic, modest heroine, we get a manipulative and sly anti-heroine.
If you love period dramas, but prefer morally questionable characters over grand professions of love, you’ll want to watch Love & Friendship. Think Marquise de Merteuil from Dangerous Liaisons or Claire Underwood from House of Cards; if such cunning women appeal to you, then this is a must-watch. However, if you're someone who wants a traditional love story with a happy ending, this might not be for you.
Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000)
Kandukondain Kandukondain, a Tamil-language adaptation, brings Austen’s Sense and Sensibility to modern Indian cinema. Aishwarya Rai and Tabu star as Meenakshi and Soumya (the Dashwood sisters), along with an ensemble cast consisting of industry veterans like Mammootty, Ajith Kumar, and Srividya. The film wonderfully encapsulates the realities of transitioning from a small town to a big city, living within a joint family, and financial struggles.
Kandukondain Kandukondain is beautifully shot and emotionally rich, with music by legend A.R. Rahman adding nuance and depth to the characters and plot in a way that the 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility doesn’t. If you liked movies like OK Kanmani or Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, this is a movie that has a similar rhythm. Viewers who aren’t familiar with Tamil should definitely find a version with subtitles to truly understand the essence of the film.
Persuasion (1995)
This one is for everyone who feels deeply and hopes loudly. BBC’s adaptation of Persuasion follows Anne Elliot, who has spent eight years regretting the decision to call off her engagement to her true love, after being persuaded by her family. Considered to be Austen’s most mature novel, Persuasion is a haven for people who enjoy stories where love isn't loud, but is patient and steady, leading to a heartwarming reconciliation.
The scene where Anne reads Captain Wentworth’s letter confessing his feelings is the epitome of restrained yet passionate romance. If you’re someone who loves second-chance romances or grounded love stories like Call Me By Your Name or The Piano, Persuasion will resonate. If you’re craving for more vibrant visuals, this might not be a fit. But if you’ve ever been haunted by the past or lived in quiet regret, this is a great choice.
Sense And Sensibility (1995)
When Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are left in dire financial circumstances after their father’s death, they must navigate heartbreak and duty in Regency England. While Emma Thompson’s screenplay deviates a bit from the original story, her take appeals to modern audiences and still captures the subtlety and nuance that made the novel so popular.
If you’re drawn to slow-burn romance and strong female leads, Sense and Sensibility is the film for you. Fans of Little Women and Belgravia, will find similar depth here. If you’re after something dramatic and fast-paced, this might not be your cup of tea; but, if you're looking for a softer, more graceful film, Sense and Sensibility is the kind of movie that sneaks up on you and takes your breath away.
Sanditon (2019)
If you were to take Emma, mix it with Bridgerton, and drop it in a seaside town, you’d get the wildcard of all Austen adaptations—Sanditon. Andrew Davies (screenwriter of the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice) extended Austen’s unfinished novel into a three-season drama with new characters, plot twists, and scandals, beyond what Austen had originally penned.
If you’re into steamy period dramas like Bridgerton or Poldark, Sanditon should naturally be next on your list. Though Austen loyalists might not enjoy the creative liberties Davies has taken, viewers may still find the show compelling, provided they watch with an open mind. If you thought Persuasion was too quiet, try Sanditon, it offers something new with a traditional Austen foundation.
Emma (2020)
If Austen had written Emma in the age of Instagram aesthetics and Pinterest boards, it might have looked a lot like this movie. Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Emma is witty and sharp, aligning perfectly with her meddlesome ways. If you enjoyed Marie Antoinette, then you’ll love this movie for the experience it visually provides.
Compared to Clueless’s Cher and Aisha’s Aisha, this Emma is a bit more self-absorbed, but it’s all a part of her charm, making her character growth all the more satisfying. This adaptation isn’t extremely emotional, so if you’re a fan of dry humour, satire, or slow-burn romances, then Emma is a refreshing option.
Northanger Abbey (2007)
Though considered Austen’s most “juvenile” work, Northanger Abbey is a fun, breezy watch. Catherine Morland (played by Felicity Jones) is a wide-eyed, extremely curious woman, who lets her vivid imagination spiral into a Gothic fantasy. This adaptation is the ideal choice for those who are new to the Austen universe, and want to start with something light and unserious.
Compared to Persuasion or Sense and Sensibility, there isn't much emotional weight to this story, but for anyone who doesn’t want something brooding, this is the right pick. If you enjoyed coming-of-age movies like Enola Holmes or Jane Eyre, or period drama spoofs like Lost in Austen or The Buccaneers, you’ll find this underrated film delightful too.
Mansfield Park (2007)
Mansfield Park revolves around Fanny Price, a 10-year-old girl sent from her impoverished home to live with wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. Fanny’s Cinderella-esque character has been highly debated within the Austen community. While the general consensus is that Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice was a sensible and spirited heroine, Fanny is considered more dull and passive.
In this adaptation, Billie Piper’s Fanny is much more lively, which some fans appreciate and some don’t. The 2007 version isn’t as dark as the 1999 adaption and contains lesser social critique. Only 90 minutes in length, it’s a quick watch with straightforward storytelling. If you liked easygoing films like The Secret Garden or Becoming Jane, Mansfield Park brings a similar vibe.
