Since it was originally written in 1813, Pride and Prejudice continues to be a favourite for anyone who loves angry confessions, redemption arcs, and the subtle art of gazing longingly across a crowded ballroom. It has inspired countless faithful (and widely creative!) adaptations ranking from “tolerable, I suppose” to “you have bewitched me, body and soul” (ten points to whoever understands the references!)
Though most of the footage from the earlier adaptations have been lost, this Jane Austen classic has sprung to life in different forms over the decades, and still remains as one of the most beloved romantic stories across generations. Austen’s characters have found themselves in indirect retellings like Bridget Jones’s Diary (with Colin Firth once again portraying Mr. Darcy in a modern setting), Christmas Hallmark movies, and even a murder mystery sequel like Death Comes to Pemberley, set six years after Elizabeth and Darcy’s wedding.
Now, in 2025, a new adaptation is slated to release on Netflix with Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden stepping into Elizabeth and Darcy’s shoes respectively. Whether you’re looking for faithful retellings rich with emotional chemistry, a Bollywood musical mashup, or a tryst with the undead, there is a version for everyone. Here’s where to watch them with JustWatch’s streaming guide.
10. Pride, Prejudice and Mistletoe (2018)
Pride, Prejudice and Mistletoe sees a gender-flipped Christmas twist on the Austen classic. It stars Hallmark princess Lacey Chabart (from Mean Girls fame) as Darcy Fitzwilliam, a successful investment banker who comes home for the holidays and crosses paths with her former classmate Luke Bennett.
It’s got all the ingredients for a perfect festive treat—a cozy small town, banter and slow burn, and feel-good predictable moments. This comforting movie is ideal for anyone who wants to reignite their holiday spirit, but wouldn’t be the best pick for viewers who are expecting depth or emotional complexity. Watch this movie with fluffy socks, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and low expectations!
9. Pride and Prejudice (1940)
Starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier, this black-and-white vintage gem is charming and hilarious, but takes liberties with the timeline and character arcs. The film removes many of the subplots, leaving the story feeling a bit shallow. Scenes that weren’t in the novel are also inserted, such as the scene where Elizabeth outshines Darcy at archery.
The 1940 version is great if you love Elizabeth and Darcy’s old-school romance, accentuated by elegant costumes and compressed into a brisk two-hour runtime, but isn’t ideal for fans of Austen who are looking for an exact chapter-by-chapter remake of the book.
8. Pride and Prejudice (1967)
This six-part series from 1967 is notorious for its bold omissions and new additions. Mary Bennet is left out almost entirely and new scenes take its place. For example, when Darcy finds Lydia and Wickham after they run away, the negotiations that follow are interesting for the viewer to see as it isn’t explicitly explained in the novel.
Though these experimental scenes can feel inventive, it does stray away from the source material, making the story feel uneven. This version is best for those who are intrigued by how the BBC tackled Austen’s book in the 1960s in a unique way, but book fans may feel frustrated with some of the material in the show.
7. Pride and Prejudice (1980)
A lot of avid fans of the novel aren’t aware of this adaptation’s existence. The 1980 version of Pride and Prejudice delivers great performances from all the characters with good pacing. Though not as extensive as the 1995 version, it feels more layered than a typical movie, including scenes that are often left out from other versions, like Elizabeth singing at Lucas Lodge.
What this adaptation could have done better is its portrayal of Mr. Bennet, who, rather than appearing submissive and amiable, seems unkind in some moments. This version is a solid choice for viewers who want a balance between a faithful retelling of the source but isn’t quite as lengthy.
6. Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta (2019)
Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta transports the story to contemporary Atlanta. With an African-American cast, this movie keeps the spirit of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice alive, but with a fresh cultural twist. The Lifetime original brings Elizabeth and Darcy’s enemies-to-lovers relationship and their families into a corporate world, where, even though the century has changed, the family dynamics are relatable and familiar. While the pacing feels slightly rushed in certain scenes and some of the core plot themes (like the Wickham-Lydia saga) are resolved a bit too quickly, this adaptation is perfect for viewers searching for representation and urban social context in a snappy rom-com.
5. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012)
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a playful, vlog-style YouTube series that reimagines Pride and Prejudice in the digital media age, set in California. Narrated over a span of 100 episodes of about five minutes each, Lizzie posts candid video updates about her life, friends, family, and love interests.
Despite the absence of period costumes and Regency-era setting, the clever writing, engaging pace, and witty dialogues makes this series a must-watch for Pride and Prejudice fans, especially for younger viewers who haven’t yet read the novel but want to foray into Austen’s world.
4. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a playful dark comedy that adds zombie battles and martial arts to an idyllic English countryside. Adapted from Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel of the same name, the movie offers an inventive twist to the iconic tale. The relationship between Elizabeth (an expert in weaponry) and Darcy (a seasoned zombie slayer) is complicated with a third element—the undead.
The movie is a wonderful pick for fans of the horror genre who want something fun and offbeat, but Austen purists may find the plot distracting from the original story. Though it may not appeal to everyone, it’s definitely still worth a watch for Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts.
3. Bride and Prejudice (2004)
It’s a musical bonanza! Bride and Prejudice, directed by Gurinder Chadha, takes Austen’s characters to a modern India. The film bursts with colour and dance, in true Bollywood fashion. Though Kitty Bennet’s character is removed from the plot, most of the main characters and relationships stay true to the original.
The foot-tapping musical numbers woven in between scenes don’t distract the story’s narrative, rather they add to it. Mr. Collins’s characterization is one of the biggest departures: Where Austen’s Collins is uptight and solemn, Chadha’s version is absolutely hilarious. This adaptation is for anyone who loves interracial romance, a diverse cast, dramatic flair, bright aesthetics, and a pinch of social satire.
2. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
A version that consistently takes the top spot in ranking lists is the Pride & Prejudice (2005) feature film. With its fantastic score composed by Dario Marianelli, cinematic excellence, and top-tier performances by Keira Knightley as the feisty Elizabeth and Matthew Macfayden as the socially awkward, yet sometimes comical Darcy, this adaptation shines with its predictable plot points, incredible chemistry, and improvised moments (the hand flex scene will go down in history as swoon-worthy!) The film condenses a majority of the crucial plot elements into a two-hour visually stunning drama, but it does trim some of the character’s arcs, giving them lesser screen time.
1. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
When fans are asked to choose their favourite Pride and Prejudice adaptation, the 1995 version usually tops the list. This adaptation with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as the main leads is highly ranked because of its detailed storytelling and accurate dialogue. The characters are properly fleshed out and with over six one-hour episodes, it does a spectacular job of staying true to Austen’s work. The series is best for viewers seeking a more descriptive narration and an immersive romance that film-length adaptations just can’t capture. On the other hand, for fans who prefer a brisk pace, this may feel like a long watch.
