As a 200-year-old novel that is now public domain, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is among one of the most popular stories to adapt, with countless classic versions and modern reimaginings, such as Bridget Jones' Diary, or even daring tales of what comes after, like the brilliant murder mystery, Death Comes to Pemberley. Even the Hallmark Channel has taken wild liberties with numerous Christmas and holiday adaptations that are impossible to keep up with.
From an unfortunately failed stage production to a myriad of shows and films, here are the most well-known Pride and Prejudice adaptations, ranked from worst to best and where to find them on platforms such as BBC, Netflix, and more. While each of these films are worth watching, some are simply lower on the list because they either aren’t as accessible or because they don’t capture the novel as accurately.
10. Pride and Prejudice (1952)
As a live production with no footage for viewers to currently stream, the 1952 Pride and Prejudice doesn't leave much room for any criticism or praise either. Somewhere in the ether is a version of the book that could have been either great or woefully terrible, but few know how to really tell the story and vouch for its impact.
With a runtime of three hours, the BBC production is something that's actually haunting with its what-ifs since the footage is presumed to be lost. Last on our list for this very reason alone, perhaps someday, someone can locate it and legally provide it for viewing again.
9. Pride and Prejudice (1967)
As a limited series, with more time to adapt, the 1967 Pride and Prejudice unfortunately fumbles a bit with its decision to leave out Mary Bennet. While sure, the choice can be understandable when examining just how much the novel explores and how little she's present in it, it's still an incredibly odd and slightly offensive choice to leave behind the quiet sister who often feels left out in the first place.
In addition, as one of the earlier adaptations in this form, this version could've been great, but it instead feels entirely unnecessary, for it doesn't provide anything unique. If there's room for a mini-series, then it should attempt to include as much as possible as opposed to leaving it out. Still, for those wanting a classic approach, it's a fascinating one to watch at least once.
8. Pride and Prejudice (1980)
Cyril Coke's Pride and Prejudice (1980) is another limited series and relatively decent in adapting the novel with a memorable cast. Similar to the 1967 version, it doesn't include anything new, particularly unique or riveting to grasp onto, but as it manages to fit a large chunk of the novel in, it's the cast's portrayal of the main characters that makes the series an easy watch for those who are already fans of the story.
Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul are great as Darcy and Elizabeth, providing something completely different from what most modern-day fans might be used to. It's the performances that allow the film to shine best.
7. Pride and Prejudice (2003)
The 2003 version of Pride and Prejudice should have worked as a college day twist, but it unfortunately fumbles as the film neglects the heart of the novel and also doesn't take its own world-building too seriously.
As funny as the book is, when matters of wealth and social status are at the center, the toxicity is also important to explore. Yet, the film does none of this, serving instead as a reimagining that doesn't allow itself to really polish in the unique premise it's attempting to set up. Still, there's something for everyone, and this version can be an interesting setup to the world for those who aren't exactly fans of period pieces.
6. Pride and Prejudice (1940)
Of all the classic, old Hollywood adaptations of the novel, Robert Z. Leonard's Pride and Prejudice (1940), starring Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson, is the best one yet. Bold and hilarious, it's surprising that the adaptation isn't among the popular ones.
While few are aware of its existence, the adaptation manages to give important beats of the novel their due, while the chemistry between the stars sells the classic hate-to-love story. With some new scenes and a lovely twist, it's one worth checking out at least once for viewers who are fans of classic films and the original story.
5. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012)
Like 1940's Pride and Prejudice, few people are actually aware of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, yet that doesn't make it any less significant in a sea of adaptations. As a modern adaptation that emerged in the early days of vlogging, the web series took various Austen fans by storm when Ashley Clements first stepped in front of the camera to tell a version of the story that maybe shouldn't have worked as brilliantly as it does.
Hilarious, clever, and genuinely well-developed, it's proof that any adaptation can work so long as there's heart and care attached to the original property. For viewers looking for a modern-day adaptation that can now be a throwback, too, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is the perfect one to watch.
4. Bride and Prejudice (2004)
As another unique and gorgeously shot modernization, Bride and Prejudice succeeds entirely because it weaves in a Bollywood musical with the renowned story to tell an even richer tale that explores South Asian customs amid the text's exploration of different classes. Romantic, fun, and lush with every scene, Bride and Prejudice is the kind of adaptation that also belongs on every Broadway stage.
As one of the most stunning versions, it's criminally underrated, too. There's often a lot of conversation about the BBC limited series and the 2005 adaptation, but for everything it accomplishes as a production, Bride and Prejudice should be a part of the discussion, too. It's a must-watch for Austen fans craving something unique.
3. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)
Based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is proof that you can adapt a classic piece of literature and give it a unique twist while still allowing the story's core themes to shine. While the film isn't for every Austen connoisseur, it's certainly the most well-rounded adaptation with a fantastic narrative that makes the film entertaining and perfect for the spooky season.
Starring Lily James and Sam Riley as Elizabeth and Darcy fighting against a zombie apocalypse, every beat of the film works to honor the original story as it provides high-stakes entertainment and a hauntingly grotesque veil to the Regency classic. Perhaps not the friendliest films for those who don't like horror, but from one scaredy-cat to another, this one's easily palatable and worth every beat.
2. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
BBC's limited series gives viewers the iconic scene of Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy emerging from the water, all while managing to capture the essence of Jane Austen's novel by filling in as much of the story as possible. There's a reason countless fans view it as the quintessential adaptation, and it's entirely because it accurately delivers every significant narrative beat while simultaneously managing accuracy in costumes, scenic shots, and time-accurate cinematography that feels like it was made in the 1800s.
Whip sharp and featuring some of the most brilliant English stars, the 1995 Pride and Prejudice is as close to perfect as a limited series comes. If you only watch one adaptation, this version is the way to go.
1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
For the rest of all time, fans will argue about whether Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice (2005) is indeed better than the BBC limited series, and that's a large part of its appeal, too. Still, the beauty of this adaptation comes not only from the incredible chemistry between Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, but also from Wright's directorial vision and the timeless original score from the English Chamber Orchestra and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Its appeal stems from the magnetism of the hand flex and every beat of the film that is utterly picturesque as it captures the heart of Austen's novel through moments of character development that feel earned, even with the short runtime.
As a film, this one's for every kind of romance fan, not just the period drama devotees. It's for every viewer who appreciates sweeping love stories featuring angsty, profound longing. Or in present-day jargon, utterly down-bad men.
