What many non-geeky English major nerds might not know is that there are more Jane Austen adaptations of her stories than there are full-length novels. From classic limited series to modern retellings like Clueless (1995), the world of Austen is vast and ever-growing. We even have reimaginings of what comes after her stories, like in Death Comes to Pemberley (2013). Years from now, a new generation will continue arguing which Pride and Prejudice adaptation is best and pass it along to others. But Jane Austen isn't just for the English nerds; she's for every romance fan who also yearns for profound character development and platonic relationships woven into the love stories.
From films about the author herself, like Becoming Jane (2007), to series that touch upon her unfinished work, there's a great deal to appreciate out there. Here are the top 10 absolute must-watch Jane Austen adaptations available on platforms like Prime Video, PBS, and more.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Moviegoers recently returned to theaters to watch Matthew MacFadyen's infamous hand flex on the big screen for the 20th anniversary of Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice, and today, the film has garnered more fans than before. As the perfect gateway into Austen's world, Pride and Prejudice (2005) might just be the ideal way to start.
For a film that doesn't have as much space to encompass all the important beats in Austen's most revered novel, this adaptation comes pretty close to doing an incredible job. Full of indescribable scenic shots, a gorgeous score from the English Chamber Orchestra and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, beautiful performances from MacFadyen, Keira Knightley, the late and great Donald Sutherland, plus everyone involved, there's magic sprinkled into every corner of the adaptation, making it one that even non-Austen fans can appreciate.
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Before Jonathan Bailey's Anthony Bridgerton sprang out of the lake with a wet shirt, Colin Firth made everyone swoon in a similar manner as Mr. Darcy in the 1995 limited series. With more episodes to showcase details from the book, the limited Pride and Prejudice series is a treat from beginning to end as it captures the essence of the novel.
If this were the only adaptation we'd ever gotten, it would have been enough. While the 2005 glitters as a spectacle, the limited series shines in its meticulous authenticity. From the costumes to the color contrasts in every scene, the series feels like it was made in the Regency era, and for that reason, it'll perpetually remain inimitable. Best suited for viewers who want a near-perfect book-to-screen adaptation, this version is the way to go.
Emma (2009)
As Jane Austen's most complex (and longest) novel, Emma is one that requires an abundance of time with the titular character to understand her idiosyncrasies intimately. She isn't for everybody, but for those who appreciate her, no adaptation handles the story as beautifully as the BBC's limited series, starring Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller, along with the late Michael Gambon as Mr. Woodhouse.
An exceptional screenplay captures the heart of the text, and an exquisite performance from Garai ensures that Emma is a well-rounded, profoundly layered character whose heart is consistently on display, even as her words fumble. For the viewers who loved Clueless growing up, Emma is the inspiration behind Cher Horowitz's character, so the original is a must-watch in this regard to better appreciate the modern twist. Plus, for the romance fans who typically aren't a fan of the age-gap romance, Emma might just be the story to change your mind.
Northanger Abbey (2007)
Often one of Austen's most underrated novels, Northanger Abbey is for the fans longing for gothic elements in their Regency romance. It's spooky, inherently meta in what it conveys with the notion of reading, and deeply romantic as we watch Felicity Jones' Catherine Morland and JJ Fields' Henry Tilney slowly and quietly fall in love.
With stunning architecture and scenic shots glazed in muted tones, the cinematography that takes viewers through Bath and the titular estate is especially perfect for non-horror fans who want something cozy during the spooky season. Pair it with heavy rain pounding through the windows, and it's an absolute thrill ride. Short and sweet in its runtime, but thoroughly engaging as a historical romance from beginning to end.
Persuasion (2007)
Persuasion is inarguably Jane Austen's most devastating and heartrending novel, so it's astounding there aren't as many adaptations of it. Still, Adrian Shergold's made-for-TV version is undoubtedly the best one yet. Starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones, the adaptation ensures that viewers feel the weight of the longing that has consistently stretched between Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth.
As it does this, it also sticks the landing with their reunion at the very end. Nestled in the streets of Bath, Somerset, every emotion is on full display and brought to life with excellent layers in every way. Perfect for viewers who love second chance romances and modern-day films like The Notebook (2004), Persuasion is the must-watch blueprint for such stories.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Few film adaptations are as aptly cast as Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility. Starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Imelda Staunton, and more, so much of the reason why the adaptation is among the best is entirely because of the cast. Thompson and Winslet are especially brilliant as they embody the Dashwood sisters in their endeavors, making every beat of the film rewarding, even while we miss out on various content from the book.
Beautifully shot from start to finish, Sense and Sensibility, like the 1995 Pride and Prejudice, feels as timeless as it looks. Of all Austen books, Sense and Sensibility might not be for viewers who don't appreciate a lot of back and forth between characters, but it's still a fantastic depiction for those who want stories of sisterhood woven into the narrative as well.
Emma (2020)
Autumn de Wilde's bold and colorful adaptation of Emma (2020) might not be for those who prefer extremely accurate book adaptations, but it's a gorgeous transformation that manages to keep the character's essence intact, even while it takes stylistic risks to bring the narrative to life.
With a faultlessly quirky score from Isobel Waller-Bridge and lush, gorgeous costumes, the slightly brighter approach makes the story deeply funny and surprisingly relatable. It also helps that Anya Taylor-Joy delivers an incredible performance from the moment she appears on screen. Perfect for viewers who appreciate fast-paced stories and loads of comedy sprinkled into every scene.
Emma (1996)
Funnily, there are two adaptations of Emma from 1996, but Gwyneth Paltrow's takes the cake as one that feels richer in how it explores the text and characters. Simultaneously, it stars Ewan McGregor as Frank Churchill and Jeremy Northam as Knightley, as well as a number of recognizable faces, many don't realize have taken on Austen in their filmography.
Charming, surprisingly hilarious, and well-produced, Emma (1996) is certainly worth watching at least once. It's especially worth it for the viewers who want a relatively authentic version of the text, but don't have the time to sit through a four-part limited series.
Mansfield Park (1999)
Mansfield Park isn't among Austen's popular novels, but the adaptation starring Frances O'Connor as Fanny Price and Jonny Lee Miller as Edmund Bertram is a solid one. It takes the story's most interesting beats and sells a film based on performances alone, which, at times, is more than what we can ask for.
Legitimately funny and adorably shot, Mansfield Park feels like the one Austen film that can truly be deemed a romantic comedy. However, for viewers who struggle with historical films and peculiar customs like the normalcy of cousins getting married, Mansfield Park might not be the film for you.
Sanditon (2019)
Based on Austen's unfinished novel, Andrew Davies took a number of liberties with Sanditon's three-season run, and for the most part, it's an endearing adaptation because of its cast. While the second and third seasons change course after Theo James' Sidney Parker exits, the series still gives Charlotte Haywood a happy ending and allows each of the characters a better future than their pasts allowed.
It's surprising that there aren't more series like Sanditon, but for what we've got, it's undoubtedly one worth checking out. Sanditon is best suited for Bridgerton (2020) fans wanting more diversity in their historical shows, and it's also a solid slow burn romance for those who prefer the trope.
