Jane Austenwrote her many masterpieces in the early 19th century, but her work still sweeps viewers off their feet in new adaptations for the big and small screens 200 years later. Many versions and adaptations of Austen’s six novels have come over the decades, and they’ve only improved with time. The telling of Austen’s work has evolved even as the scripts have stayed true to Austen’s famous words. To this day, the story of an independent heroine in a man’s world holds up more than ever.
It would take a long time to rank all of the best Jane Austen film adaptations, but the versions that have hit theaters within the last 30 years take the cake. On the big screen, Austen adaptations take place in the grand real-life homes and villages where her characters could’ve lived.They have scores that whisk viewers in, lift emotions higher, and make them feel like they’re right there, experiencing and feeling everything much deeper than reading Austen’s words. The actors who’ve played her beloved characters have brought something new and exhilarating. This combined makes an excellent viewing experience for all period drama lovers.
15’Persuasion' (2022)
Directed by Carrie Cracknell
In 2022, Netflix released its own adaptation of the classicJane AustennovelPersuasion. In the movie, a woman named Anne Elliott (played byDakota Johnson) is forced to end her engagement with her former love due to his social standing. Years later, Anne’s former fiancé comes back into her life as a successful naval officer — and now she must face her past decisions to find happiness and love.
There was also a lot of excitement surrounding the movie as the trailer revealed thatPersuasionattempted to modernize its source material while still being a period film. However, critics do note that the movie largely misrepresented the character as she seemed condescending and awkward.Persuasion’s gimmicky elements like breaking the fourth wall were also panned. While it’s not the best choice for those looking to watch a faithful adaptation,Persuasionis a good movie to watch for viewers who want a modern adaptation of classic literature.– Jom Elauria
Persuasion
14’Austenland' (2013)
Directed by Jerusha Hess
Austenlandchronicles the journey of a woman named Jane Hayes (played byKeri Russell). She has a mild obsession with Austen’s works, especially with the enigmatic and honorable Mr. Darcy. Because she also wants to live a life similar to the protagonists in Austen’s novels, she books a stay at a resort named Austenland, which offers an immersive experience set full of Regency-era elements — including charming love interests and corset-filled costumes.
The enchanting movie isn’t necessarily based on just one of Austen’s works buthighlights the tropes and familiar aspects that Austen’s novels employ.Austenlandwill surely sweep viewers off their feet with its romantic and enchanting story. However, it did receive some flack as its narrative was quite shallow and it didn’t go all out with unpacking its own themes.– Jom Elauria
Austenland
13’Bride and Prejudice' (2004)
Directed by Gurinder Chadha
Perhaps Bollywood’s most celebrated Austen adaptation isGurinder Chadha’sBride and Prejudice. Instead of being set on a backdrop of Regency-era Britain,Bride and Prejudiceis set in 21st-century India. The movie takes a look at a spirited woman named Lalita Bakshi (Aishwarya Rai) and her tumultuous relationship with American entrepreneur William Darcy (Martin Henderson), with her life unfolding through entertaining and magnificent dance sequences.
The Bollywood approach to the classic novel and the culture-filled infusion of the familiar story is fresh, new, and largely enjoyable. However, it must be noted that the movie did stray away from the sharp wit and astute social observations that define Austen’s characters. That said, it’s a dazzling watch thanks to its entertaining sequences, as well asBride and Prejudice’s interesting creative choiceslike cutting out the kissing scenes and replacing them with other chemistry-filled interactions.– Jom Elauria
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12’From Prada to Nada' (2011)
Directed by Angel Gracia
Austen’sSense and Sensibilityreceives a modern retelling in the movieFrom Prada to Nada. Affluent sisters Nora (Camilla Belle) and Mary (Alexa Vega) must move in with their humble aunt after the unfortunate passing of their father leaves them penniless. In the face of change, Nora and Mary find love, grapple with loss, and forge a deeper understanding of the true meaning of family.
The modern adaptation wasenjoyed by viewers thanks to its charisma-filled performances as well as its unique take on the classic story. That said, it does stray a little too far for comfort from the source material, enough to dissuade hardcore fans of Austen’s works. However,From Prada to Nadahas plenty of entertaining scenes and jokes that will keep viewers interested in the story of Nora and Mary.– Jom Elauria
From Prada to Nada
11’Metropolitan' (1990)
Directed by Whit Stillman
Metropolitanis a delightful comedy of manners that whirls through the lives of affluent Manhattan debutantes and their charmingly complex social circles. Set during debutante season, the film follows Tom Townsend (Edward Clements), a middle-class Princeton student, as he is introduced to this esoteric world by his friend Nick Smith (Christopher Eigeman). As they navigate parties and soirées, Tom questions the values and traditions of this elite society, leading to a journey of self-discovery.
Metropolitanoffers a modern take and loose on the Austen novelMansfield Park. With its sharp dialogue and elegant setting,Metropolitanis a captivating exploration of identity and personal growth, earning it praise and a cult following reminiscent of Austen’s works. While it’s not a Christmas movie,Metropolitanis in Criterion Collection’s Christmas movie selectionas it captures the beauty of the aftermath of Christmas Day in New York City.– Jom Elauria
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10’Love and Friendship' (2016)
Love and Friendshipis based on Jane Austen’s unpublished novella,Lady Susan, and unlike any of her other work. The story follows Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), who has lost her standing at Langford and has been forced to move in with relatives at the less impressive Churchill. Her main goal is to get her daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark) married off to the wealthy Sir James Martin (Tom Bennett), but everyone around her gets caught in the complex web that she controls with ease.
Love and Friendshipdoesn’t have Austen’s typical independent heroine but an often wicked and conniving womanbent on improving her and her daughters' station, no matter the cost. Beckinsale is perfect, driving the character’s unrelenting self-interest. Susan is totally oblivious to others and knows no boundaries. However, unfortunately, the film fails to inspire as a whole. It doesn’t have the decades-long attachment thatPride and PrejudiceorEmmahave.
Love and Friendship
Lady Susan Vernon takes up temporary residence at her in-laws' estate and, while there, is determined to be a matchmaker for her daughter Frederica–and herself too, naturally.
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9’Fire Island' (2022)
Directed by Andrew Ahn
Fire Islandis not a conventional Jane Austen adaptation but still pays homage toPride and Prejudice. The film follows a group of queer best friends who gather at Fire Island Pines for their annual vacation. Noah (Joel Kim Booster) puts aside his goal of getting laid to help Howie (Bowen Yang) find someone. The friends learn that the vacation home is being sold after this season and decide to have one big final bash. Noah eventually meets Will (Conrad Ricamora), his opposite or the Mr. Darcy of the story.
The only resemblance betweenFire IslandandPride and Prejudiceis that they have a main couple who are worlds apart. The script directly quotes the film’s source material a couple of times,but besides that, it would be pretty impossible to figure out that this is a Jane Austen adaptation.
Fire Island
8’Emma' (1996)
Directed by Douglas McGrath
The 1996 version ofEmmais one of the most memorable becauseGwyneth Paltrowplays the titular heroine. Unmarried and living with her father, Emma Woodhouse occupies herself with matchmaking, although she’s often misguided and meddlesome. Meanwhile, she isn’t quick to catch that her friend Mr. Knightley (Jeremy Northam) is in love with her. She only realizes her love for him when her friend Harriet (Toni Collette) shows interest in him, and even when he tells her of his love, she’s in disbelief.
The film sticks to the source material and direct quotes almost too well, so it seems stiff sometimes and unoriginal. Meanwhile, the performances aren’t awe-inspiring and fall flat, almost like they were acting in a boring, low-budget play. Paltrow could’ve been more passionate, but she’s soft and forgettable. When Mr. Knightley proposes to Emma, there’s supposed to be a great deal of passion because his love has been eating him alive and threatening to break free. That’s not quite what we see in this adaptation, but it’s no less entertaining to watch.
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7’Northanger Abbey' (2007)
Directed by Jon Jones
Northanger Abbeyfollows the Jane Austen model. A young, independent tomboy is in search of a husband. However, this time, Catherine Morland (played byDead Shot’sFelicity Jones) is caught between two brother and sister duos, the Tilneys and the Thorpes. It’s an 1800s version of he-said, she-said, and Catherine gets wrapped up in it. Catherine’s imagination doesn’t help herself find a match either, but ultimately, Henry Tilney (JJ Feild), who is not deceitful like John Thorpe (William Beck), falls in love with her.
WhileNorthanger Abbeyhas a complex, juicy storyline,it’s not one of Austen’s best and certainly not as memorable as her other tales. It’s hard not to feel bad for Catherine, being pulled by two families who want her to marry their son (unbeknownst to them, she isn’t as wealthy as they think). However, she’s not exactly as passionate, headstrong, or charismatic as Emma or Elizabeth Bennet.
Northanger Abbey
6’Bridget Jones’s Diary' (2001)
Directed by Sharon Maguire
Bridget Jones’s Diaryis what you get when youcombine comedy and a modern-day telling ofPride and Prejudice. Bridget (Renée Zellweger), the Elizabeth Bennet of the story, is 32 and worried she’ll become a spinster, but she’s hopelessly oblivious at every turn. She meets Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) (they couldn’t have been more obvious), who she thinks is stuck up and judgmental but secretly in love with her. Bridget eventually dates Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) (Mr. Wickham), Darcy’s old friend-turned-enemy, but soon realizes the truth about Daniel and falls in love with Darcy.
Bridget is relatable and endearing, but she’s quite the opposite of Elizabeth Bennet, although they’re both strong-willed. She often acts like a bumbling fool, but she knows her worth and is brave enough to criticize her own faults. She believes she deserves someone who is her perfect match and will stop at nothing to find someone right.Bridget Jones’s DiarygivesPride and Prejudicea modern makeover and is a classic in its own right, but it doesn’t quite stand up next to the authentic tellings of Austen’s stories.
