Top 10 Jane Austen Movies And Series Adaptations, Ranked

Prepare to be whisked away on a cinematic voyage through the world of Jane Austen adaptations! From the queen of coquette classics’ heart-pounding romances to laugh-out-loud moments, we’ve carefully curated the ultimate list of the best Austen films and series. 

Now, no true minds are alike, but these onscreen adaptations are guaranteed to put you in that soft, pastel, feminine energy you crave so badly after powering through every day. So grab your English tea, settle in with your favorite read, and let us kickstart this Regency-era adventure!

10. Love & Friendship (2016) 

With this iconic movie, Kate Beckinsale once again proved why she’s the queen of period dramas. In this wickedly funny adaptation of Austen’s novella ‘Lady Susan,’ Kate plays the cunning and manipulative Lady Susan Vernon to perfection. Her performance is equal parts charming and conniving. 

And, the story keeps you guessing at every turn. Director Whit Stillman did an incredible job by scattering the sharp wit and irreverent humor that’s reminiscent of the author Austen herself. Despite the ranking, it’s a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Related: Top 15 Period-Drama TV Shows Like ‘Bridgerton’

9. Bride and Prejudice (2004) 

Who said Austen adaptations had to be confined to the English countryside? Indian director Gurinder Chadha’s Bollywood take on ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a colorful and exuberant version of this British tale. While pastel ruffles and the king’s countryside are the classic depictions, the Indian splash of culture is definitely enchanting. 

Here, the diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shines as Lalita Bakshi, the Indian Elizabeth Bennet, bringing her own brand of charm and wit to the iconic character. With its vibrant musical numbers and infectious energy, ‘Bride and Prejudice’ gives you what a perfect blend of brown looks like. 

8. Clueless (1995) 

Okay, so technically it’s not a Jane Austen adaptation, but hear us out. Amy Heckerling’s modern retelling of ‘Emma’ set in Beverly Hills is a pop culture masterpiece in its own right. 

Alicia Silverstone shines as Cher Horowitz, the quintessential ’90s fashionista with a heart of gold, as she navigates the highs and lows of high school romance and friendship. With its witty dialogue, iconic style moments, and timeless charm, ‘Clueless’ falls into this well-curated list of Jane Austen adaptations.

7. Mansfield Park (1999) 

Patricia Rozema takes some creative liberties with Austen’s original story, but the result is a thought-provoking adaptation that challenges the conventions of its time. Frances O’Connor delivers a standout performance as the fiercely independent Fanny Price, while the stunning cinematography and lush period details transport you straight to the heart of the Regency period.

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With Jane’s signature touch of satire and Patricia’s twirl of humor, this is a packed deal that is only missing popcorn.

6. Northanger Abbey (2007) 

Was it in your bingo cards to romp through the world of Gothic romance in a charming adaptation of Jane Austen’s satirical novel ‘Northanger Abbey‘? If not, then you have a chance to put it in now. In this BBC Television Film, Felicity Jones shines as the naive Catherine Morland, whose overactive imagination leads her on a wild adventure through the world of high society and haunted castles.

With its twisted humor and charming cast embodying Austen’s characters, it’s a delightful homage to her irreverent spirit that’s sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

5. Persuasion (1995) 

Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds deliver a masterclass in understated romance in this poignant adaptation of Austen’s last novel. Their chemistry crackles on the screen like firewood on a chilly evening, drawing you in.

Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth’s heartbreaking love story, the kind that grows with every longing glance and whispered word. It’s a timeless tale of second chances and lost love that will make you forget all about the horrible version of it that Dakota Johnson made a couple of years ago.

4. Emma (2020) 

If you fell in love with this Austen protagonist while flipping through the book’s pages, get ready to fall in love with Anya Taylor-Joy’s Emma all over again. This 2020 adaptation of the iconic classic is as witty as it is whimsical. Director Autumn de Wilde infused the film with a playful energy that almost perfectly captures Austen’s satirical edge.

The stunning costumes and set designs of this production do a marvelous job of transporting you straight to the heart of Regency-era England. It’s a feast for the eyes and the soul.

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3. Pride and Prejudice (1995) 

Strap in, Austenites, because Colin Firth’s iconic Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle’s feisty Elizabeth Bennet woo us big time in this show. The six-hour masterpiece is like a warm hug from Jane herself, with every scene dripping in romance and wit. It wooed us way before Netflix’s romance drama slate got interesting.

Plus, who can resist that infamous lake scene? This BBC hidden gem series is a soul-soothing watch for any Austen fan, guaranteed to leave a feeling of warmth and fuzz inside.

2. Sense and Sensibility (1995) 

Director Ang Lee brought Austen’s beloved novel to life with a cinematic flair that’s as captivating as it is charming. Starring Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars, Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood, and Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon, the stellar cast carries Jane’s story to new heights with their talent.

Moreover, the Oscar-winning screenplay strikes the perfect balance between humor and heartache. ‘Sense and Sensibility‘ is a timeless classic that’s sure to leave you reaching for the tissues; whether you’re laughing or crying, you won’t be bored.

1. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

This Joe Wright creation needs to go down in the history of comfort classics, and we have plenty of Tumblr girlies to back us up on this claim. This 2005 version of Jane Austen’s most famed novel, ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ has been the first point of discussion for her on-screen adaptations. It was originally published in 1813, anonymously. Well, not so anonymous anymore, obviously. 

Related: Why Is ‘Pride and Prejudice’ The Ultimate Comfort Classic For Women?

Kiera Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet will forever be top tier, Matthew MacFadyen’s broody charm as Mr. Darcy is the stuff of legends, and Wright’s attention to detail still makes our hearts swoon.