Many of Jane Austen's novels have been adapted into movies and television series, giving fans a lot to consume. But which ones are worth watching? Continue reading to find out!
Emma (2020)
The 2020 adaption of Emma is complex and endearing. Mr. Woodhouse's paranoia is hilarious yet sad. Emma’s matchmaking is ill-advised yet shows that she's compassionate. Mr. Knightley scolds Emma, but his true feelings are exposed when he dances with her. It also shows many awkward moments, such as Emma getting a nose bleed during the love confession scene.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Pride and Prejudice is about the strong-minded Elizabeth and her eccentric family. This adaption captures many great small moments of the Bennet's lives, making you feel like they’re a real family. The love story between her and Darcy is also phenomenal. We love the dance scene, the proposal in the rain, and when Darcy professes his love in a misty field. This movie is one of the best Jane Austen adaptions for its cast, score, and story.
Austenland
Jane spends all her money on a trip to Austenland to live out her dreams. However, the world of Austen is not all that she anticipated. But she ends up finding something real amongst all of the fakeness of Austenland, her feelings for Mr. Nobley. This movie is hilarious and ridiculous, which makes it a great movie to watch with your friends.
Northanger Abbey
Even though everyone wants to be Elizabeth Bennet, we're most likely a Catherine from Northanger Abbey. We’re a bit awkward, obsessed with fictional worlds, and stumble on our words. The 2007 movie does a great job parodying the gothic genre that Austen pokes fun of in the book. Also, the flirtatious and sweet Mr. Nobley is impossible to resist.
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
I’d be disgraced as a Jane Austen fan if I didn't bring up the BBC miniseries of Pride and Prejudice. It stars Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. It's a beloved adaption because it sticks to the text material, capturing the clashing of wit between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth perfectly. Also, fans love the scene where Mr. Darcy steps out of the lake soaking wet.
Clueless
"Clueless" not being on our list? As if! It's one of the best rom-coms of all time. It's based on the novel "Emma." Cher is a valley girl who loves to shop and talks her way into getting better grades. The iconic wardrobe and jokes make this movie a classic. In particular, Jane Austen fans love “Clueless” because it shows a spoiled yet intelligent version of the character Emma.
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries
It is a truth universally acknowledged that The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is one of the best web series. It's a modern telling of Pride and Prejudice. The web series emphasizes the female relationships between Lizzie, her sisters, and Charlotte. The modern adaption also shows the story's relevancy. While it changes a bit of the story, the heart of the novel remains present.
Emma (1996)
The 1996 version of Emma is missing the down-to-earth beats of the 2020 version, but it's incredibly eye-catching and heartwarming. I can’t help but smile when Mr. Knightley speaks of riding through the rain and as Emma sits in a field of flowers. The movie captures the picturesque atmosphere readers imagine while reading one of Jane Austen's books.
Sense and Sensibility
Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson play daughters who are complete opposites. The movie Sense and Sensibility focuses on their sisterhood and the triumphs and failings of their romantic life. There are also quite a few laughs to be had while watching the movie, making it worth the watch.
Bridget Jones Diary
Bridget Jones Diary is not faithful to Pride and Prejudice's book, but Austen fans love it anyway. It’s about a woman in her thirties, singing "All By Myself" while eating ice cream. It captures the struggles many of us go through when we're finding our way in life. It also features Colin Firth, reprising Darcy's role (but in an ugly Christmas sweater this time). This movie may make you cringe, but it’ll make you laugh just as much.
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We hope you make some tea and enjoy these wonderful Jane Austen adaptions!
Want more on the scoop? Check out Netflix Hidden Gems: Pride and Prejudice and 10 Fashion Lessons We Learned From Emma Watson.
Soraya says
Great list! I love a lot of them. However, please can you amend Mr Nobley from Northanger Abbey to Mr Tilney? 🙂