The greatest films to come out of Japan
This film is perfect for those looking for a classic Hollywood adaptation. Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson star as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, respectively.
The film does a great job of interpreting Jane Austen’s signature humour. Laurence Olivier performs with a cold wit and pride.
'Pride and Prejudice' has so many adaptations, it’s easy to get lost. The 1995 BBC series is a great place to start. Jennifer Ehle stars as Elizabeth Bennet.
With a script faithful to the book and near-perfect performances, this mini-series is a great way to get into Jane Austen. Colin Firth is an audience favourite as the complex Mr. Darcy.
Jones has the tough choice between Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and her boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant).
Bakshi crosses paths with William Darcy (Martin Henderson) and mayhem ensues as East meets West.
‘Bride and Prejudice’ is a Bollywood spin on ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ The story follows Lalita Bakshi (played by (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and her unmarried sisters.
It is anchored by an all-star cast. Lily James, Sam Riley, and Matt Smith all feature.
This comedy is a polarising choice for fans of Austen. The film follows the Bennet sisters as they're tasked with battling zombies and managing marriages.
Alan Cumming joins Paltrow as Mr Elton, who gives Emma an important chance for true romance.
For a more traditional take on ‘Emma’, try the 1996 adaptation. Gwyneth Paltrow plays the title character, a natural-born matchmaker with little time for herself.
The film faithfully follows the novel’s speech and story with a hilarious script and a stunning ensemble cast.
This version was a hit on its release. Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant star.
‘Mansfield Park’ follows Fanny Price (Frances O’Connor, centre) as she navigates complicated relationships with a series of suitors.
Ang Lee was an exciting choice as the film’s director. Thompson sent him the script, and the ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ director got to work.
‘Persuasion’ may be a lesser-known Austen novel but this 1995 adaptation does it justice. Amanda Root stars as Anne Elliot in her feature film debut.
One of Jane Austen’s first novel is brought to life masterfully. Felicity Jones plays Catherine Morland, a witty teenager who gets involved in a love triangle.
She’s joined by Ciarán Hinds as Frederick Wentworth. The film follows Elliot’s life after she rejects a marriage proposal from Wentworth.
‘Love & Friendship’ is a more recent addition to this list, based on Austen’s short novel ‘Lady Susan.’ Kate Beckinsale plays the titular character, a widow who longs for a new husband.
Xavier Samuel joins Beckinsale as Reginald DeCourcy, a man who warms to Lady Susan’s flirtatious ways.
‘Becoming Jane’ isn’t based on Austen’s books, but her life itself, with Anne Hathaway as the revered novelist.
In the film, Austen tries to get her start as a novelist. Eventually, she crosses paths with Thomas Lefroy (James McAvoy), a promising lawyer with a bad reputation.
The story follows two spoiled sisters (Camilla Belle and Alexa PenaVega) who move from Mexico to Los Angeles. Wilmer Valderrama joins as Bruno, the dreamy boy next door.
See also: Movies you had no idea were based off Shakespeare plays
JJ Feild stars as Henry Tilney, a clergyman and Morland’s love interest.
Frances O’Connor and Alessandro Nivola have great on-screen chemistry as Fanny Price and Henry Crawford.
Keira Knightley gives a great performance as Liz Bennet in this version, where she stars opposite Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy.
‘Clueless’ doesn’t replicate the story of ‘Emma,’ but uses a contemporary setting to tackle the themes of youth and confused romance.
‘Clueless’ is a creative take on ‘Emma’, starring Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz. The spoiled schoolgirl learns about romance and betrayal in this cult comedy.
A TV series inspired by the eponymous film also followed Cher's character, but this time played by Rachel Blanchard. Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Donald Faison all reprised their roles, and the show ran three seasons.
‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ is a loose adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice.' Renée Zellweger stars as a clumsy take on Elizabeth Bennet.
From 'Clueless' to zombies: Iconic Jane Austen adaptations
Celebrating the iconic author Jane Austen
MOVIES Depictions
It's been over two centuries since Jane Austen died, yet her stories—just six novels—are still being told and reworked to this day, extending her unparalleled legacy in literature to film and television. Click through and browse our roundup of the best films and television shows based on Austen's novels.