19 Jane Austen Adaptations That Are Almost As Good As The Books
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a woman in possession of Jane Austen novels must be in want of a good adaptation to watch.
1. The Jane Austen Book Club
I already know that I'm biased, but I'm gonna start this list with my personal favorite. Based on the book of the same name by Karen Joy Fowler, this movie (which features a young Emily Blunt!) follows a group of people who form a book club that reads nothing but Austen and, surprise, their lives start to resemble the lives of Austen's most famous characters. And, despite this photo of everyone in a hospital, it's NOT SAD. I promise.
Rent it on Amazon Prime.
2. Mansfield Park (2007)
You know how people say that every famous British actor got their start on Doctor Who? Well, I think the same can be said about Jane Austen adaptations. This one's got Billie Piper in it, so we're at 2/2 already!
Buy it on Amazon Prime.
3. Becoming Jane
Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy? Yes, please! This movie, which is loosely based off of Jon Hunter Spence's novel of the same name, is cool because it's about Jane Austen herself, as opposed to just an adaptation of one of her works. A ~few~ liberties were taken with the facts, but all in all it's a pretty solid biographical drama of the author's early life.
Rent it on Amazon Prime.
4. Bride and Prejudice
Adapting Pride and Prejudice by making it a Bollywood film? Genius! Austen remakes should always be accompanied by music and dance numbers, if you ask me.
Stream it on Hulu.
5. Austenland
Now, this one is a fan's movie. Starring Keri Russell, Jane Seymour, and Jennifer Coolidge, Austenland follows a die-hard Austen fan who spends every dime she has on an immersive Jane Austen-themed resort. Better believe that if Austenland was real, I would go, but since it's not, I settle for this movie.
Rent it on Amazon Prime.
6. Sense and Sensibility
8. Love & Friendship
Okay, so Love & Friendship is an Amazon original comedy based on Austen's novella Lady Susan, which was published posthumously. The movie stars Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny, and a bunch more, and follows Lady Susan as she tries to find a husband for herself and her daughter. Oh, and it's hilarious.
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
9. Lost in Austen
Lost in Austen is a British mini-series about a girl named Amanda living in modern-day London who, through some inexplicable time-travel, swaps places with Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Romance and shenanigans ensue!
Stream it on Hulu.
10. Death Comes to Pemberley
I think it's safe to say that anyone who's read Pride and Prejudice would like to see some terrible fate befall Wickham...like being put on trial for murder, perhaps. Based on the novel by P.D. James, the story picks up six years after Elizabeth and Darcy are married and it's full of murder, mystery, and DRAMA. Also, the cast — which includes Matthew Rhys, Anna Maxwell Martin, Jenna Coleman (remember what I said about Doctor Who?), and Matthew Goode — is insanely talented.
Buy it on Amazon Prime.
11. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries
So this one is actually a 2012 YouTube series! Through a series of vlogs, grad student Lizzie Bennet shares the daily happenings of her life — which, ya know — turn out to be just like Pride and Prejudice. There are 100 8-10 minute episodes and it was the first web series to ever win an Emmy, so you know it's good.
Watch it on YouTube.
12. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
This miniseries was my first introduction to all things Austen and now I'm a massive fan, so that's how good it is. Plus, YOUNG COLIN FIRTH!!
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
14. Emma (2009)
In this British miniseries, Romola Garai plays Emma, an optimistic matchmaker who sticks her nose in everybody's business in the name of love, but still manages to be charming. Oh, and Jonny Lee Miller (who also plays the love interest in Mansfield Park) plays her opposite, and they have crazy chemistry.
Stream it on Hulu or Amazon Prime.
15. Emma (1996)
If this gif wasn't enough to convince you this movie is great, I'll tell you that it's got Gwyneth Paltrow, Toni Collette, Alan Cumming, Ewan McGregor, and a bunch more people acting their butts off in what's actually a pretty funny movie. If you like romantic comedies, this one is definitely for you.
16. Persuasion (2007)
Why yes, that is a young Sally Hawkins aka the girl who fell in love with the fish dude from Shape of Water. And no, I don't know why Rupert Penry-Jones has that creepy look on his face. But, what I can tell you is that this is a good movie.
Buy it on Amazon.
17. Northanger Abbey
A young Felicity Jones plays Catherine Morland, a book lover who spends a few weeks in what she thinks will be a gothic castle enshrouded in mystery. Instead, she finds love, because this is Austen we're talking about! A ton of other stuff happens to, but you'll just have to watch it.
Rent it on Amazon Prime.
18. Mansfield Park (1999)
Mansfield Park is basically a best-friends-turned-lovers story, starring a character who is fed up with everyone's shit. I mean, she doesn't necessarily do anything about it...but she's definitely fed up. IDK about you but that sounds relatable AF to me.
Stream it on Hulu.
19. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
I saved the best for last and this 2005 adaptation IS THE BEST. So many quotable moments. So many scenes of Keira Knightley walking in the rain, or reading and walking, or staring at a canyon from the top of a mountain. A+ cast, A+ acting — it's all just so, so good. Jane would be proud.
Rent it on iTunes.