I consider myself to be a Jane Austen aficionado. I read Austen’s novels for the first time when I was 16 years old, and I’ve been rereading the books and rewatching the movies ever since.
Austen wrote six novels during her lifetime, and they’ve since been adapted numerous times, with each film bringing a new interpretation to the original stories. That being said, I have my favorites.
Emma: Emma. (2020)
Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite movie is, my answer is always Emma (2020). I saw the 2020 Emma film adaptation in theaters, and it’s what sparked my love for Austen’s works. This movie is what inspired me to read her novels.
The movie is gorgeous. Director Autumn de Wilde has a background in photography, and this film was her directorial debut. Each scene is so beautifully laid out, and the color palette is to die for. Additionally, the costuming is stunning and extremely period-accurate, with some costumes even directly inspired by surviving Regency-era clothing.
Each actor perfectly plays their role, and the comedic timing is impeccable. Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn star as Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley, and they have so much chemistry.
The dialogue is often taken directly from the novel, and the soundtrack perfectly adds to every scene. Emma is a true romantic comedy, and its 2020 film adaptation delivers on that, making viewers swoon at the romantic moments and laugh at the funny ones. I truly can’t express how much I love this movie.
Pride and Prejudice: Pride & Prejudice (2005) and Pride and Prejudice (1995)
The biggest debate among Austen fans is whether the best adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is the 1995 BBC miniseries or the 2005 movie. Honestly, I love both, and I think it really comes down to a matter of preference.
Pride and Prejudice (1995), starring Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, is a miniseries rather than a movie, so it has more time to focus on being book-accurate.
Running nearly six hours long, it’s a bit of a time commitment, but it’s worth it if what you’re looking for is an adaptation that stays true to the source material. The miniseries also has the iconic scene of Mr. Darcy jumping into the lake, and who doesn’t love that?
Pride & Prejudice (2005) is a movie starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen, so it has a shorter amount of time, and of course, some things had to be cut. However, it more than makes up for this in immaculate vibes. From the iconic hand flex scene to setting the first proposal scene in the rain to Mr. Darcy walking across the field to the beautiful soundtrack, this movie has it all.
Pride & Prejudice (2005) is the adaptation I probably prefer more, but I still have so much love for the 1995 adaptation as well, and I think both are great for different reasons.
Sense and Sensibility: Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Sense and Sensibility (1995) is an underrated classic starring Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood, Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars, and Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon. This movie might as well have invented yearning, and the music and aesthetics are breathtaking.
I really appreciate that this movie spends time developing the love stories of both Dashwood sisters. Sense and Sensibility (1995) spends its time fleshing out Marianne and Colonel Brandon’s love story, even though it’s wrapped up a bit quickly in the original novel. This movie also gives Colonel Brandon a first name: Christopher.
I don’t think enough people have seen this movie, but I encourage everyone to watch it. It features such sweet romances, but also centers on the sisterly love at the heart of the story. I absolutely love it.
Northanger Abbey: Northanger Abbey (2007)
Northanger Abbey might be Austen’s most forgotten novel, but it’s so fun, hilarious, and sweet, and its 2007 film adaptation is too! Starring Felicity Jones as Catherine Morland and J.J. Feild as Mr. Tilney, this movie wonderfully captures both the social dynamics in Bath and the spooky atmosphere of Northanger Abbey.
The heroine of the story loves reading gothic novels, and I really enjoyed the movie’s inclusion of dream sequences showcasing Catherine’s wild imagination.
One might wonder why there are so few Northanger Abbey adaptations (just this one and one from 1987), but truly, I think the 2007 movie is perfect.
Persuasion: Persuasion (1995)
The 1995 Persuasion movie stars Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciarán Hinds as Captain Wentworth. Fans seem to be divided on whether they prefer this version or the 2007 movie, but I like the 1995 film much better, especially with the changes the 2007 film made to the ending. Obviously, no one’s favorite is the extremely unfaithful 2022 Netflix movie, even if it’s entertaining.
Persuasion (1995) is another Austen adaptation with flawless yearning, and it stays true to the vibes of the original novel while portraying Anne and Captain Wentworth’s second chance at romance after years of pining for each other. Chef’s kiss.
Mansfield Park: Mansfield Park (1999)
Mansfield Park is hard to adapt, and I feel like we don’t have a perfect movie version of it yet. Fanny is a very quiet heroine with a lot going on in her head, and there are elements of the plot that don’t translate super well for modern audiences. However, I think that out of the adaptations to pick from, Mansfield Park (1999) is the best because of its interpretation of the story and what it adds to it.
Starring Frances O’Connor as Fanny Price and Johnny Lee Miller as Edmund Bertram, this is an adaptation that expands upon elements of the plot and enhances the story, highlighting the abolitionist sentiments present in the original novel. Additionally, Fanny is given traits of Jane Austen herself, giving her more agency and making her more outspoken. Mansfield Park (1999) excels in its portrayal of its characters and the dramatic plot.
Honorable Mention: Clueless
While it isn’t a period piece, I think it would be remiss not to mention Clueless, a beloved movie most people don’t even realize is an adaptation of Emma. It moves the story from 1815 England to a 1995 Beverley Hills high school, and it’s honestly a faithful rendition. I love Clueless, and I first saw it as a child, so it’s the first Austen movie I watched.
There are so many great Jane Austen adaptations, but these are my personal favorites. A new Netflix Pride and Prejudice and Focus Features Sense and Sensibility are on the way, so I’m excited to watch them soon!
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