Weekend Writing: Best On-Screen Jane Austen Adaptations

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen movie adaptations never get old. The author's timeless novels lend themselves beautifully to the movie screen--because Austen wrote about realistic characters, romance, societal standards, humor, and drama. Audiences love traveling back in time to the Victorian era, where people attended candlelit balls, wrote beautiful love letters, and had elaborate relationships. 

In celebration of the anniversary of Jane Austen's birthday (born on December 16, 1775), I'm revisiting the best film adaptations of her novels. There's a Jane Austen book (and movie) for everyone. Hopefully, this list will help you decide which movie you should watch. 

"Sense and Sensibility" (1995) 

The 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility (photo/Britannica).

Austen's 1811 novel Sense and Sensibility is my second-favorite book in Austen's collection of writing (closely following Pride and Prejudice). There is so much to love about this story about two very different sisters, the sensible Elinor and the naive Marianne Dashwood. After moving to a cottage after their father died, Marianne is torn between the handsome John Willoughby and the older gentleman Colonel Brandon. 

At the same time, Elinor has fallen in love with Edward Ferrars, but their romance hits an obstacle due to his prior engagement. Sense and Sensibility is fun, romantic, and I love that it focuses on two sisters. 

The 1995 adaptation is a poignant take on Austen's novel. Emma Thompson (who plays Elinor) won an Academy Award for writing the screenplay. She proved to capture Austen's wit and romantic feelings. Audiences connect with the characters--from when Elinor falls in love with Edward (played by Hugh Grant), and when Marianne is torn between John Willoughby (Greg Wise) and Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman). 

The movie is poetic, and it beautifully recreates Austen's writing in a way that the novelist deserves.

"Pride and Prejudice" (1995) 

The 1995 BBC miniseries of Pride and Prejudice (photo/Digital Spy).

Most people know the story of Austen's 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice. It's her most famous book, and readers repeatedly fall in love with the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. They can't seem to get enough of the book, and it has had numerous movie adaptations. 

This includes the iconic 1995 BBC miniseries. When people think of Mr. Darcy, they associate him with Colin Firth, who gained fame after starring in the miniseries. While the series takes liberties with its material, it's still the definitive adaptation, thanks to the performances by Jennifer Ehle (as Elizabeth) and Firth. You can't help but swoon during the famous scene when Firth emerges from a lake. The miniseries inspires everyone to dream about taking long country walks, attending fancy balls, and falling in love with the unlikely person. 

Of course, there are many other memorable adaptations of Pride and Prejudice that are worth noting, including Pride and Prejudice (2005), starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen; The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012), a web series that showed audiences what it would be like if Elizabeth Bennet vlogged her life story; and Bridget Jones' Diary (2001), a contemporary reimagining, starring Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth. Let's just say that Colin Firth should always be cast as a character named Darcy. 

"Mansfield Park" (1999) 

The 1999 adaptation of Mansfield Park (photo/Times Literary Supplement).

Austen's 1814 novel Mansfield Park doesn't get enough love that it deserves. The book's heroine, Fanny Price, is sent to live with her wealthy uncle, Sir Thomas, and his family. While there, she's expected to be brought up in a proper society, rather than the poor home she left behind. She grows fond of her cousin, Edmund. Yes, it's acceptable for cousins to love each other in this tale. 

However, Fanny's life is thrown into disarray by the arrival of Mary Crawford and her brother, Henry. Most readers can relate to Fanny's story, as well as her social commentary. 

The 1999 adaptation is less popular than other adaptations of Austen's novels. Starring Frances O'Conner as Fanny and Jonny Lee Miller as Edmund, the movie is a loose adaptation of Mansfield Park. Instead, it incorporates factual elements of Austen's life and biography. It's romantic, witty, relatable, and it features Austen's sharp social commentary. It's everything you could want in a Jane Austen adaptation. 

"Emma" (1996)

The 1996 adaptation of Emma (photo/Pinterest).

Next to Pride and Prejudice, Austen's 1815 novel Emma is another book that audiences love to watch adaptations of. The story focuses on the socialite Emma Woodhouse, who no one really likes but Emma herself. She entertains herself by playing matchmaker for everyone around her. Her latest project is Harriet Smith, but meanwhile, she keeps receiving attention from the dashing Frank Churchill. Emma's matchmaking skills only cause more problems and they might jeopardize her own happiness. 

The 1996 adaptation is an accurate adaptation of Austen's book. Starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma, Paltrow delivers a sugary-sweet performance that's hard to resist. You can sense the consequences of Emma's actions. The movie is a screwball comedy with plenty of colorful characters. 

Of course, there are many other adaptations of Emma that are worth noting, including Clueless (1995), a contemporary reimagining that is perhaps more popular than the original story itself; Emma (2009), a miniseries that is completely faithful to Austen's original book; Emma Approved (2013), a web series similar to The Lizzie Bennet Diaries; and Emma (2020), a bright, colorful adaptation of Austen's novel that brilliantly highlights the novelist's wit and humor. 

"Persuasion" (1995) 

The 1995 adaptation of Persuasion (photo/Frock Flicks).

Austen's 1817 novel Persuasion is one of her lesser-known works, but it deserves just as much attention. Anne Elliot is very privileged, but also lonely. When her wealthy father leaves for a trip, he rents out part of his estate to relatives of Anne's ex-fiance, Captain Frederick Wentworth. Their previous engagement broke off because Anne's father didn't approve of Wentworth's poor social standing. Anne was persuaded to end their relationship. However, since then, Wentworth has become more successful, and Anne realizes she should have never broken off their engagement. 

The 1995 made-for-TV film adaptation is darker and more devastating than Austen's original novel, but it's certainly worth watching. Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds have great chemistry, and it's easy to fall in love with their reunited romance. Audiences are eager to watch Anne and Wentworth reunite and fall back in love. 

"Northanger Abbey" (2007) 

The 2007 adaptation of Northanger Abbey (photo/PBS).

In Austen's 1817 novel Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland has the adventure of a lifetime when she visits her family friends in Bath. She's the daughter of a rural clergyman, and she keeps her social standing a secret when she meets Henry Tilney. Her family's wealth is exaggerated--to the point where she's invited to Northanger Abbey by the Tilneys. Henry's father eventually receives a report about Catherine's family. Does it threaten their relationship? 

The 2007 made-for-TV movie, starring Felicity Jones as Catherine, is a fresh retelling of the Gothic satire. The movie follows the young, naive Catherine as she confuses her real life with the fantasy she has created. She lets her imagination run wild. The movie also features entertaining performances from JJ Feild (as Henry Tilney) and Carey Mulligan (as the scheming Isabella Thorpe). 

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As you can see, there have been plenty of Jane Austen adaptations over the years. Hollywood loves to adapt her stories to the movie screen--because of the romantic tales, the elaborate costumes, the timeless stories, and the engaging characters. They never get old. 

If you're in the mood to watch a Jane Austen movie (and when aren't they fun to watch?), I definitely recommend these. Enjoy! 

-KJL-