There’s nothing quite like settling in for an Austen movie, especially on a spring night.
Jane Austen invented the perfect romance, which led to the much-beloved romantic comedies of the 90s and 2000s. Despite filmmaking’s long and storied history, Austen adaptations crop up again and again, proving that her stories are timeless.
Some of these adaptations take place in the time period of the book and others are modern reimaginings of her classic novels. Two of her novels, Pride & Prejudice and Emma, are especially popular and have been made into films time and again.
Adaptations of Austen’s two popular novels are often still touted as some of the best!
Consider these Jane Austen adaptations for your library programming needs and developing your romance collection.
Pride & Prejudice
The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is well-known and Pride & Prejudice is perhaps the most adapted of any of Austen’s novels. The BBC mini-series definitely turned heads, especially with Colin Firth’s popularity.
Read our review of Pride & Prejudice
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Joe Wright’s 2005 Pride & Prejudice adaptation starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth and Matthew Mcfadyen as Darcy has been a favorite period drama of many since its release. Sparks fly between Elizabeth and Darcy throughout the film, encouraged by the gorgeous cinematography and lovely score.
In the past year, this film has received renewed interest on TikTok for fitting within the “dark academia” and “cottagecore” aesthetics.
Read our review of Pride & Prejudice
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Helen Fielding’s 1996 novel Bridget Jones’s Diary is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice. The 2001 film adaptation brings Bridget Jones’ charisma to the screen with Renee Zellweger in the titular role. Bridget Jones’s Diary is a fun reinterpretation that incorporates similar themes and character traits.
Even though this film is 20 years old, it’s still beloved by audiences and is the perfect selection for a rom-com night!
Read our review of Bridget Jones's Diary
Emma
Emma, the story of 21-year-old matchmaker Emma Woodhouse, may not be as popular as Pride & Prejudice but it does inspire some of the best Jane Austen film adaptations, including one with a young Gwenyth Paltrow who sparkles as the mischievous cupid.
Read our review of Emma
Emma. (2020)
The most recent adaptation on this list, director Autumn de Wilde’s Emma. is a joy to watch from beginning to end. This Austen adaptation stars Anya Taylor-Joy in the titular role with support from Johnny Flynn as Knightley and Mia Goth as Harriet. Not only is this film a marvel to look at, but the acting is also great, too! It definitely has a lighthearted tone and is fun from beginning to end.
Read our review of Emma.
Clueless (1995)
Clueless, directed by Amy Heckerling, has never gone out of style. The highly stylized high school rom-com starring Alicia Silverstone became an instant classic and transcends the usual trappings of a teen movie. Bringing Emma Woodhouse into the 90s as Cher Horowitz is a refreshing take on Austen’s character, about whom Austen said, “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” With its lasting impact, hyper-90s aesthetic, and great performances, Clueless is great for someone wanting an Austen romance without the historical setting.
Read our review of Clueless
Digital Media Takes on Austen
Teenagers may also be interested in the YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and Emma Approved, both of which are retellings of the Austen classics through vlogs. Although the format is not as novel as it was when the series was released, they are still great adaptations for someone looking to get into Austen’s work and wanting a short format.
Jane Austen’s works transcend time and these film adaptations prove that even after hundreds of years, her stories still resonate with audiences.