It is a truth universally acknowledged that a great Jane Austen adaptation is the perfect recipe for a cosy evening in. With 2025 marking 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, there's no better time to revisit the most beloved screen versions of her bestselling books. Whether it’s the slow burn of Persuasion, the matchmaking mischief of Emma, or the smouldering glances across candlelit ballrooms in Pride and Prejudice, Austen’s stories continue to charm us, century after century.
As Jane herself said, “There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” and that tender charm shines through in so many of the screen versions of her work. From sumptuous period dramas to clever modern twists, there’s an Austen adaptation to suit every taste and every tea break.
The best Jane Austen adaptations:
Here are the top 12 Jane Austen adaptations to watch before the upcoming Netflix Pride and Prejudice adaptation is released!
12. Clueless (1995)
A very loose but brilliant, reimagining of Emma that brings Austen’s social satire into the 90s with charm and humour. The character Cher Horowitz is a modern representation of Emma Woodhouse. As a stylish Beverly Hills teen, Cher, plays matchmaker for her friends but soon realizes she has her own lessons in love to learn.
Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash
Screenplay by: Amy Heckerling
11. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Although not written by Austen herself, Bridget Jones's Diary is a witty, modern spin on Pride and Prejudice by Helen Fielding, starring Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth, who, fittingly, played Mr Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation.
Cast: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones, Sally Phillips, Jim Broadbent, Shirley Henderson, Celia Imrie, Felicity Montagu, James Callis
Screenplay by: Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies, Richard Curtis
10. Persuasion (2022)
This glossy Netflix take on Jane Austen’s most introspective novel split opinion with its modern flourishes - like fourth-wall breaks and casual dialogue - but it gave a fresh voice to Anne Elliot, a heroine often overshadowed. Though unconventional, it reintroduces a story of second chances, long-held regret and enduring love to a new generation.
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Cosmo Jarvis, Henry Golding, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Richard E. Grant, Ben Bailey Smith, Izuka Hoyle
Screenplay by: Ron Bass, Alice Victoria Winslow
9. Mansfield Park (1990)
A darker, moody literary adaptation that blends Austen’s novel with themes from her letters and personal life. Fanny Price, a poor young woman, is sent to live with wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. Navigating class, love, and family secrets, Fanny’s integrity is tested as she finds her place—and her voice—in a world of rigid social expectations.
Cast: Frances O’Connor, Jonny Lee Miller, Alessandro Nivola, Lindsay Duncan, Harold Pinter
Screenplay by: Patricia Rozema
8. Miss Austen (2025)
A moving and imaginative story told through the eyes of Jane Austen’s sister Cassandra, Miss Austen blends fact and fiction to explore sisterhood, secrecy and legacy. It’s a period drama with emotional depth that fans of Austen’s world will adore.
Cast: Keeley Hawes, Rose Leslie, Patsy Ferran, Jessica Hynes, Mirren Mack, Phyllis Logan
Screenplay by: Andrea Gibb
7. Sense and Sensibility (2008)
This BBC miniseries offers space to explore the quiet strength of Elinor and the romantic passion of Marianne in greater depth than a feature film can. With lush scenery, heartfelt performances, and Davies’ emotionally intelligent script, it’s a slower burn than the 1995 version but just as affecting.
Cast: Hattie Morahan, David Morrissey, Charity Wakefield, Dan Stevens, Daisy Haggard, Dominic Cooper, Janet McTeer, Linda Basset
Screenplay by: Andrew Davies
6. Emma (2020)
Vibrant, stylish and packed with quirky humour, this adaptation captures both the charm and the selfishness of young Emma Woodhouse. Anya Taylor-Joy brings a new edge to the character and the visuals, down to the pastel palette and detailed costumes, are a feast for period drama fans. It’s Austen with flair and a wink.
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Mia Goth, Bill Nighy, Callum Turner, Connor Swindells, Miranda Hart, Josh O'Connor, Chloe Pirrie, Gemma Whelan
Screenplay by: Eleanor Catton
5. Emma (1996)
This elegant and affectionate version of Emma is more traditional than its modern counterparts, with warm performances and beautiful set design. Gwyneth Paltrow brings both charm and vulnerability to the meddling heroine, and Jeremy Northam’s Mr Knightley is perhaps the most likeable to date.
Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Toni Collette, Ewan McGregor, Alan Cumming, Juliet Stevenson, Sophie Thompson, Phyllida Law, Polly Walker, James Cosmo, Ruth Jones
Screenplay by: Douglas McGrath
4. Sanditon (2019-2023)
Based on the few chapters Jane Austen left behind, Sanditon was brought to life by screenwriter Andrew Davies, who expanded the narrative into a bold, romantic period drama. The series follows Charlotte Heywood as she arrives in a seaside town brimming with ambition, secrets and social change. With stunning coastal scenery, diverse characters, and emotional twists, Sanditon explores Austenian themes of love, class and propriety with a modern spark. While it stirred debate for its bold departures, it won over a loyal fanbase and gave Austen’s final story the ending it never had.
Rose Williams, Theo James, Anne Reid, Alexander Colbourne, James Stringer, Crystal Clarke, Mark Stanley, Ruth Kearney, Jack Fox
Screenplay by: Andrew Davies
3. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Visually sweeping and emotionally intense, this film captures the spirit of Austen’s story while appealing to modern audiences. Keira Knightley’s spirited Elizabeth and Matthew Macfadyen’s brooding Darcy bring fresh chemistry to a well-worn tale. It’s a shorter, moodier take than the BBC version - but no less romantic.
Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Brenda Blethyn, Tom Hollander, Penelope Wilton, Jena Malone, Judi Dench, Simon Woods, Carey Mulligan
Screenplay by: Deborah Moggach, Joe Wright, with script input from Emma Thompson
2. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
A true Austen classic. With a witty, Oscar-winning script by Emma Thompson and a dream cast, this film walks the fine line between humour and heartbreak. It captures the struggles of love, class and independence with elegance and emotional richness. A perfect entry point for newcomers to Austen.
Cast: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Greg Wise, Imelda Staunton, Gemma Jones, Harriet Walter, Hugh Laurie, James Fleet
Screenplay by: Emma Thompson
1. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Six episodes of perfection. This Pride and Prejudice adaptation remains the gold standard for Austen lovers, with stunning period accuracy, sparkling dialogue, and unforgettable performances. Colin Firth’s lake-soaked Darcy became a pop culture legend, and Jennifer Ehle’s Elizabeth is spirited, smart and deeply moving. The definitive Austen adaptation.
Cast: Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle, Alison Steadman, Crispin Bonham-Carter, Susannah Harker, Anna Chancellor, Julia Sawalha, Emilia Fox, David Bamber
Screenplay by: Andrew Davies
What is the modern adaptation of Jane Austen?
One modern adaptation related to Jane Austen is BBC’s Miss Austen, which stars Keeley Hawes as Cassandra Austen, Jane’s devoted sister. This adaptation isn’t a direct retelling of one of Austen’s novels but rather a fictionalised story that imagines Cassandra working to protect Jane’s legacy after her death.
Netflix is preparing to launch a new six-part miniseries based on Pride and Prejudice that we're excited about. Emma Corrin (who is best known for playing a young Princess Diana on The Crown) will take on the role of Elizabeth Bennet, with Slow Horses star Jack Lowden playing Mr. Darcy and Olivia Colman (from Broadchurch The Favourite, The Crown) as Mrs. Bennet. The series is directed by Euros Lyn and written by acclaimed novellist Dolly Alderton, and it promises a modern perspective on the classic story while still rooted in its original Regency-era setting.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and loves going on walks with her three dogs.