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Dive into the world of Jane Austen adaptations as we rank the most notable film and TV versions of her timeless novels. From “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility” to lesser-known adaptations like “Love & Friendship” and “Sanditon,” we explore which renditions truly capture the spirit of Austen’s characters and stories—and which ones missed the mark. Ready for romance, drama, and a little Austen flair?
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00:00Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today, we're looking at all the most notable film and TV adaptations
00:06of Jane Austen's classic works and ranking them accordingly. Some spoilers to come.
00:11Be gone, sir. I will have you whipped.
00:15Outrageous.
00:16Have you never met him?
00:17No, I know him well. I would never speak to a stranger like that.
00:21Number 30. Persuasion, 2022
00:25It's been a while since we've had a decent version of Persuasion,
00:28and this one looked promising. The casting was great, and the screenwriters were established
00:33and well-regarded. So, how did this movie get things so badly wrong?
00:38He's a 10. I never trust a 10.
00:42Jane Austen's most sensible, mature, and capable heroine became a chaotic, wisecracking mess.
00:49She puts away a lot of wine, which isn't bad in and of itself, but she doesn't think before she
00:55speaks.
00:56Sometimes I have this dream that a giant octopus is sucking my face.
01:02The dynamics of Anne and Wentworth's relationship were off, and some of the dialogue was beyond a joke.
01:08The incessant breaking of the fourth wall attempted to spoon-feed to the audience what the actors were
01:13perfectly capable of conveying on their own. It might have all been very funny if it wasn't so painful.
01:19Poorly done, indeed.
01:27Perfect.
01:28Number 29. Mansfield Park, 2007
01:32Mansfield Park isn't Jane Austen's best-loved novel, but maybe it would gain a few more fans
01:37if someone made a half-decent adaptation already. Here, a radiant, tussle-haired Billy Piper is cast
01:44as wallflower Fanny Price.
01:46Must I?
01:47Indeed, you must. It's your birthday.
01:50Then may I not have my own way?
01:52No, my dear, you may not.
01:54Piper does her best to convey the shy yet determined heroine, but the script does her no favors. For some
02:01inexplicable reason, some of the book's most interesting episodes are left out. Instead of a ball, we get a half
02:08-hearted picnic.
02:08My dear Fanny, with your cousins gone, you're quite the center of attention. I think I prefer being overlooked.
02:14Instead of being sent home to her relatives at Portsmouth, a major turning point of the novel,
02:20Fanny is left alone at Mansfield Park. Throw in a lackluster Henry Crawford and an especially dreary Edmund,
02:26and this adaptation has very little to recommend it.
02:30But now, Edmund, I really must go to bed.
02:32Yes, of course. Sorry. Well then.
02:38Number 28. Persuasion, 2007
02:41Rupert Penry Jones may make a very dashing Captain Wentworth,
02:45but there's not much else to write home about in this 2007 TV adaptation. The normally brilliant Sally
02:51Hawkins is an awkward, overly intense Anne, who trips over her own feet and literally runs after
02:58Wentworth through the streets of Bath.
03:00Anne!
03:01Anne, good heavens! Is anything the matter? Anne!
03:06Thank you, Charles. I'm quite, quite well.
03:09Do we even need to mention that kiss? We don't want a heavy-handed metaphor for delayed gratification. We want
03:15romance.
03:17Quite certain.
03:31Persuasion is arguably Jane Austen's most romantic novel, but this gloomy adaptation failed to deliver on that front.
03:38Also, what's up with this version of Mary?
03:41It is most unpleasant having such connections Captain Wentworth, but I assure you I have never been in that house
03:47above twice in my life.
03:50Number 27. Persuasion, 1972
03:53International Jane Austen just hits differently. Just a year after ITV released its own TV adaptation,
04:01a 10-episode miniseries was released in Spanish.
04:03Necesito que la elegida ten un espíritu firme, un temperamento que no se deje persuadir por nadie.
04:12This black and white series was directed by Federico Ruiz, with a script and adaptation by playwright Hermogenes Sainz.
04:18It starred Maite Blasco as Anne Elliot, called here Ana, and Juan Diego as the Captain Wentworth Analogue, renamed Michael
04:26Trent.
04:26Although the names were localized for audiences, the series follows Austen's plot of second-chance romance faithfully.
04:33One difference is Wentworth-slash-Trent's letter, adapted loosely from the English version without the famous half-agony, half-hope
04:40line.
04:40It's impossible to keep listening in silence. And in order to direct me to you, I use the only means
04:46of what I have.
04:49The soul breaks me, and I vacile between the desolation and the hope.
04:53No, don't tell me, God, that it's late.
04:56Still swoon-worthy though.
04:58Number 26. Emma, 1967
05:01Apart from Persuasion, TBE also adapted several of Austen's other novels for TV, including Emma.
05:08Like Persuasion, Emma had a script by Hermogenes Sainz, with direction by Manuel Aguado.
05:14This series only had five episodes, and it too was heavily localized, with Robert Martin's name changed to James,
05:22and the governess Miss Taylor becoming Anna.
05:24Have you left alone your guests, Mr. Elton and Mrs. Smith?
05:28Yes.
05:30I think they will thank the opportunity to cut my shoe off.
05:32I can help her.
05:33Thank you, Anna. There is no such a mistake.
05:36It was the way to leave her alone.
05:38Emma herself was played by Laura Cardona, and Mr. Knightley by Arturo Lopez.
05:43Being played by a much older actor, Mr. Elton was aged up.
05:47This Emma follows the novel's story faithfully, albeit with much paraphrase.
05:52This is for die-hard Emma fans only.
06:12This Emma was directed by John Glenister, and adapted by Dennis Constantouros.
06:22With six episodes, it is the earliest BBC adaptation of the novel ever to survive, making this a rarity indeed.
06:44Doran Godwin plays Emma here, opposite John Carson as Mr. Knightley, with Harriet Smith played by Debbie Bowen.
06:50This early attempt at adapting the novel to long-form television is handsome, capturing that Austen-esque propriety, even if
06:58it features a truly unlikable Emma.
07:01For fans of Emma who have no problem with an adaptation that showcases her mean streak, this one is a
07:06good start.
07:16Number 24. Sense and Sensibility, 1971
07:21Speaking of 70s BBC adaptations, director David Giles and writer Dennis Constantouros' take on Sense and Sensibility is the first
07:29screen adaptation of Austen's debut novel.
07:32Joanna David and Kieran Madden play sisters Eleanor and Marianne Dashwood, respectively, struggling with their reduced income and entertaining very
07:40different suitors.
07:41Well, gracious me! I was hardly expecting to see two such fine young creatures! No, indeed not!
07:48Why, you see all the gentlemen are gonna be set by the ears now, eh, my love, eh?
07:52For the first TV adaptation of the novel, this Sense and Sensibility does have some ambition and is well acted.
07:58Although Marianne's charming but faithless beau Willoughby looks like he could have played the older Colonel Brandon.
08:04This is an oldie, but a goodie.
08:06Marianne, the poor man is quite free to have other acquaintances, is he not?
08:10No, he is not. None that take precedence over us, anyhow. Never mind it, but we will forgive you.
08:16Number 23. Orgoglio e Pregiudizio
08:19Jane Austen in Spanish is one thing, Austen in Italian is something else entirely.
08:25Mr. Darcy, I'll allow you to give her the lady. She's a perfect ballerina.
08:30Believe it, sir. I don't have the far away intention of dancing.
08:34I ask her not to think that she's looking for a knight.
08:37But now I'm going to pray for her.
08:39This rare 1952 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was made in five parts.
08:44It was the first lengthy televised adaptation of Austen's most beloved novel and would remain so until the 1995 miniseries.
08:52Unlike the beloved 1995 miniseries, however, this adaptation took major liberties.
09:04Yes, that's Mr. Darcy and Wickham having a duel in the first opening minutes, because Jane Austen and fight scenes
09:10go hand in hand.
09:11With emphasis on the Darcy-Wickham rivalry, however, this series depicts both the pride and prejudice of the protagonists, and
09:18their world, well.
09:19It's people who are in their pride, who are prejudiced by the prejudice of their nobility.
09:26Number 22. Pride and Prejudice in Zombies.
09:29This unexpected adaptation treats the social stakes of the original story as a literal matter of life and death.
09:36What a magnificent husband he'd make.
09:38Charlotte, Lucas, do you think of nothing else?
09:41Zombies or no zombies, all women must think of marriage, Lizzie.
09:44I shall never relinquish my sword for a ring.
09:47For the right man you would, the right man wouldn't ask me to.
09:49By injecting horror, action, and comedy into this Regency romance, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies welcomes a whole new audience
09:57into Jane Austen's world.
09:58And though it bends in genre, this film is surprisingly faithful to the source material.
10:03Your character was revealed to me, many moments!
10:06Look at him!
10:08I heard him, Mr. Scandis!
10:10Miss Forteens at your hand!
10:11Oh yeah, Mr. Wickham's Miss Forteens have been very great indeed!
10:14About 85% of Austen's original prose is utilized.
10:18They just added in some zombie attacks and martial arts sequences.
10:21Her face is rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes.
10:28And I'm forced to acknowledge her figure as both light and pleasing.
10:33And that her arms are surprisingly muscular, yet not so much as to be unfeminine.
10:37The film serves as a fun and accessible gateway to the classics.
10:41Proving Austen's themes can captivate traditional romance lovers and horror enthusiasts alike.
10:46Edwin!
10:47Where is dessert?
10:49Oh!
10:50I understand.
10:52Sir?
10:54Sir?
10:56Sir?
10:56Sir?
11:00Hallmark and Jane Austen are in themselves a love story.
11:03Though usually content with adapting her novels loosely in modern adaptations, Hallmark decided
11:08to take a shot at adapting Austen directly.
11:11I'm afraid you've missed dinner, old chap.
11:13My deepest apologies.
11:14I'm afraid…
11:14No, no, no, no, not at all.
11:16The rest was rather dry, in fact.
11:17But as you can see, we have company to provide a feast for the eyes, ears, and soul.
11:22This 2024 TV film, released under Hallmark's Mahogany brand, has the distinction of having
11:28a predominantly black cast, with Deborah Ayurinde as Eleanor and Bethany Antonia as Marianne.
11:34Directed by Roger M. Bob with a script by Tom Huddleston, this sense and sensibility is eye candy
11:40in more than just the nice cinematography.
11:42Come for the Austen and stay for the handsome actors.
11:46Sometimes I find Devonshire a bit… dull.
11:52Oh.
11:53Young women throwing themselves down hillside just to meet you doesn't happen every day.
11:57Number 20.
11:59Persuasion, 1971.
12:01This second TV miniseries, produced by Granada Television for ITV, features Anne Furbank as
12:07Anne Elliott and Brian Marshall as Captain Wentworth.
12:10Released in five 50-minute episodes, this Persuasion is stately, elegant, and complete
12:16thanks to director Howard Baker and writer Julian Mitchell.
12:19Well, I needn't ask if you're feeling well, Ms. Elliott.
12:23I can see it for myself.
12:26You're looking very well yourself.
12:28Faithful to the novel, the series features strong performances all around, particularly
12:33by Marshalls Wentworth.
12:34Comic characters like the vain Sir Walter, the hypochondriac Mary, and Louisa Musgrove
12:40also get chances to shine.
12:42Also, its 70s twist on 19th century clothing is neat.
12:45Persuasion fans won't want to miss this one.
12:48I should just have to learn to put up with being far happier than I deserve.
12:57Number 19.
12:59Pride and Prejudice, 1980.
13:00Although not the only TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, this 80s rendition is definitely
13:06among the major ones.
13:08Director Cyril Koch's version starred Elizabeth Garvey as Elizabeth Bennet, and David Rintel
13:13as Mr. Darcy.
13:14Miss Elizabeth Bennet is charming.
13:16She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt you.
13:19And I cannot, after all, give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.
13:23Appropriately lavish, the version is notable for its faithful rendering of Austin's dialogue.
13:28Darcy's first proposal scene is especially a highlight.
13:31Rintel delivers it with appropriate auteur.
13:34The miserable connection, the degradation, the lack of judgment I display,
13:38and the harshness of which I shall rightly be judged by my own family and connections,
13:42all these count as nothing.
13:44Even the damage, for damage it must be, to my sister.
13:47The insult to Anne de Berg and her mother mean nothing to me in the face of my attachment to
13:51you, Miss Bennet.
13:52The character work may not be as good as the 1995 version, and it does take liberties with some scenes,
13:59but it's definitely a major attempt.
14:01There. I have saved you the trouble of accounting for it.
14:05And all things considered, I begin to think it perfectly reasonable.
14:10Number 18. Pride and Prejudice, 1940.
14:13Hollywood's first foray into Austin was a hit with critics, directed by Robert Z. Leonard,
14:19with a screenplay by Jane Murphan and Aldous Huxley of Brave New World fame.
14:23Heavyweight Laurence Olivier plays Darcy, and Greer Garson stars as Elizabeth.
14:28Sir, I am begging to be excused.
14:33The loss is mine, I'm sure.
14:34You perhaps know best about that, sir.
14:37As a cinematic movie, much of the plot has been compressed, with scenes deleted,
14:42but also entirely original additions.
14:44This version even features Elizabeth besting Mr. Darcy at archery.
14:48Thank you for taking it so well. Most men would have been offended, and rightly.
14:52Would you mind telling me, Miss Bennet, why you are so determined to offend me?
14:55Is that possible, Mr. Darcy? I thought you were invulnerable.
14:59Some events are shuffled around.
15:01In this version, Elizabeth only learns of Wickham's wickedness after he elopes with Lydia,
15:06and from Mr. Darcy himself.
15:08It may not be the most faithful to Austin,
15:10but we dare say it captures the wit and spirit of her well.
15:14Now I know what took you into Hertfordshire this summer.
15:16You also know what drove him out again.
15:18He liked the landscape well enough, but the natives, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the natives!
15:22What boos! What savages! Utterly insupportable!
15:26Isn't that so, Mr. Darcy?
15:28It evidently amuses you to think so, Miss Elizabeth.
15:31Number 17. Sense and Sensibility, 2026.
15:35Georgia Oakley's 2026 adaptation of the classic novel is a visually stunning retelling,
15:40capturing the classic romantic feel of the Regency era.
15:43I heard about your plight, and I said, I have got to help those girls.
15:48I'll have you all three married before you know it.
15:50Instead of aiming to modernize the story in an inorganic way,
15:53the narrative instead shifts to center the Dashwoods' sisterhood,
15:56as opposed to the romantic courtships.
15:58Because of this, some viewers have gone as far to deem the film a quote,
16:01SIBCOM.
16:02Yes! Please! Stop it!
16:04Just listen!
16:05Just do this!
16:07Oh, fuck!
16:09Stop!
16:13I apologize.
16:14No.
16:15No, I apologize.
16:17I was attempting to educate my sister.
16:20While it has its strengths, this film doesn't quite step out of the shadow of its 1995 counterpart.
16:25It's a perfectly well-done period drama, but it lacks some of the wit and emotional resonance
16:31that makes for an A-plus Austin adaptation.
16:33Then you will not mind my saying, Colonel.
16:36I think a man ought to be at least artificially passionate, or he'd be sincerely dull.
16:40Number 16.
16:42Mansfield Park, 1983.
16:44This faithful TV series by the BBC adapts Austin's third published novel.
16:49It follows an impoverished Fanny Price as she goes to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle
16:53at the titular Mansfield Park.
16:55Fanny here is played by Sylvestra Letuzel, with Nicholas Farrell playing her cousin and
17:00love interest Edmund Bertram.
17:01Had you a pleasant evening?
17:03Yeah.
17:04Yay, Dad.
17:05I'd rather be near with you and Cooper beside the fire.
17:09I think I never danced.
17:13Director David Giles' Mansfield Park is six episodes long, with handsome sets and costumes.
17:20Letuzel's Fanny especially brings her book counterpart to life.
17:23For the first screen adaptation of the story, this series makes for a good visual aid to
17:28Austin's comedy of manners.
17:30Who will carve a table?
17:33Why, I again, Mom.
17:36Why, you say that.
17:39Say you may.
17:42Fanny.
17:44Number 15, Northanger Abbey, 1987.
17:49Austin's satire on gothic fiction, published posthumously, is undoubtedly part of her juvenilia,
17:55albeit clearly worked on throughout the years.
17:57As such, it is one of her least adapted novels.
18:00Shall we go to the shops and to the balls?
18:02Nothing shall keep us from them.
18:04Then I shall dance.
18:06And shall I have a room of my own?
18:08Naturally.
18:10But in Bath, there is no time for sleep.
18:14Nor solitude.
18:15The BBC and A&E Network released a TV film adaptation of Northanger Abbey.
18:20The series starred Kathryn Schlesinger as Kathryn Moreland, who becomes convinced that dark and
18:25mysterious doings are afoot at Northanger Abbey.
18:28No such gothic thrills come, and Kathryn falls for and ends up marrying clergyman Henry Tilney,
18:34played here by Peter Firth.
18:35Jane Austen completists will delight in this 80s send up of 19th century gothic fiction,
18:41as well as an appropriately young Kathryn.
18:43How does your novel put it?
18:45A young girl, alone in a strange dwelling, full of gloomy passages, mysterious stairways.
18:55Go on.
18:57Are you not afraid?
18:59Why should I be?
19:01Number 14, Sense and Sensibility, 1981.
19:05The BBC does it again.
19:07This miniseries has seven episodes and stars Irene Richard as Eleanor and Tracy Childs as Marianne,
19:13omitting their youngest sister Margaret.
19:16How do you do?
19:16A great pleasure, young ladies.
19:19We entertain much and be an ornament to our circle.
19:21A solid adaptation overall, the performances of the sisters are a highlight,
19:26with Richard's Eleanor being appropriately stolid and sensible.
19:29Childs is more emotionally voluble, Marianne is equally strong,
19:33with the grace of not slipping into melodrama.
19:36The loose adaptation of Austen's dialogue weakens some parts,
19:40plot beats and even characters unnecessarily.
19:43It's a definite improvement over the 1971 version.
19:46And whenever I venture a point of view on some topic of the mind, you do not scoff at me.
19:50Who is so foolish as to do that?
19:51My sister, for one.
19:53Oh.
19:54But you agree with me.
19:55No, not always.
19:56But then we even enjoy disputation.
19:58Number 13, Sense and Sensibility, 2008.
20:02Adapted by Andrew Davies with direction by John Alexander,
20:05this lovingly shot early aughts adaptation really brings a more down-to-earth quality to Austen's prim and proper narrative.
20:12How about setting your sights a bit higher than a pony?
20:17This Sense and Sensibility features more explicit scenes of sensuality,
20:22and even dramatizes the duel only briefly mentioned in the original.
20:25The result is a lurid production with beautiful cinematography and strong performances.
20:31Why did I never think of that before?
20:34Waiting to be awakened.
20:36Charity Wakefield plays Marianne opposite Hattie Morhan's Eleanor,
20:40with David Morrissey and Dan Stevens as Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars, respectively.
20:45The beloved 1995 film adaptation aside,
20:48this more complete rendition of Austen's novel works wonderfully, too.
20:52I like that.
20:53That is as it should be.
20:55For myself, when I fall in love, it will be forever.
20:59Number 12, Sanditon, 2019-2023.
21:03Screenwriter Andrew Davies is a tried-and-tested adapter of Austen,
21:07but turning her unfinished novel into a TV series presented a challenge.
21:12I expressed myself badly, and I feel you misunderstood me.
21:15There are only 11 chapters of Sanditon.
21:19We're introduced to the eponymous seaside town and the main players,
21:22but that's all swiftly dealt with in one episode of the adaptation.
21:27After that?
21:27Well, it's not exactly Austen.
21:30There's a bit of nudity, a sex scene in the middle of a marble floor, and seriously,
21:35where are all the chaperones?
21:37My thoughts exactly.
21:41I, uh, I was hoping that we might find a moment where we could be alone together.
21:49However, Rose Williams makes a lovely Austen heroine, and Theo James is suitably smouldering as Sydney Parker.
21:55We're also introduced to Jane Austen's first black character, the heiress, Miss Lamb.
22:01You changed your hair.
22:03You asked me how I wished to be seen.
22:07This is the hair my mother gave me.
22:10Number 11, Emma, 2020.
22:13Has there ever been a bad adaptation of Emma?
22:15It seems to translate well to the screen, even in its modern incarnations.
22:19Emma, you should not make matters or foretell things. Whatever you say always comes to part.
22:26Amy Heckerling's Clueless is beloved by Janeites, and the web series Emma Approved also did a pretty decent job.
22:33Although kind of unnecessary at this point, 2020's Emma was still fun.
22:38I dare say there is merit in them. In the least finished, perhaps the most.
22:42So Mr. Knightley tells me, and he finds fault in everything I do.
22:45Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn had good chemistry as the central couple, the music was quirky, and the candy
22:51-colored palette was a treat for the eyes.
22:54But the stylization occasionally felt like a gimmick, or an attempt to try and do something different with a story
23:00that's already been told perfectly well plenty of times before.
23:03The nosebleed during the proposal was especially jarring, but admittedly funny.
23:08Emma. Oh. Emma. Oh. Emma. No. Emma. Oh. No. I... I... I cannot.
23:22Number 10. Emma. 1996.
23:25Another Emma adaptation, this one suffered by comparison, coming out in the same year as the Gwyneth Paltrow movie.
23:31Back in 1996, TV wasn't in the same league as film when it came to budgets and production values.
23:37But they have two parlors. Two very good parlors. Indeed.
23:42It's a solid adaptation, though, and Andrew Davies' script is nothing to complain about.
23:47However, Kate Beckinsale's Emma lacked a bit of charm, which Emma needs to fully do the character justice.
23:54I'm heartily ashamed of myself, and I'm determined to mend my ways.
23:57Oh, Miss Woodhouse, I'm sure none would ever blame you.
24:02Well, if you forgive me, then I'm not entirely cast down.
24:05Then there's Mark Strong, who makes a very imperious Mr. Knightley.
24:09A character who scolds and lectures possibly needs a gentler touch to make him a more appealing love interest.
24:16Emma. I must tell you what you will not ask, though I may wish it unsaid the next moment.
24:22Oh, then don't speak it. Take a little time. Don't commit yourself.
24:25Number 9. Emma. 2009.
24:28Jane Austen fans will all have their favorite version of Emma, and this is bound to hold the top spot
24:34for many.
24:34Sandy Welch, who also gave us brilliant adaptations of North and South and Jane Eyre, is the screenwriter behind this
24:41four-part series.
24:42I expected a woman of taste and judgment, but never one so young and pretty.
24:47Oh, now that is a subject you will find me happy to talk about for hours.
24:51The longer runtime allows this version to better explore Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill's storyline.
24:57It even gives some attention to Isabella and John Knightley, who were done dirty in the 2020 version.
25:02There is a wolf about. We need a man to protect the chickens.
25:07All in all, it's a lovely warm hug of a series. Emma and Mr. Knightley may feel a bit more
25:13modern than in other versions, but they're so sweet together.
25:16Michael Gambon shows off his star quality as Mr. Woodhouse, and the costumes are gorgeous.
25:23You must be off. Don't be driving.
25:26After sundown.
25:32I'm sorry.
25:37Number 8. Mansfield Park, 1999
25:40For fans of the book, it may be difficult to judge this award-winning movie fairly.
25:45Fanny Price is Jane Austen's least popular heroine, and nobody wants to give her the time of day.
25:51But we can't all be Elizabeth Bennetts, can we?
25:53Please, gentlemen, Fanny Price is almost as fearful of notice and praise as other women are of neglect.
26:00However, aside from the fact that they completely changed the personality of the protagonist, basing her instead on Jane Austen
26:07herself, everything else is pretty good.
26:10Johnny Lee Miller makes Edmund a bit more interesting, and the novel's subtle critique of the slave trade is eked
26:16out into an affecting side plot.
26:18Correct me if I am an error, Sir Thomas, but I've read, sir, that if you were to bring one
26:22of the slaves back to England, there would be some argument as to whether or not they should be freed
26:26here.
26:26The family at Mansfield Park made their money in the West Indies, and the movie powerfully demonstrates the horrors that
26:32the older son Tom would have witnessed while out there.
26:35My son is mad.
26:39Go to your room!
26:42Get out!
26:47Written in Jane Austen's early 20s, Northanger Abbey is a satirical coming-of-age novel with a wide-eyed teenage
26:54heroine.
26:54Andrew Davies' 2007 TV movie captures that youthfulness, creating a fast-paced adaptation that's a lot of fun.
27:02Dungeons and sliding panels, skeletons, strange, unearthly cries in the night that pierce your very soul.
27:11And vampires?
27:14Don't say vampires.
27:16I could bear anything but not vampires.
27:18Through the inclusion of dream sequences that juxtapose Catherine's excitable imagination with the real world, the adaptation sexes things up
27:26while staying faithful to the novel.
27:28But it's the cast that really brings the story to life.
27:31You can't even imagine.
27:34But I wouldn't tell you for the world.
27:36Well, perhaps one instant to whet your appetite.
27:39Oscar nominees Felicity Jones and Carey Mulligan are both at the beginning of their careers here, but the star quality
27:46is already evident.
27:47It's always hard not to fall in love with Mr. Tilney, but J.J. Feels makes it almost impossible.
27:54Now let's give you one smirk, and then we can be rational.
28:01Number 6. Love and Friendship.
28:03Kate Beckinsale didn't entirely win us over in Emma, but she more than makes up for it in Love and
28:08Friendship.
28:09Based on Lady Susan, another early work, the movie follows Jane Austen's charming but conniving anti-heroine, who is determined
28:17to make a match for her timid teenage daughter.
28:19You must be most proud of Frederica.
28:22I would not say proud. I'm glad I was able to attend to her education.
28:28My daughter has shown herself to be cunning and manipulative. I couldn't be more pleased.
28:32The author did not hold back when creating the titular character, who is completely heartless but also loads of fun.
28:39Beckinsale clearly relished the role and makes the most out of every funny line.
28:44But something had to be done. Condescension was necessary, though I abhor it.
28:48Director Witt Stillman also gets kudos for creating a fast, funny comedy-drama out of this lesser-known epistolary novel.
28:55Plus, the costumes are, again, to die for.
28:58Yes, I was astonished, and I still am.
29:02An impressive establishment you have here, sir. My congratulations. Immaculate.
29:08Number 5. Emma, 1996
29:11This Emma may have its flaws, i.e. Ewan McGregor's terrible wig, but as Emma adaptations go, it's hard to
29:18beat it.
29:19Maybe it is our imperfections which make us so perfect for one another.
29:22The film looks gorgeous. It won an Oscar for the score and was also praised for its screenplay.
29:28Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam were the first couple to really humanize Emma and Mr. Knightley on screen.
29:34Their final proposal scene, under the oak tree, is properly romantic.
29:38Now I need not call you Mr. Knightley. I may call you my Mr. Knightley.
29:50There's a strong supporting cast, including Sophie Thompson as Miss Bates, and a good balance of comedy and romance.
29:57It's not one of the most talked about Austen adaptations, but we think it deserves more love.
30:03I hope you know that I only wanted your happiness. Now that you have found it, it makes my own
30:10complete.
30:12Number 4. Persuasion, 1995
30:15Persuasion is arguably the most romantic of Jane Austen's stories, and so far, the 1995 film probably comes closest to
30:23doing it justice.
30:24I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach.
30:32You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.
30:37Originally shown on BBC2, the TV movie is slower paced than later adaptations, but captures the characters and the feel
30:45of the novel much better.
30:46Actress Amanda Root portrays a warm, intelligent version of Anne Elliot. Her performance is subtle, but the script and direction
30:54trust her to convey her emotions to the audience, without making her look like a desperate madwoman.
30:59No one's so capable as Anne. You will stay, won't you?
31:06Kieran Hines is allowed to play the angry, resentful side of Captain Wentworth, as well as the passionate, romantic hero.
31:13There's a lot of nuance here, but also loads of chemistry. The ending is lovely too.
31:20I tried to forget you.
31:25I thought I had.
31:27Number 3. Pride and Prejudice, 2005
31:30As with Emma, there's bound to be a difference of opinion when it comes to the Pride and Prejudice adaptations.
31:36So what do you recommend to encourage affection?
31:40Dancing. Even if one's partner is barely tolerable.
31:45There's a lot of love for the 2005 version, but it also has its naysayers.
31:50While Joe Wright's movie may not quite capture the novel's liveliness and humor, it's still a gorgeous piece of cinema.
31:56Keira Knightley is captivating as Elizabeth Bennet, while Matthew McFadyen's gentler take on Darcy sheds a new light on the
32:03character.
32:04What have you discovered?
32:05Very little.
32:06I hear such different accounts of you as puzzling me exceedingly.
32:11I hope to afford you more clarity in the future.
32:14The cast seems younger than in earlier versions, and the world feels a little grittier and more immediate.
32:19It's a far cry from the hoop skirts and drawing room banter in the 1940 Hollywood movie, but it's also
32:25much closer to the book.
32:27You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.
32:33Number 2. Sense and Sensibility, 1995
32:36Emma Thompson's work on this adaptation earned her an Academy Award for writing and a nomination for her performance.
32:43And it was well deserved.
32:46Her sense and sensibility is basically a masterpiece.
32:49Did he tell you that he loved you?
32:51Yes.
32:53No.
32:55Never absolutely.
32:57It was every day implied, but never declared.
32:59Unlike Pride and Prejudice, where the dialogue is all already there on the page, Sense and Sensibility is a much
33:05trickier novel to adapt.
33:07In the book, Edward Ferrars has barely any lines.
33:11Margaret is only mentioned briefly.
33:13Thompson's screenplay captures them faithfully and brings them to vibrant life on screen.
33:18She's heading an expedition to China shortly, I am to go as her servant.
33:21But only on the understanding that I will be very badly treated.
33:26What will your duties be?
33:28Sword fighting, obviously. Administering realm and...
33:31Swabbing.
33:32The dynamic between Eleanor and Marianne is perfect, and the imperfect men are all shown to their best advantage.
33:39Andrew Davies' 2008 miniseries is also pretty great, but the movie definitely has that extra something special.
33:46That my heart is...
33:49And always will be...
33:54Yours.
33:57Prayin' for rain to push back the pain, prayin' for rain...
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34:16Come to me and save me from this wretched place.
34:22Come to me and hide me in your sacred space.
34:27Seal me with your grace.
34:30Number 1. Pride and Prejudice, 1995.
34:34When counting down the best Jane Austen adaptations, there's really only one contender for the top spot.
34:40In vain, I have struggled. It will not do.
34:45My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.
34:51Andrew Davies' 1995 miniseries made period drama relevant again, and created a whole new generation of Austen enthusiasts.
34:59In six perfectly crafted episodes, this version captures everything that makes the book so beloved.
35:05The characters, the wit, and the fun, and of course, that classic love-to-hate romance that became the blueprint
35:12for the modern romantic comedy.
35:13Would you do me the honor of dancing the next of me, Miss Bennet?
35:16Why, I had not...
35:20Thank you, yes.
35:25Why could I not think of an excuse?
35:28Heatful man.
35:28From the back and forth dialogue to the meaningful looks, there's no denying the chemistry between Lizzie and Darcy.
35:35Davies became famous for sexing up Jane Austen, thanks to Colin Firth in that wet shirt.
35:41But the series is still a very faithful interpretation, and remains our number one favorite.
35:47As a child, I was given good principles, but was left to follow them in pride and conceit.
35:53And such I might still have been, but for you?
35:58Nearest, loveliest, Elizabeth.
36:00Which Jane Austen film adaptation is your particular favorite?
36:03And which one isn't handsome enough to tempt you?
36:06Let us know in the comments down below.