Movie-goers and bookworms alike have enjoyed the various film adaptations of Pride & Prejudice over the decades, and many have adored the original novel for even longer. Written in 1813 by the wickedly clever Jane Austen—and adapted to screen numerous times, most notably in 1995 and 2005—Pride & Prejudice follows the pursuits of the Bennett sisters in each of their attempts to secure their futures. And, as the sisters’ frenzied mother repeatedly reminds them, the best shot at a comfortable life for a woman of the time is through an advantageous marriage. After all, our heroine Elizabeth Bennett famously tells us, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
Titled a romance but really a work of satire, Pride & Prejudice explores timeless themes of love, marriage, and social structure, and Austen’s relevant commentary on these subjects is still enjoyed to this day. Recent movies inspired by Jane Austen's classics are excellent modern retellings to turn to for a Jane Austen fix. If you love the spirit of Pride & Prejudice and are looking for more films like it, check out our compiled list of suggestions, below.
Pride & Prejudice
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Release Date November 23, 2005 Director joe wright Cast Keira Knightley , Matthew Macfadyen , Brenda Blethyn , Donald Sutherland , Talulah Riley , Rosamund Pike , Jena Malone , Carey Mulligan Runtime 129 Minutes20 'The Age of Innocence' (1993)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese has directed a lush and dramatic adaptation of Edith Wharton's classic novel, The Age of Innocence. Set amidst the opulent world of 1870s New York high society, the movie follows Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), a successful lawyer, who finds his meticulously planned life thrown into disarray when he becomes engaged to the innocent and proper May Welland (Winona Ryder). However, the arrival of the alluring and unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer) ignites a passionate spark within Newland.
Fans of Pride & Prejudice will find The Age of Innocence to be delightful as both films movies highlight the restrictions placed on individuals by societal expectations. Just like Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) navigating the rigid social hierarchy in Pride & Prejudice, Newland grapples with the suffocating expectations of 19th-century New York high society. There’s also the unspoken passion between Newland and Ellen Olenska, which mirrors the slow-burn tension between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). – Jom Elauria
The Age of Innocence
Release Date October 1, 1993 Director Martin Scorsese Actors Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder Run Time 139 minutes19 'A Room with a View' (1985)
Directed by James Ivory
Fans of E.M. Forster's novels will find themselves captivated by James Ivory's delightful adaptation of A Room with a View. Set in Edwardian England, A Room with a View puts the spotlight on Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter), a young woman whose trip to Italy with her traditional cousin Charlotte (Maggie Smith) takes a surprising turn. Lucy's encounter with the free-spirited George Emerson (Julian Sands) stands in stark contrast to her engagement with the reserved and proper Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis). This clash of personalities forces Lucy to grapple with her own desires.
Bonham Carter's portrayal of Lucy Honeychurch is the heart of the film as she embodies the spirit of Jane Austen's heroines with her wit and resilience as Lucy Honeychurch. The film captures the essence of a period drama with its picturesque settings, witty dialogue, and richly drawn characters. Just like Pride & Prejudice, A Room with a View offers humor, romance, and self-discovery to the viewers. – Jom Elauria
A Room with a View (1985)
NRRelease Date December 13, 1985 Director James Ivory Cast Helena Bonham Carter , Julian Sands , Maggie Smith , Denholm Elliott , daniel day-lewis , judi dench , Simon Callow Runtime 11718 'The Young Victoria' (2009)
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée
The Young Victoria is a historical romance that rewrites the storybook image of a queen. In it, a young Victoria played by Emily Blunt is determined to overcome the manipulations of her court and establish her reign. While navigating the complexities of royal life, Victoria finds an unexpected love in the dashing Prince Albert (Rupert Friend). Their passionate connection showcases the challenges of love within the confines of royalty.
The Young Victoria offers a fresh perspective on a historical figure, making it a must-watch for fans of Pride and Prejudice. With both movies having strong, independent women navigating societal expectations and defying the status quo, The Young Victoria shares a lot with Pride & Prejudice. That said, The Young Victoria goes beyond the romance by foraying into political intrigue and historical accuracy with stunning visuals and intricate costume design. – Jom Elauria
The Young Victoria
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Release Date March 4, 2009 Director Jean-Marc Vallee Cast Emily Blunt , Rupert Friend , Paul Bettany , Miranda Richardson , Jim Broadbent , Thomas Kretschmann Runtime 104 minutes17 'Belle' (2013)
Directed by Amma Asante
History buffs and fans of inspiring true stories will be captivated by Belle. Directed by Amma Asante, Belle features the remarkable story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). Raised by her aristocratic family, Dido carefully traverses 18th-century British society despite the prejudices she faces due to her mixed heritage. As she matures, Dido takes a stand for what she believes in, becoming a pivotal figure in a landmark legal battle against slavery.
Belle is a must-watch movie for those who like Pride & Prejudice as it defies the odds, both socially and romantically. Just like Elizabeth Bennet, Dido challenges the limitations placed upon her. However, Belle adds a layer of historical significance with its true story set against the backdrop of the British slave trade. It’s a captivating watching experience for those who enjoy historical dramas with rich characters, a touch of romance, and a powerful message about social justice. – Jom Elauria
Belle (2013)
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Release Date May 2, 2014 Director Amma Asante Cast Gugu Mbatha-Raw , Tom Wilkinson , Sam Reid , Sarah Gadon , Miranda Richardson , James Norton Runtime 104 minutes16 'Howards End' (1992)
Directed by James Ivory
CloseDirector James Ivory brings to life another one of E.M. Forster’s classic novels in Howards End. The movie focuses on three families — the idealistic Schlegels, the wealthy Wilcoxes, and the struggling Basts. With their lives intricately linked, two individuals from different families — Margaret Schlegel, masterfully played by Emma Thompson, and the powerful Henry Wilcox, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins — form a captivating yet complex bond.
Without a doubt, Ivory's adaptation captures the essence of the story and its exploration of early 20th-century England. It’s a movie Pride & Prejudice lovers will watch thanks to its headstrong protagonist who echoes Elizabeth's triumph of self-discovery and personal growth amidst the constraints of her social class. Through the intertwined lives of the Schlegels, Wilcoxes, and Basts, the film paints a vivid picture of a society in flux. – Jom Elauria
15 'Emma' (2020)
Directed by Autumn de Wilde
Emma Woodhouse is handsome, clever, and rich. She's also very, very meddlesome. Based on Jane Austen's beloved 1815 novel, Emma stars Anya Taylor-Joy as the feisty Regency-era matchmaker. When her governess and closest companion leaves to be married, Emma finds herself in need of a new friend. She soon sets her sights on the young and impressionable Harriet Smith (Mia Goth), who Emma decides to groom for high society. Though the respectable Mr. Knightley (Johnny Flynn) tries to discourage Emma from interfering, Emma inevitably meddles in Harriet's romantic affairs and convinces her to decline the marriage proposal of a local farmer.
Emma's haughtiness finally gets the best of her when she cruelly insults a dear friend—much to the dismay of her social circle, including Mr. Knightley. Emma has a lot to learn about the realities of social class structures in love and in life, and these timeless lessons play out on screen in classic Jane Austen fashion.
Emma.
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Release Date February 13, 2020 Director Autumn DeWilde Cast Anya Taylor-Joy , Johnny Flynn , Bill Nighy , Mia Goth , Myra McFadyen , Josh O'Connor Runtime 124 minutes14 'Sense and Sensibility' (1995)
Directed by Ang Lee
Another film based on a beloved Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility has also been made into a handful of variations of the original story. Our favorite film version for this list stars Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet as the Dashwood sisters—with Thompson working behind the camera as producer, too. Sense and Sensibility includes Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman in leading roles, as well.
Following the death of their father, Elinor (Thompson) and Marianne Dashwood (Winslet), are suddenly penniless. With their home, belongings, and apparent future now in the hands of an older half-brother who's inherited everything, it seems the only way for the Dashwood sisters to improve their situations is through marriage. But this wouldn't be a Jane Austen story without missed connections, unrequited feelings, and a mix of social misunderstandings—all of which seem to cleverly work themselves out in the end.
Sense and Sensibility
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Release Date December 13, 1995 Director Ang Lee Cast Emma Thompson , Alan Rickman , Kate Winslet , Hugh Grant Runtime 136 minutes13 'Love & Friendship' (2016)
Directed by Whit Stillman
CloseInspired by one of Jane Austen's lesser-known stories, Love & Friendship is based on Austen's circa 1794 novel, Lady Susan. As a young, attractive, and recently-made widow, Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) is searching for suitable husbands for both herself and her daughter, Frederica, in order to restore their lost fortune. Frederica, however, will not be "married off" so easily.
Never taking itself too seriously, the 2016 film is a delightful period piece that's both self-aware and often hilarious. Beckinsale's performance is a genuine and overlooked standout in the genre, with her character anchoring the entire film. For classic Austenian commentary on marriage, society, and more, look for the 2016 comedy, Love & Friendship.
12 'Mansfield Park' (1999)
Directed by Patricia Rozema
Released in 1995, Mansfield Park is a celebrated, albeit not exactly true to the source, variation of Jane Austen's 1814 novel of the same name. Frances O'Connor plays the young Jane Austen heroine, Fanny Price, who has lived with her wealthy extended family at Mansfield Park since she was a little girl.
Coming from a lower class, Fanny Price has (mostly) enjoyed the kindness and charity of the Bertram family over the years, growing close with childhood companion, Edmund Bertram. But when a scandal arises following the arrival of the mysteriously risqué Henry and Mary Crawford, life as Fanny knows it is suddenly put into a tailspin. While varying somewhat from the source novel—the film even weaves a bit of Jane Austen's real-life into the story—Mansfield Park feels enjoyably modern, given the rustic time period piece that it is.
Mansfield Park
PG-13Release Date November 19, 1999 Director Patricia Rozema Cast Embeth Davidtz , Jonny Lee Miller , Alessandro Nivola , Frances O'Connor , Harold Pinter , Lindsay Duncan , James Purefoy , Victoria Hamilton , Justine Waddell , Hugh Bonneville Runtime 11211 'Becoming Jane' (2007)
Directed by Julian Jarrold
Continuing the spirit of all things Jane Austen, this 2007 movie explores the life of the woman behind the classic novels. Loosely based on the 2003 book by Jon Hunter Spence, Becoming Jane Austen stars Anne Hathaway as the talented female writer.
Becoming Jane depicts Jane Austen's early life, including her longtime love for Thomas Langlois Lefroy, played by James McAvoy. The film pieces together the various known facts about Jane Austen's life, as taken from her books and letters. For lovers of Austen's work, Becoming Jane takes readers and audiences through the real-life experiences that inspired the timeless novels.
Becoming Jane
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Release Date March 2, 2007 Director Julian Jarrold Cast Anne Hathaway , James McAvoy , Julie Walters , James Cromwell , Maggie Smith , Anna Maxwell Martin Runtime 11310 'Little Women' (2019)
Directed by Greta Gerwig
Taking this list beyond the world of Jane Austen is the classic coming-of-age story, Little Women. Like much of Austen's work, the original Little Women—an 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott—has been adapted for the screen many times. But the 2019 version, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, stands out from the rest.
Saoirse Ronan is Jo March, who is an ambitious writer and the headstrong leader of her four beloved sisters. Emma Watson plays the eldest of the March sisters, the kind and practical Meg. Florence Pugh is Amy March, who recognizes social savviness as a way to secure her place in the world. Eliza Scanlen plays the youngest March sister, sweet and innocent Beth, and Timothée Chalamet is Laurie, who each of the March sisters adore in their own ways. If you're seeking additional Austenesque heroines and storylines to love, check out Little Women.
Little Women
PGRelease Date December 25, 2019 Director Greta Gerwig Cast Eliza Scanlen , Emma Watson , Timothee Chalamet , Saoirse Ronan , Meryl Streep , Florence Pugh Runtime 1359 'Atonement' (2007)
Directed by Joe Wright
Most Jane Austen stories conclude with a happy ending—that's the beautiful power of storytelling. This is exactly what famed novelist Briony Tallis is now trying to do in her old age: atone for past mistakes and create a new ending to a lifelong story.
Let's go back: 13-year-old Briony (Saoirse Ronan) has a vivid imagination and a knack for writing stories. Briony also has an older sister, Cecilia (Keira Knightley), a family employee named Robbie (James McAvoy), and an unfortunate misinterpretation of what she witnesses occurring between the two. Set against a backdrop of sprawling English estates and the drama of WW2, Atonement is a period piece that literary lovers should watch.
Atonement
RRelease Date September 7, 2007 Director joe wright Cast Saoirse Ronan , Ailidh Mackay , Brenda Blethyn , Julia West , James McAvoy , Harriet Walter Runtime 123 minutes8 'The Duchess' (2008)
Directed by Saul Dibb
CloseKeira Knightley stars in The Duchess, a 2008 British drama based on the biography by Amanda Foreman. The Duchess portrays the opulent life of Georgiana Cavendish, 18th-century aristocrat and Duchess of Devonshire.
Contractually married to the Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, and expected to soon birth a male heir, Georgiana's world is filled with both extreme lavishness and extreme pressure. Add to that: daughters that were supposed to be sons, complex extramarital affairs, and personal tribulations put on full display for the public, and it's quite the dramatic period piece about female royalty.
7 'The Other Boleyn Girl' (2008)
Directed by Justin Chadwick
An additional period-piece drama that is very (very) loosely based on real historical figures, The Other Boleyn Girl follows the (fictionalized) love triangle between Anne Boleyn, her sister Mary, and King Henry VIII.
Natalie Portman plays Anne Boleyn, the tragically-fated second wife of the historical King Henry VIII of England. Scarlett Johansson is Mary Boleyn—the "other" Boleyn Girl—who also finds herself involved with Henry, played by Eric Bana. Set in 16th-century England, the 2008 film is based on the 2001 novel by Phillippa Gregory. For a fresh take on a known historical drama, look for The Other Boleyn Girl.
The Other Boleyn Girl
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Release Date February 28, 2008 Director Justin Chadwick Cast Natalie Portman , Scarlett Johansson , Eric Bana , Jim Sturgess , Mark Rylance , Kristin Scott Thomas Runtime 1156 'Anna Karenina' (2012)
Directed by Joe Wright
Another literary great on par with Jane Austen that you might recognize? Leo Tolstoy. Based on Tolstoy's 1877 Russian novel of the same name, Anna Karenina returns Keira Knightley as a leading lady once again, with Jude Law starring alongside, as well. It sees Karenina stir up a scandal when she has an affair with a cavalry officer, but when she's caught, she's forced to make a difficult decision.
With the magnificent setting of 19th-century Russian aristocracy, and social circles filled with countesses, princesses, and plenty of scandalous affairs, Anna Karenina provides some historical sensuality that's a bit steamier than Pride & Prejudice.
Anna Karenina
RRelease Date November 16, 2012 Director joe wright Cast Keira Knightley , Jude Law , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Alicia Vikander , Matthew Macfadyen Runtime 130 minutes5 'Jane Eyre' (2011)
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga
CloseSpeaking of notable literary names, you might've also heard of classic novelist Charlotte Brontë. Like Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre has undergone multiple film adaptations. Our favorite version to include on this list is the 2011 film starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender, which is true to the gothic romance and understated themes of the original 1847 novel.
After a cruel childhood as an orphan, and following many years spent in a strict school for girls, Jane Eyre (Wasikowska) is grateful for her new position as governess of a large manor called Thornfield Hall. Her young pupil is a good student, she's given food to eat and a place to sleep, and the master of the house, Mr. Rochester (Fassbender), seems pleasant enough. But, as Jane will soon discover, things at Thornfield Hall are not what they appear to be.
4 'Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights' (1992)
Directed by Peter Kosminsky
CloseAnother Brontë classic, Wuthering Heights is a gothic romance from 1847 written by Emily Brontë—sister of Charlotte. Again, similar to her literary counterparts including her sister, Austen, and Tolstoy, Brontë's novel has seen many film adaptations. The 1992 version stands out as an adaptation worthy of the morbidly romantic tale it's based on.
Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heightsstars the talented Ralph Fiennes as the dark and brooding Heathcliff, with Juliette Binoche as the tragic Catherine Earnshaw. As childhood companions at the Wuthering Heights estate, Heathcliff and Catherine have a bond that defies social status and family duty. But when the pressure of growing up threatens to drive them apart—and a misunderstanding drives Heathcliff away—the young man returns to Wuthering Heights hell-bent on proving his worth to Catherine, her family, and anyone else he suspects of doubting his worth.
3 'The Notebook' (2004)
Directed by Nick Cassavetes
CloseWhile most of the picks on this list are very… English, The Notebook takes viewers across the pond for a nostalgically romantic drama set in mid-century America. Based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook chronicles the love story of Noah and Allie, which spans many decades.
Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) meet as teenagers in the early 1940s, and are instantly head-over-heels in love. Yet, with upper-class expectations of Allie, and wartime duty inevitably required of Noah, it seems that their short-lived romance is destined to remain a thing of the adolescent past. But when an anxious (and newly engaged) Allie pays a visit to Noah some years later—seeking closure before her coming wedding—she discovers her young love has grown up and, well, you can imagine how all that turns out.
The Notebook
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Release Date July 3, 2013 Director János Szász Cast László Gyémánt , András Gyémánt , Piroska Molnár , Ulrich Thomsen , Ulrich Matthes , Gyöngyvér Bognár Runtime 1002 'Notting Hill' (1999)
Directed by Roger Michell
Notting Hill is one of only two selections here that has the spirit of Jane Austen, but that isn’t a time-period-piece. The rewatchable '90s rom-com boasts incredible chemistry between its two leads, masterfully played by Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.
Notting Hill, London, is where William Thacker (Hugh Grant) owns a bookstore and leads a pleasantly modest life. That all changes when the beautiful, charming, and famous American actress, Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), visits his bookstore. For a back and forth, will they/won’t they love story reminiscent of Pride & Prejudice's Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, give Notting Hill a watch.
Notting Hill
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Release Date May 28, 1999 Director Roger Michell Cast Julia Roberts , Hugh Grant , Richard McCabe , Rhys Ifans , James Dreyfus , Dylan Moran Runtime 124 minutes1 'Love Actually' (2003)
Directed by Richard Curtis
The next romantic comedy that, like Notting Hill, has the Jane Austen feel but is set in modern times, is Love Actually. Keira Knightley graces fans' screens yet again, and is part of an ensemble cast alongside many talented actors featured in other films listed here, such as Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant, to name a few.
Love Actually follows the various overlapping, and often over-complicated, love stories of a handful of loosely-connected, regular people, who are all trying to get through the winter holiday season. Some of these love stories are just beginning, and some of them are ending. And some of them are better kept as a bittersweet secret from the rest of the world. For a light-hearted romantic comedy that has the modern cleverness of Pride & Prejudice, check out Love Actually.
Love Actually
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Release Date September 7, 2003 Director Richard Curtis Cast Bill Nighy , Gregor Fisher , Rory MacGregor , Colin Firth , Sienna Guillory , Liam Neeson Runtime 135 minutesncG1vNJzZmibn6G5qrDEq2Wcp51kurDCyJ6qZqSZoLJuvNGim55lkaOxbrzRnqGunJmYsnA%3D