The thing about great stories is that you can tell them over and over again and people will still listen. Take Jane Austen for example. No matter how many times you've read Pride and Prejudice , you still get excited every time a new Jane Austen adaptation comes out, right? (The trailer for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is awesome . )
Sometimes book-to-movie adaptations can disappoint. Personally, I think Austen's writing was stripped of some of its funniest moments in favor of a romantic plot. Sure, the romance is great, but Austen is also a great observer of quirky characters. So which adaptations stay true to these beloved novels, and which ones stray too far from the original stories?
Just as everyone has their favorite Austen novel, if you're a friend of Jane Pie, you've probably discussed your favorite Austen film adaptation. From period pieces to modern web series, Austen's work continues to be told and retold—and never goes out of style.
The results for some films are stunning. I mean, when a movie is based on an Austen novel, it can't be that bad no matter what the filmmakers do. But some adaptations of her novels have left us fans wanting more. So, which films won Best Picture, and which ones are best left in the Netflix dregs?
15. Jane Austen Book Club
The film is more of a loose interpretation than a straight adaptation. Several women form a book club and decide to read the works of Jane Austen, and each of their lives reflects (somewhat) on their chosen Austen novels. While the film mentions Austen a few times , it feels like her novel is really just a cameo in a storyline that has nothing to do with Austen. However, Emily Blunt is in it, so support that.
14. Pride and Prejudice (1940)
It looks like the film's costume designers saved some money by reusing costumes from Gone with the Wind. This movie is worth watching because it's so hilarious - not only does it have a bunch of really major plot changes, but for some reason it takes place on what appears to be a plantation. Apparently the only redeeming factor is Laurence Olivier's performance as Mr. Darcy.
13. Persuasion (2007)
The movie is romantic and the acting is good, but for me no film adaptation has ever come close to the perfection of the novel Persuasion . It's still worth watching if just for the letter scenes, and the broad musical themes are quite lovely. But unfortunately, it ranks low on the list because of the awkward kiss. If you watch this movie from start to finish, you'll know what I'm talking about.
12. Emma (1996)
Gwyneth Paltrow is a talented actress, and this is a solid adaptation with a great archery scene, but it's not nearly as hilarious as the sly and fussy novel version. Maybe it's my own bias, because Emma is high on my list of favorite novels, so I'm very protective of myself.
11. From Prada to Nada
This adaptation of Sense and Sensibility is actually pretty cool. Two wealthy young women unexpectedly lose their father and fortune and have to move to East Los Angeles. If you're looking for a Friday night guilty pleasure movie, this is a fun choice.
10. Lost in Austin
Amanda, a resident of modern London, accidentally falls into the world of Pride and Prejudice and starts messing up. Isn’t this every Janet’s dream? Technically this is a miniseries, not a movie, so it's exciting and long. Perfect for rainy days when you can sit down and relax with a cup of tea (especially when your mug says "I like Darcy").
9. Emma (2009)
This miniseries starring Romola Garai is great because its length makes it really faithful to the book. The sets and costumes are beautiful, and the acting is spot on. Not bad done here.
8. Northanger Abbey (2007)
This made-for-TV movie is a gem that needs more people to fall for it. You may recognize actor JJ Field (Henry Tierney) as Mr. Henry Nobley in "Austinland," another great Austen-esque film. (This is not an "adaptation", but I will mention it's worth watching for the "It's hot in here" scene). The film perfectly captures Catherine's whimsical imagination, and the chemistry between Felicity Jones (Katherine) and Field is sure to make you smile.
7. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Emma Thompson's award-winning adaptation of Sense and Sensibility stays very close to the original and has some seriously beautiful lines (delivered, of course, by a star-studded cast - that 's Snape, folks ) in it! ). Definitely worth a look.
6. Bride and Prejudice
Bollywood. pride and Prejudice . Aishwarya Rai. What more can you ask for? The songs will stick in your head and you'll fall in love with all the wonderful characters, but what's the #1 best part of this movie? Mary's epic snake dance. This is perfect.
5. Lizzie Bennett’s Diary
Okay, so this isn’t a movie; This is a web series. But this great adaptation took the Jane Austen fanbase by storm when it first aired a few years ago. Remember how we waited for Darcy Day? It's an interactive experience, and now that all episodes are out, you should definitely spend an evening or two watching the modern-day Elizabeth Bennett vlog.
4. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
This version of P&P was so popular that a huge statue was installed in a lake in England as a monument to the lake scene. This miniseries is fantastic and basically a rite of passage worth watching if you're an Austen fan. But due to the length (327 minutes, y'all), it's best saved for super special occasions.
3. Ignorance
This modern adaptation of "Emma" is still loved by generations because: 1) it's a great movie, and 2) it's actually a very accurate adaptation. The play is almost flawless in terms of translating Austen's work into the modern period. Betty in the movie.
2. Bridget Jones’s Diary
The film is a work of art, as is the book it is based on and the book it is based on. (Jane Austen has so many layers!) The modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth reprising his role as Darcy) is hilarious, smart and romantic - all the things a P&P should be. Best line? "I like you very much. Just like you." Just perfect.
1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
I do have arguments with other Janet people about my love for the movie, but I believe that despite some inaccuracies between the book and the movie (yes, I know Darcy didn't propose in the rain) 2005’s Pride and Prejudice captures the spirit of the book. The dialogue flows, the cinematography is gorgeous, the acting is on point - I love, I love, I love it. Best of all: if you want to feel like you're in a Jane Austen novel, just play the soundtrack on repeat. You will definitely appreciate and love it deeply.
Image: YouTube, Spotlight, Miramax Films, Paramount, BBC One (2), Columbia Pictures, PBS, ITV (2), Lionsgate, MGM, Sony Pictures Classics
