Favorite Jane Austen related films and miniseries
My favorite (also including least favorite or hated entries) Austen adaptations and other films or miniseries ranked. Ratings are not yet set in stone and may be changed, except for the top three.
Please leave your opinions in the comment section!
2019 edit: I've added a few titles I had forgotten in 2016, though the short reviews aren't very good... I'm thinking of rereading Austen soon so I'll probably update this list properly.
P.S. I'm looking forward to Sandition as I'm not a prude and other works have done more offense to Austen's words >_>
Please leave your opinions in the comment section!
2019 edit: I've added a few titles I had forgotten in 2016, though the short reviews aren't very good... I'm thinking of rereading Austen soon so I'll probably update this list properly.
P.S. I'm looking forward to Sandition as I'm not a prude and other works have done more offense to Austen's words >_>
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- DirectorJoe WrightStarsKeira KnightleyMatthew MacfadyenBrenda BlethynSparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?A very hard choice, but I feel I must admit that I enjoyed this film more than the 1995 miniseries. Keira Knightley is my favorite Lizzie (however a tad too pretty for the role and not as witty) and I love Matthew Macfadyen's sad puppy-dog eyes (even though Firth is my favorite Darcy)! It's hard to say anymore because I'm slightly inclined to like films more anyway.
- DirectorRoger MichellStarsAmanda RootCiarán HindsSusan FleetwoodTheatrical film of "Persuasion" with Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root. Directed by Roger Michell.I loved "Persuasion" (1818) from the first page and loved this television movie from the the first minute. An impeccable film that captures all the love and soul from the novel with a great cast (especially the leads, Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds, they say so much without even talking just like in the novel). Of course, this is the de facto best version of "Persuasion".
- DirectorAng LeeStarsEmma ThompsonKate WinsletJames FleetRich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her three daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. The older two daughters are the title opposites.I had a hard time picking which "Sense and Sensibility" adaptation I enjoyed the most, this one or the 2008 series (both are very good). My biggest complaint was that we didn't see much of Willoughby, whose storyline was not worked out in this film to my satisfaction. Overall, this version has one of the best-looking cast of any Austen adaptation, Emma Thompson (Elinor), Kate Winslet (Marianne), Alan Rickman (Col Brandon), Hugh Grant (Edward), etc.
- StarsColin FirthJennifer EhleSusannah HarkerWhile the arrival of wealthy gentlemen sends her marriage-minded mother into a frenzy, willful and opinionated Elizabeth Bennet matches wits with haughty Mr. Darcy.Oh Colin Firth, by far my favorite Darcy, hard to resist. Although one of the best "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, I would recommend this more to those who have read the book because of the runtime, and obviously they'll appreciate how much of the book it covers. Not really anything big to complain about this adaptation.
- StarsDominic CooperCharity WakefieldHattie MorahanIn 1800s England, sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood try to find love and security. The two could not be more different: Eleanor is calm and decorous; Marianne is passionate and heedless.As I said before, I had a hard time picking which "Sense and Sensibility" adaptation I enjoyed the most. This two-episode miniseries covers the novel a bit better, because of the extended runtime, thus giving a more complete look at the story (and Dominic Cooper is so hot as Willoughby!). Also, I've heard complaints about this version being too racy, but there wasn't much and I thought it was all tasteful and not vulgar.
- DirectorDiarmuid LawrenceStarsKate BeckinsaleBernard HeptonMark StrongFaithful, enchanting adaptation of Jane Austen's 19th-century tale of Emma Woodhouse, a clever young woman whose mischievous matchmaking schemes nearly end up jeopardizing her own shot at romance.Two adaptations of "Emma" in the same year!, so of course these two will always be compared. This television film I felt captured the soul of the novel more, also taking a darker view of some things and didn't make Emma look like a fairytale princess. Kate Beckinsale played a superb Emma, possibly my favorite (her imagination sequences were very clever!), and Mark Strong's take on Knightley's emotions were very entertaining.
- DirectorJulian JarroldStarsAnne HathawayJames McAvoyJulie WaltersA biographical portrait of a pre-fame Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman.A film based on a biography of Jane Austen that hints at a romantic relationship between Austen (played by Anne Hathaway) and Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). Most of the events of the movie probably didn't happen, though still fun to watch. However, I may never understand why they would pick such a sad topic to make a movie of. "How depressing!" was my last thought at the end of the film.
- DirectorDouglas McGrathStarsGwyneth PaltrowJames CosmoGreta ScacchiWhile matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.Oh Gwyneth Paltrow, though I don't like you, I must admit you played a wonderful, ethereal Emma. This film like "Sense and Sensibility (1995) features a star-studded cast, including Alan Cumming (Elton), Toni Collette (Harriet), Ewan McGregor (Frank), and Jeremy Northam (definitely the hottest Knightley). The greatest merit of the movie is just how beautiful it is to look at.
- DirectorPatricia RozemaStarsFrances O'ConnorJonny Lee MillerAlessandro NivolaFanny, born into a poor family, is sent away to live with wealthy uncle Sir Thomas, his wife and their four children, where she'll be brought up for a proper introduction to society.A very well-made film based on "Mansfield Park" (and somewhat on Jane Austen's life), though I must confess I wasn't completely satisfied with it. Frances O'Connor fits my idea of Fanny, despite not making her weak or sickly like in the novel. It was also racier than the novel and made Sir Thomas look like a devil and Tom like a saint. (I also kinda felt bad for Henry! and who feels bad for Henry normally!)
- StarsDoran GodwinJohn CarsonDonald EcclesWhile matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.Perhaps the best of the old miniseries from BBC. The series is entertaining and covers the nearly all of the book. The only faults I found were that Doran Godwin (Emma) and John Carson (George) seemed a bit old for the part (though this is easily overlooked) and that Debbie Bowen (Harriet) and Ania Marson (Jane) were lackluster.
- StarsIrene RichardTracey ChildsAnnie LeonTwo sisters of opposing temperaments find love and some heartbreak in Jane Austen's 18th century classic.Starring, Irene Richards (who played Charlotte Lucas in the 1980 P&P!) and Tracey Childs, who perfectly fit their roles as Elinor and Marianne. Although, neither Edward nor Colonel Brandon are as handsome as Hugh Grant or Alan Rickman, but they play their roles well anyway. This miniseries pairs well with the 1980 P&P, both have wonderful dialogue and acting, but suffer from low production values.
- StarsRomola GaraiMichael GambonJonny Lee MillerEmma Woodhouse is a wealthy young woman living in the early 19th century, whose misplaced confidence in her matchmaking abilities occasions several romantic misadventures, which leads her into deeper meanings of love and life.Another adaptation of Emma, how can I resist! The miniseries expands the story by showing scenes only talked about in the novel, such as Emma, Jane, and Frank as children, played by Romola Garai, Laura Pyper, and Rupert Evans as adults. Other such scenes include Knightley (Johnny Lee Miller) giving advice to Robert Martin. This was an interesting way to distinguish itself from the other versions, very entertaining.
- StarsElizabeth GarvieDavid RintoulMoray WatsonWhile the arrival of wealthy gentlemen sends her marriage-minded mother into a frenzy, willful and opinionated Elizabeth Bennet matches wits with haughty Mr. Darcy.A nearly perfect adaptation that takes very few liberties with the plot. My favorite scene was Elizabeth (played by Elizabeth Garvie) reading Darcy's (David Rintoul) letter as the camera pans to show him walk far into the distance (the two actors also had good chemistry together). The only problem I had with this version was that it seemed a bit too long at times.
- StarsAnn FirbankBryan MarshallMarian SpencerAnne Elliot is convinced to break off her engagement to Frederick Wentworth. When her father rents the family estate to Admiral Croft, Anne is forced to accompany Frederick. Will he and Anne rekindle the old flame?Despite feeling extremely dated at times, I really loved the version of "Persuasion". This miniseries follows the novel faithfully, taking very few liberties. Though I must admit I found Ann Fairbank's (Anne Elliot) hair distracting!
- StarsAshley ClementsJulia ChoLaura SpencerModern vlog-style retelling of Pride and Prejudice focusing on the Bennet sisters, their romantic entanglements with wealthy suitors Bing Lee and the enigmatic Darcy, and their mother's efforts to marry them off.Something about "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, I just never get tired of them. In this modern retelling, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennet starts a video blog with her best friend, Charlotte Lu. The story is told in one hundred videos (not counting the various spin-offs), and focuses more on the female friendships of the novel. My only complaint is that the "vlog" format has it's limitations, Darcy doesn't appear until episode 59 (worth it though)! This series can be viewed in it's entirety on YouTube.
- DirectorAmy HeckerlingStarsAlicia SilverstoneStacey DashBrittany MurphyShallow, rich and socially successful Cher is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school's pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other.Amy Heckerling's popular ode to 90s youth was adapted from "Emma" (1815), and starred Alicia Silverstone as Cher (Emma) and Paul Rudd as Josh (Knightley). The film manages to follow remarkably close to the plot of the novel. It stands well on its own (perhaps that's why few know about it being based on "Emma"), and has become a cult film, undoubtedly to be enjoyed for many generations.
- DirectorJon JonesStarsGeraldine JamesMichael JuddJulia DeardenA young woman's penchant for sensational Gothic novels leads to misunderstandings in the matters of the heart.2019 edit: I remember this much more fondly than the 1986 version (see below). Felicity Jones as Catherine was very enjoyable. I look forward to watching this one again.
- DirectorAngel GraciaStarsCamilla BelleAlexa PenaVegaKuno BeckerA Latina spin on Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility": two spoiled sisters who have been left penniless after their father's sudden death are forced to move in with their estranged aunt in East Los Angeles.A modern re-telling of "Sense and Sensibilty" (1811), which follows two rich, Latina sisters, Nora (Camilla Belle) and Mary (Alexa Vega), who lose everything when their father passes. Perhaps not approaching greatness, this film is highly enjoyable and worth a watch.
- DirectorJeremy LoveringStarsSamuel RoukinOlivia WilliamsGreta ScacchiIn the later years of her life, as she's approaching the age of forty, the novelist Jane Austen helps her niece find a husband.Every bit as depressing as "Becoming Jane", this television film features an older Austen in her last years of life. The movie is based on Austen's letters to her sister and niece, though a lot of it is probably guess work. My only problem with the film is how it fails to leave off with a silver lining or hope.
- DirectorWhit StillmanStarsKate BeckinsaleChloë SevignyXavier SamuelLady Susan Vernon takes up temporary residence at her in-laws' estate and, while there, is determined to be a matchmaker for her daughter Frederica--and herself too, naturally.2019 edit: this film is based on "Lady Susan" though it takes its name from another Austen work (why? what's the point?). I enjoyed the film much more than the book as I dislike the epistolary style, especially in letters. Kate Beckinsale was wonderfully funny.
- DirectorRajiv MenonStarsAjith KumarTabuMammoottyAn Indian adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" focusing on two sisters of opposing temperaments.A Tamil (Kollywood) film starring the gorgeous Tabu as Sowmya (aka Elinor) and Aishwarya Rai as Meenakshi (Marianne). The film is superbly adapted from "Sense and Sensibility", setting the story in modern-day India.
- DirectorJerusha HessStarsKeri RussellJJ FeildJennifer CoolidgeObsessed with Pride and Prejudice (1995), a woman travels to a Jane Austen theme park in search for her perfect gentleman.Based on Shannon Hale's novel of the same name, which I highly recommend to Austen fans. The film follows Jane (Keri Russell), a thirtysomething woman obsessed with Colin Firth's Darcy, who goes to stay at an Austen retreat. I thought the movie enjoyable (mostly because I love rom-coms), but also disappointing as it fails to capture any of the mystery or emotion of the original novel.
- StarsAnna MasseyAngela PleasenceSylvestra Le TouzelImpoverished Fanny Price is sent to live with her more affluent uncle and aunt. The arrival of new neighbors brings a chance for romance to Fanny and her cousins.A more complete and faithful rendition of "Mansfield Park". This miniseries follows the book well enough, keeping many details that the 1999 film left out. It's only fault is that it feels a bit too long at times.
- DirectorAdrian ShergoldStarsSally HawkinsAlice KrigeAnthony HeadAnne was in love with Frederick, who was rejected by her snobby parents 8 years ago. They've now hit hard times and rent out their mansion to his brother-in-law. He returns a Royal Navy captain. Will he remember Anne?This TV movie was enjoyable, but fails to achieve any of the brilliance that the 1995 film does. Sally Hawkins plays Anne well enough, but it's hard to picture Rupert Penry-Jones as Captain Wentworth. I feel that an online review I read describes this film perfectly, "Almost Persuaded".
- DirectorGurinder ChadhaStarsMartin HendersonAishwarya Rai BachchanNadira BabbarA modern adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, that features the lives of four unmarried daughters in an Indian family.A Bollywood inspired musical of "Pride and Prejudice" (1813), which stars Aishwarya Rai as Lalita (Lizzie). This version is thoroughly enjoyable for Bollywood fans, though non-fans might not be able to appreciate it. The film also took an interesting but brief look at Wickham (especially loved his last line!).
