7 Jane Austen Adaptations to Watch After Netflix’s ‘Persuasion’

Four words: Colin Firth, wet shirt. Need we say more? Beyond those obviously fantastic selling points, the Emmy and BAFTA-winning 1995 mini-series version of Jane Austen’s beloved 1813 novel of the same name is a masterclass in all that an Austen adaptation should be. Over the course of six episodes, Pride and Prejudice follows opinionated and spunky young Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) as she butts heads and matches wits with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy (Firth) in the midst of the arrival of wealthy eligible gentleman Mr. Charles Bingley (Crispin Bonham-Carter). There’s swoon-worthy romance, quick and fluid dialogue, and did we mention the wet shirt?

Where to watch Pride and Prejudice 

This recent Austen adaptation is truly a work of art, as it shows how the famed author’s work can always find new ways to feel interesting and fresh. Directed by Autumn de Wilde, Emma stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Miss Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy, elegant, and vain young woman who amuses herself by trying to matchmake and meddle in the lives of those around her, all whilst living with her eccentric father (Bill Nighy) in their beautiful England home during the Regency-era.

The film is sold by the crackling chemistry of romantic leads Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn, and then is somehow made even better by the exceptional acting work and humor contributed by Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Josh O’Connor, and more.

Where to watch Emma

The 1995, critically-acclaimed adaptation of Austen’s 1811 novel of the same name is an absolute powerhouse from top to bottom. With Ang Lee as director, a wonderful screenplay by Emma Thompson (who also stars in the film as Elinor Dashwood), and an exceptional cast that includes Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones, and Hugh Laurie, it’s no wonder why Sense and Sensibility won an Academy Award (among other accolades) and is still adored to this day. The film follows the Dashwood sisters as they grapple with going from living as wealthy English landed gentry to completely destitute, with only the option of a good marriage to get them each out of poverty.

Where to watch Sense and Sensibility

This 1999 romantic comedy-drama is an adaptation of one of Austen’s lesser known works (compared to the heavy hitters we tend to read and discuss in school), but is no less fantastic than the rest. Mansfield Park follows Fanny Price (Frances O’Connor), a poor young woman who is sent away to live with her wealthy uncle and his wife and four children so that she can have a proper introduction into society and have a chance at an advantageous marriage. While still honoring Austen’s original work, Mansfield Park also paves its own way by branching out to incorporate the author’s life story into the film and even addressing slavery, making for an intriguing departure from your typical Austen adaptation fare.

Where to watch Mansfield Park

Because it’s not quite as overt as the others in this list, it can sometimes be easy to forget that Clueless is, indeed, a Jane Austen adaptation. The film’s story is based on Emma, but gives the centuries-old tale a twist by placing it in early ’90s Southern California, following Beverly Hills-located Bronson Alcott High School queen bee Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) as she tried to play matchmaker to everyone from fellow students to her teachers before eventually falling into a memorable love story of her own. Clueless is a timeless delight that stars Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison, and Breckin Meyer.

Where to watch Clueless

Sanditon is unique in that it’s the only Austen adaptation on this list that’s taken from an incomplete work. Austen was only 11 chapters into writing Sanditon when she died in 1817, meaning that the historical drama series used up most of the original content within the first few episodes before being able to take the story in their own direction, making for an interesting combination of Jane Austen-inspired and completely original. For those unfamiliar, the series follows the spirited and impulsive Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she moved from her quaint rural home to the fishing village of Sanditon, which is in the midst of trying to rebrand itself as a seaside resort. Charlotte, herself, is a fish out of water amongst the ambitious and crafty residents of her new home and is challenged by trying to navigate its secrets, potential romances, and many newfound opportunities for getting into trouble.

Where to watch Sanditon

Of course we have to bookend this list with another Pride & Prejudice adaptation. One can never have enough. But truly, we would be remiss not to mention this one as well, as it sets itself apart as one of the most-watched Austen adaptations of all time. This 2005 romantic drama film stars Keira Knightley as Lizzy Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as our Mr. Darcy. It also featured big name stars in Donald Sutherland, Dame Judi Dench, Rupert Friend, Carey Mulligan, Rosamund Pike, and more.

Beyond being critically recognized as a well-acted film, it also earned four Academy Award nominations, and beyond that, stole the hearts of viewers everywhere with that rainy confession scene in addition to Darcy’s unforgettable little hand flex moment. Chef’s kiss, bravo, well done.

Where to watch Pride & Prejudice