We have a list of some of the dramas and movies based on Jane Austen work that you should watch to at least compare them. In recent times, adaptations have become a norm. While most of the time, book lovers usually do not like book adaptations into movies or series, there are some movies or dramas that are somehow loved by the audience.
Even there are many people who do not read books but love movies and dramas without having any idea about the plot. However, when there is a comparison, there are best and worst adaptations according to audience preferences.
1: Emma (2020) (1996):
It is one of the period comedy movies based on Jane Austen work. The story revolves around a wealthy girl Emma who lives with her father. She loves to involve herself in a love relationship with other people who are close to her. Even if someone does not want her to involve, her inner self urges her to interfere and sort them according to her own choice. Anya Taylor-Joy played the role of Emma. In the 1996 Emma’s adaptation of Jane Austen novel, Gwyneth Paltrow played the lead role of Emma.
2: Emma (2009):
Emma 2009 is a mini tv series based on Jane Austen work. It has four episodes and as this tv series based on Jane Austen work, the story is almost the same. Emma believes she is a skilled matchmaker so she tries her best to work for people’s relationships. Romola Garai played the lead role of Emma.
3: Mansfield Park (1999):
Although this movie is an adaptation of Jane Austen novel of the same name, it has many differences from the original work. Some people have the opinion that the movie should be judged separately and not seen as a pure adaptation. The story is about a poor girl Fanny who is sent by her poor parents to rich relatives because they cannot afford the expenses.
Fanny is treated more as a servant than as a relative but she develops a bond of friendship with her cousin Edmund. The story proceeds with love, rejection, jealousy and conflicts and it continues like this until the end. The movie also highlights the issue of slavery which prevailed in society at that time. The character of Fanny is played by Embeth Davidtz.
4: Sanditon (2019):
It is one of the British historical dramas based on Jane Austen work. The initial majority of the episodes are adapted from the work while the remaining one is completed by the makers of the drama as it is an unfinished manuscript of Jane Austen. Sanditon is a seaside resort and Charlotte reaches at it accidentally. The people who live there have a lot of secrets and there are lots of things that are going on. Amidst all this Charlotte is attracted to a young man. Rose Williams played the role of Charlotte (the main character).
5: Persuasion (2022) (1995):
The 1995 Persuasion is considered a better adaptation of Jane Austen novel with the same name than the 2022 adaptation. In fact, the 2022 adaptation is highly criticized for various reasons (watch here). Dakota Johnson and Cosmo Jarvis played the lead roles in the 2022 adaptation while Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds played the lead roles in the 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen novel Persuasion. The story is about the relationship, separation and the reunited of the lead couple. 1995 adaptation is appreciated for its realism and it received overall positive reviews from the critics.
6: Love and Friendship (2016):
Love and Friendship is based on Jane Austen work which was written in the form of letters (an epistolary novel). The film is about a widow Lady Susan who wants to secure a rich husband for herself and for her daughter. It also received positive reviews from critics.
7: Northanger Abbey (2007):
This movie is an adaptation of Jane Austen novel (1817) of the same name. The story revolves around a girl Catherine who has a passion for Gothic novels. The family friends of her parents invite her to spend some days at their place. There she meets two young men who are attracted to her. The rest of the story is about her relationship and in the end, she marries. The role of Catherine is played by Felicity Jones and the movie is appreciated for the actors’ performances.
8: Pride and Prejudice (2005):
Pride and Prejudice is a romantic drama film based on Jane Austen novel of the same name. The movie is about five sisters whose mothers want them to marry rich families to secure their future. The screenwriter initially tried her best not to change a single dialogue of the original novel and narrate the story from the perspective of protagonist Elizabeth Bennet. Keira Knightly played the role of Elizabeth. The novel as well as the movie discusses the differences in social status and the issues of marriage.
9: Pride and Prejudice (1995):
The 1995 Pride and Prejudice is a drama which consists of six episodes. This adaptation of Jane Austen work is considered one of the best adaptations. The drama was very successful and won several awards including the Emmy award. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Davis played the lead roles of Elizabeth and Darcy respectively.
10: Sense and Sensibility (1995):
Sense and Sensibility is one of the period drama English films based on Jane Austen work. Jane Austen wrote that novel in 1811 with the same novel. It is considered one of the best adaptations of Jane Austen work. The story revolves around two rich sisters who suddenly go through financial problems. They have to secure themselves financially and in order to do so, they have to marry. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet played the lead roles of Elinor and Marianne respectively.
