The forthcoming release of Netflix's latest Jane Austen romance, Persuasion, promises to give romance fans all the angst and longing Jane Austen adaptations are known for. The Dakota Johnson-led film is another romantic epic that promises to live up to popular Austen adaptations that came before.
Fans flock to see Jane Austen's adapted work for the romantic intrigue, feisty heroines, or how faithfully they adapt the novels. While there have been many adapted over the years, revamped to varying degree in accordance with the current era, fans on Ranker rated these Austen romance flicks the best of the best.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Fire Island (2022)
A 2022 queer retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Hulu's hit Fire Island follows a group of gay best friends who embark on a summer retreat, when their bonds as a chosen family are threatened by a sudden change of plans. The representation in this film is notable for its Asian cast and queer relationships. For fans of Jane Austen romances, Fire Island is a modern update to the genre, largely representative of our world now through the lens of our world then.
The tortured social decorum of queer spaces aligns with the limited social conventions of Jane Austen's time, and in this vein, the film reinvents the traditional Austen romance. Despite being generally unmemorable compared to some other adaptations, Fire Island transforms the Austen romance genre with an LGBTQ+ retelling in a fresh, new way.
Love And Friendship (2016)
Kate Beckinsale stars in the 2016 Jane Austen adaptation of Lady Susan, as the scheming and seductive titular character who tries to win the heart of an aristocrat. As selfish as she is beautiful, she attempts to find a love match for her and her daughter.
Lady Susan's devious personality may explain why this film is lower rated by voters, as it's hard to root for her. Susan's antics such as pursuing suitors significantly younger than her do not win the hearts of many fans. She is unlike the demure and courageous heroines of other Jane Austen adaptations, for she is cold and cruel to those around her.
Persuasion (2007)
The 2007 British television adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion stars Sally Hawkins as protagonist Annie Elliot. Annie is a classic Austen heroine, who upon encountering an old flame must face the consequences of her prior refusal of marriage many years before.
While it stars the likes of Sally Hawkins as well as Outlander and The Crown star Tobias Menzies, this straight-to-television adaptation clearly does not work as well for audiences as other Jane Austen films. Protagonist Annie Elliot lacks the bite of Emma or the wit of Elizabeth, and she is already twenty-seven by the time audiences find her, unmarried and uninspired.
Emma (1996)
This Gwyneth Paltrow-led Austen romance follows matchmaker Emma Woodhouse, who entertains herself by planning the romance of others. Emma's meddling in the love lives of her friends begins to jeopardize her own, in this solid take on Austen's beloved book.
This classic adaptation of Austen's novel may not be the best Emma adaptation, but it is remembered for its dreamy aesthetic, and the unscrupulous Emma, in one of Gwyneth Paltrow's best roles. Emma's smug self-assurance and cattiness make this adaptation worth remembering. Paltrow's line deliverance as the snobbish titular character coupled with the airy quality of an Austen romance makes this a stand-out adaptation.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
This Pride and Prejudice retelling is one of the most beloved modern adaptations, starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant in appropriately early-2000's swagger. Bridget Jones is a 30-something who begins a diary and changes her life while welcoming love and hilarious hijinks.
This 2001 adaptation injects all the romantic intrigue of the original Austen classic, but the change to a modern setting freshens the material in a cheeky and memorable way. Bridget Jones' character offers a new take on the Elizabeth Bennett character, with Zellweger imbuing Bridget with spunk and heart as she discovers romance--and herself.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
An all-star who's-who of 90s Hollywood makes this Austen adaptation soar, with Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, one of the most inspiring Austen heroines, and Kate Winslet as her sister Marianne. Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant round out the cast as the suitors who attempt to woo them.
This adaptation stands out to audiences for the lovable nature of its heroines, who lead them through a tale of love and heartbreak. While Thompson's Elinor is demure, Winslet's Marianne is feisty, and they captivate the screen with all the romantic longing and heartache afforded to any Jane Austen heroine.
Emma (2020)
While the 1996 version is best remembered for Paltrow's angelic appearance, the 2020 Emma remake serves as one of the best. The inspired casting of Anya Taylor-Joy breathes new life into this age-old tale. This lavish but faithful adaptation plays up the themes of unspoken desire, with Taylor-Joy's superbly subtle scheming placing this film near the top of the list.
The dazzling kaleidoscope narrative, paired with the indulgent costumes and searing intimacy, makes the latest Emma adaptation an unforgettable one for Ranker fans. Anya Taylor-Joy endows the Austen heroine with an entirely modern character arc. Emma's unlikable self-importance and snobbery eventually becomes endearing as she comes into her own.
Clueless (1995)
This 90s classic is a perfect example of Jane Austen adaptations with a modern twist. This retelling of Emma introduces shallow Cher, queen of her California high school, who trades intelligence for confidence as she meddles in the love lives of her friends.
Starring Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and the late Brittany Murphy, Clueless is a whip-smart Austen adaptation masked as a high school comedy. Pairing iconic costuming with quotable 90s jargon, the popularity of the film on Ranker is likely due to its relatability and snapshot of a bygone era.
Pride and Prejudice (1940)
1940's Pride and Prejudice is a popular Austen adaptation and a snapshot of old Hollywood at its prime. While not the most up-to-date version of the story, this film proves Hollywood of yore knew how to make luxurious romances.
This sumptuous film aligns itself closely with the classic novel and remains the standard black and white Austen adaptation fans love. The pairing of classic romance, old Hollywood glamour, and Laurence Olivier as wealthy Mr. Darcy set the standard for Austen adaptations to come.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Perhaps nothing comes as close to perfect as 2005's Pride and Prejudice. The pairing of Keira Knightley's strong-willed Elizabeth and Matthew MacFayden's rigid yet smoldering Mr. Darcy keep audiences returning to this classic. Released in 2005, this Joe Wright-helmed adaptation still stands the test of time.
This iteration is filled with realistic yet flawed female characters, witty dialogue, and introduced young audiences to Austen romances. With sweeping visuals, dazzling score, and crackling chemistry between the two leads, it's easy to see why this adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel is Ranker's top choice.