What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with Jane Austen, the queen of romance herself?
Jane Austen was ahead of her time when she wrote her romance novels in the early 1800s. Novels like Pride and Prejudice and Emma are not only hilarious social satires, but incredibly powerful tales of love. Her influence and prevalence in modern media has and continues to be monstrous, with no signs of stopping. Her stories have been adapted hundreds of times, and even if you’re not a reader, you’ve got plenty of options to consume her work.
When I was a kid, my mom introduced me to Jane Austen’s tales of passionate proposals and heartfelt yearning, instilling in me a very romantic notion of love. I still remember the first time she sat me down to watch BBC’s Pride and Prejudice. I was entranced by the balls, the glances across the room, the vulnerability of both the men and the women. It was the first time I saw the true love I’ve always wanted.
Since then I’ve read many of Jane Austen’s novels, and watched even more adaptations. There’s nothing more magical than seeing her stories come to life, and I’ve watched enough to confidently recommend what I believe to be the best ones. If you’re looking for something to watch on Valentine’s Day, whether it’s with a partner or alone, these five adaptations are delightfully romantic options.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Sense and Sensibility, which was written by and stars Emma Thompson, tells the story of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. The Dashwood sisters are kicked out of their home by their brother’s wife, and move to Devonshire with their mother. There, both girls fall in love, but shocking revelations put their romances at risk. Don’t be fooled by the polite British accents, there’s plenty of catty drama and scandalous affairs to keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you were to ask my mom which Jane Austen film she loved the most, she would say, without hesitation, Sense and Sensibility. Despite introducing me to Pride and Prejudice first, Sense and Sensibility was always her favorite. She even gifted me a copy of the screenplay, which my father had given her years before. Not putting this film on my list would feel like a disservice the person who ignited my love for Austen.
It’s also just a perfect movie.
Austen’s tale of second attachments takes you on a journey with a very romantic payoff. The movie’s atmosphere is also both whimsical and serene, pairing gorgeous scenery with a gorgeous story. If you need even more convincing, a young Hugh Grant plays Elinor’s love interest, which should be more than enough reason to watch this on V-day.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to Watch: YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV
Emma (2020)
If you’re looking for a bright, funny, and unique Jane Austen adaptation, Autumn de Wilde’s Emma is the perfect choice. While the film mainly centers around Emma’s silly but well-intentioned antics, there’s a lovely romance at the heart of it.
Through her failed matchmaking attempts for her friends, Emma and her family friend Mr. Knightley share a hostile relationship until they both realize they’re meant for each other. Pride and Prejudice might be the most famous enemies-to-lovers story, but Emma’s is just as exciting and gratifying.
The film is a pastel lover’s dream, and its vibrant tone pairs perfectly with Emma’s over-the-top personality. Anya Taylor Joy plays the heroine with a perfect balance of selfishness and charm, while Josh O’Connor give a brilliant performance as the goofy priest in love with her. Johnny Flynn’s Mr. Knightly is also a dashing portrayal that works great alongside Joy.
The movie’s style is exactly the right vibe for Valentine’s Day, and I guarantee you’ll get a kick out of it no matter your relationship status.
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Where to Watch: Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Alright, you knew this one was coming. I don’t think it’s possible to make a Jane Austen adaptations list without Joe Wright’s modern classic, Pride and Prejudice. Anyone who is even remotely interested in romantic media has at least heard of this film, if not watched it a million times. I rewatch this film all the time, and it always delivers.
Pride and Prejudice is Austen’s magnum opus, and Wright’s adaptation is the perfect condescend version. In the film, we follow Lizzy Bennet and her sisters, each hoping to find a romantic partner. Lizzy meets the awkward and standoffish Mr. Darcy, and is immediately turned off by him. Of course, as we get to know more about Darcy, we, along with Lizzy, fall in love with him. There’d be no enemies-to-lovers trope without this classic tale, and we should be thankful every day for it.
Kiera Knightly delivers a quietly powerful performance as Lizzy, and Matthew MacFayden, in his little white blouse, is the most charming and swoon-worthy Darcy (can you believe he’s Tom Wambsgan in Succession? Talk about range!). There are plenty of other familiar faces in the film, and each do justice to their respective characters. Pair this all with stunning music and gorgeous visuals, and you’ve got yourself a perfect film.
I’m sure if you’re reading this, you’ve seen this movie, so consider this a reminder to watch it again. And if you haven’t yet seen it, get ready to have your life changed this Valentine’s Day.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to Watch: Peacock, Prime Video, Apple TV
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
My next recommendation is not like the others, but just as romantic and charming. Bridget Jones’s Diary is a modern rom com retelling of Pride and Prejudice; crudeness and mess amplified from its source material. There might not be horse drawn carriages or heartfelt confessions through letters, but there’s BOTH Colin Firth and Hugh Grant fighting over Bridget’s love, so what more could you ask for?
The film follows Bridget Jones as she navigates love and life in her thirties, and it’s by far the funniest and relatable adaptation on this list. If you’re not into the complicated language or mutton chops in the other films, Bridget Jones’s Diary will give you all the Austen feels with a modern twist.
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Where to Watch: Max, Prime Video
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Despite the brilliance of Joe Wright’s version, BBC’s Pride and Prejudice is THE Pride and Prejudice adaptation if you’re looking for an incredibly faithful and detailed version. It’s also a very influential period drama (you can thank the Colin Firth’s lake scene for giving us Anthony Bridgerton’s in Bridgerton season two).
This was also my first introduction to Austen’s universe. I vividly remember stumbling upon a VHS boxset of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth’s face plastered on the side in my mom’s room. I remember picking it up, inspecting every tape until my mom caught me, a smile plastered on her face. “Guess it’s time,” was all she said before we went to watch.
Years later, I finally read the novel and decided to rewatch. What stuck out to me most was how faithful the series was to the novel. Unlike Wright’s film, the miniseries has over six hours to throw in every detail from the book. If you’re looking for a Pride and Prejudice adaptation that’s basically reading the novel itself, this one is the one.
Colin Firth is also the most Mr. Darcy Mr. Darcy, almost as if he leapt straight out of the novel. You’re sure to swoon all Valentine’s Day and you might even end up making dramatic proclamations of love at the end of it.
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Where to Watch: Peacock, Hulu, Prime Video
You’re Welcome Dearest Readers
No matter which one you chose, your Valentine’s Day will be full of true love and passion. Jane Austen was a master at her craft, and so many talented filmmakers have brought her stories to life on the big screen. Each one of the adaptations I’ve chosen have done justice to their source material, and I’d like to think Austen herself would be delighted with these depictions.
So make sure to grab your bonnets — I mean blankets — and your chocolates, and enjoy!
