Jane Austen wrote her many masterpieces in the early 19th century, but her work still sweeps viewers off their feet in new adaptations for the big and small screens 200 years later. Many versions and adaptations of Austen's six novels have come over the decades, and they've only improved with time. The telling of Austen's work has evolved even as the scripts have stayed true to Austen's famous words. To this day, the story of an independent heroine in a man's world holds up more than ever.

It would take a long time to rank all of the best Jane Austen film adaptations, but the versions that have hit theaters within the last 30 years take the cake. On the big screen, Austen adaptations take place in the grand real-life homes and villages where her characters could've lived. They have scores that whisk viewers in, lift emotions higher, and make them feel like they're right there, experiencing and feeling everything much deeper than reading Austen's words. The actors who've played her beloved characters have brought something new and exhilarating. This combined makes an excellent viewing experience for all period drama lovers.

15 'Persuasion' (2022)

Directed by Carrie Cracknell

In 2022, Netflix released its own adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel Persuasion. In the movie, a woman named Anne Elliott (played by Dakota Johnson) is forced to end her engagement with her former love due to his social standing. Years later, Anne’s former fiancé comes back into her life as a successful naval officer — and now she must face her past decisions to find happiness and love.

There was also a lot of excitement surrounding the movie as the trailer revealed that Persuasion attempted to modernize its source material while still being a period film. However, critics do note that the movie largely misrepresented the character as she seemed condescending and awkward. Persuasion’s gimmicky elements like breaking the fourth wall were also panned. While it’s not the best choice for those looking to watch a faithful adaptation, Persuasion is a good movie to watch for viewers who want a modern adaptation of classic literature. – Jom Elauria

14 'Austenland' (2013)

Directed by Jerusha Hess

Austenland chronicles the journey of a woman named Jane Hayes (played by Keri Russell). She has a mild obsession with Austen’s works, especially with the enigmatic and honorable Mr. Darcy. Because she also wants to live a life similar to the protagonists in Austen’s novels, she books a stay at a resort named Austenland, which offers an immersive experience set full of Regency-era elements — including charming love interests and corset-filled costumes.

The enchanting movie isn’t necessarily based on just one of Austen’s works but highlights the tropes and familiar aspects that Austen’s novels employ. Austenland will surely sweep viewers off their feet with its romantic and enchanting story. However, it did receive some flack as its narrative was quite shallow and it didn’t go all out with unpacking its own themes. – Jom Elauria

13 'Bride and Prejudice' (2004)

Directed by Gurinder Chadha

Perhaps Bollywood’s most celebrated Austen adaptation is Gurinder Chadha’s Bride and Prejudice. Instead of being set on a backdrop of Regency-era Britain, Bride and Prejudice is set in 21st-century India. The movie takes a look at a spirited woman named Lalita Bakshi (Aishwarya Rai) and her tumultuous relationship with American entrepreneur William Darcy (Martin Henderson), with her life unfolding through entertaining and magnificent dance sequences.

The Bollywood approach to the classic novel and the culture-filled infusion of the familiar story is fresh, new, and largely enjoyable. However, it must be noted that the movie did stray away from the sharp wit and astute social observations that define Austen's characters. That said, it’s a dazzling watch thanks to its entertaining sequences, as well as Bride and Prejudice's interesting creative choices like cutting out the kissing scenes and replacing them with other chemistry-filled interactions. – Jom Elauria

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12 'From Prada to Nada' (2011)

Directed by Angel Gracia

Austen’s Sense and Sensibility receives a modern retelling in the movie From Prada to Nada. Affluent sisters Nora (Camilla Belle) and Mary (Alexa Vega) must move in with their humble aunt after the unfortunate passing of their father leaves them penniless. In the face of change, Nora and Mary find love, grapple with loss, and forge a deeper understanding of the true meaning of family.

The modern adaptation was enjoyed by viewers thanks to its charisma-filled performances as well as its unique take on the classic story. That said, it does stray a little too far for comfort from the source material, enough to dissuade hardcore fans of Austen’s works. However, From Prada to Nada has plenty of entertaining scenes and jokes that will keep viewers interested in the story of Nora and Mary. – Jom Elauria

11 'Metropolitan' (1990)

Directed by Whit Stillman

Metropolitan is a delightful comedy of manners that whirls through the lives of affluent Manhattan debutantes and their charmingly complex social circles. Set during debutante season, the film follows Tom Townsend (Edward Clements), a middle-class Princeton student, as he is introduced to this esoteric world by his friend Nick Smith (Christopher Eigeman). As they navigate parties and soirées, Tom questions the values and traditions of this elite society, leading to a journey of self-discovery.

Metropolitan offers a modern take and loose on the Austen novel Mansfield Park. With its sharp dialogue and elegant setting, Metropolitan is a captivating exploration of identity and personal growth, earning it praise and a cult following reminiscent of Austen's works. While it’s not a Christmas movie, Metropolitan is in Criterion Collection’s Christmas movie selection as it captures the beauty of the aftermath of Christmas Day in New York City. – Jom Elauria

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10 'Love and Friendship' (2016)

Directed by Whit Stillman

Love and Friendship is based on Jane Austen's unpublished novella, Lady Susan, and unlike any of her other work. The story follows Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), who has lost her standing at Langford and has been forced to move in with relatives at the less impressive Churchill. Her main goal is to get her daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark) married off to the wealthy Sir James Martin (Tom Bennett), but everyone around her gets caught in the complex web that she controls with ease.

Love and Friendship doesn't have Austen's typical independent heroine but an often wicked and conniving woman bent on improving her and her daughters' station, no matter the cost. Beckinsale is perfect, driving the character’s unrelenting self-interest. Susan is totally oblivious to others and knows no boundaries. However, unfortunately, the film fails to inspire as a whole. It doesn't have the decades-long attachment that Pride and Prejudice or Emma have.

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9 'Fire Island' (2022)

Directed by Andrew Ahn

Fire Island is not a conventional Jane Austen adaptation but still pays homage to Pride and Prejudice. The film follows a group of queer best friends who gather at Fire Island Pines for their annual vacation. Noah (Joel Kim Booster) puts aside his goal of getting laid to help Howie (Bowen Yang) find someone. The friends learn that the vacation home is being sold after this season and decide to have one big final bash. Noah eventually meets Will (Conrad Ricamora), his opposite or the Mr. Darcy of the story.

The only resemblance between Fire Island and Pride and Prejudice is that they have a main couple who are worlds apart. The script directly quotes the film’s source material a couple of times, but besides that, it would be pretty impossible to figure out that this is a Jane Austen adaptation.