Filled with relatable tales of struggle, loss, love and heartbreak, Jane Austen’s work is just as relevant today as it was in the 1700s. But when it comes to adaptations, only a few shine as bright as the original novels. Keep scrolling to learn our seven favorite filmed versions of Jane Austen’s work, including the 1995 classic Clueless.
7. ‘From Prada to Nada ‘(2011)
Inspired by Sense and Sensibility, this Austen retelling follows two sisters, named Nora (Camilla Belle) and Mary (Alexa PenaVega) Dominguez after their father dies and they are forced to give up their privileged Beverly Hills life and go life with their Aunt Aurelia (Adriana Barraza). While there, though, the two quickly learn that sometimes money isn’t everything and that, in the end, family is what really matters.
Where to watch: Tubi.
6. ‘Aisha’ (2010)
Get ready to meet your match in this 2010 remake of the classic Austen novel Emma. Social heiress Aisha Kapoor (Sonam Kapoor) has always considered herself a good friend—and matchmaker—despite her sometimes less-than-stellar ideas. But when something unthinkable happens, Aisha is forced to realize that some things that seem kind are actually selfish and there is more to life than just money.
Where to watch: Hulu.
5. ‘Death Comes to Pemberley’ (2013)
Want to know what happens after the events of Pride and Prejudice? Then watch this three-part mini-movie series that takes place six years later at the annual Lady Anne Ball that is put on hold due to an unplanned mystery. In the series, Matthew Rhys takes on the role of Fitzwilliam Darcy—a.k.a “Mr.Darcy”—and Anna Maxwell Martin becomes the beloved Elizabeth Darcy (formally known as Elizabeth Bennett).
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.
4. ‘Love & Friendship’ (2016)
Based on Jane Austen’s Lady Susan, Kate Beckinsale stars as the Lady Susan Vernon character in this swoon-worthy love story. After deciding to go live with her in-laws, Susan decides the best way to spend her time is finding her daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark) — and herself — a soulmate they can spend the rest of their days with. Chloë Sevigny, Xavier Samual and Emma Greenwell also appear in this Jane Austen adaptation.
“When people see it, I think they will be surprised at how funny this movie is,” Beckinsale said at the time. “It’s just not typical what you’re expecting from Jane Austen with the romances and tea parties; this is super funny.”
“I’m so glad that I get to be part of the first cast to put this Jane Austen [novel] on screen, because there have been so many adaptations, but this is sort of a little secret gem.”
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.
3. ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ (2001)
Austen’s beloved Pride & Prejudice transforms into a funny and all-too-relatable romantic comedy in the hit film Bridget Jones’s Diary. After deciding to get her life together at age 32, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) begins to write a steamy love story down in her diary. Soon, though, Bridget’s world begins to expand, and she finds herself living a life she never thought possible. Colin Firth and High Grant also star in this hit film.
“I don’t think [Bridget Jones is] a setback for women. If you look through the course of the book, and the film as well, she really comes into her own on her own,” Zellweger said of the film. “She decides to be happy now and not in some projected myth of what the future might hold and the happiness that might bring. She blossoms, and if that’s not a positive feminist message, I don’t know what is.”
Where to watch: Max.
2. ‘Fire Island’ (2022)
Pride & Prejudice takes on a much-needed modern twist in this 2022 film. In it, the new Austen heroine, Noah (Joel Kim Booster), and a group of his closest friends head to Fire Island Pines for what they think is a relaxing week away. But as the parties wind down, secrets begin to reveal themselves. Fire Island was nominated for two Emmys and also stars Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang.
“The night before we started shooting, I was like, ‘This is either going to change my life or it’s going to be the biggest flop of my career,’” Booster said. “And I don’t think there will be anything in between that.”
“It became suddenly not only a gay movie but an Asian gay movie. It felt heavier, the responsibility of it.”
Where to watch: Hulu.
1. ‘Clueless’ (1995)
As if the 1995 classic film Clueless wouldn’t be number one on this list! In this modern remake of Emma, high schooler Queen Bee Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) realizes that matchmaking might be her true calling — besides fashion, of course. But when she sets up the one person she might actually be falling for, things become far more complicated than the “virgin who can’t drive” ever thought possible.
“People are really respectful,” Silverstone said of encounters she’s had with fans of the film. “Sometimes they’ll shout catchphrases, like ‘As If!’ but mostly they come up and are, like, ‘I’m so sorry, I just have to tell you, you must get this a million times a day, but I love Clueless so much.’ People are always kind and loving about it.”
Where to watch: Paramount+.
Bonus: ‘The Jane Austen Book Club’ (2007)
Although The Jane Austen Book Club isn’t technically based on a Jane Austen novel, we would simply be remiss if we didn’t include it on this list. In the film, two friends named Jocelyn (Maria Bello) and Bernadette (Kathy Baker) decide to create a book club solely dedicated to discussing books written by the classic author.
“I found the script very charming,” actress Emily Blunt said. “I really loved the rather offbeat, wacky characters in it. They were very well written. The part of Prudie was a bit of a change for me, so when they offered it to me I read it and was thinking: ‘God, this is something I’ve never really done before, to play someone that vulnerable.’”
“Yes, she’s kind of profoundly irritating and uptight, but she charmed me. She’s socially so hopeless, but I found her quite funny. It’s a real roller-coaster ride that she goes on, and I usually look for someone that’s got conflict in them.”
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.
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