It is a truth universally acknowledged that Pride and Prejudice is one of the most beloved romantic stories of all time. Jane Austen’s witty novel about the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and the haughty Mr. Darcy has captivated readers for over 200 years. And the numerous film and television adaptations have allowed generations of viewers to swoon over the classic tale of love, class, and overcoming prejudices.
If you adore Pride and Prejudice and are looking for more charming period romances to dive into, look no further. Here are 20 movies that capture a similar spirit, from other Austen adaptations to historical dramas to modern reimaginings. Get ready to swoon, laugh, and fall in love with these unforgettable movies.
1. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Based on another beloved Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor (Emma Thompson) and passionate Marianne (Kate Winslet), as they navigate love and heartbreak. When their father dies and their half-brother inherits the family estate, the sisters and their mother must move to a modest cottage and secure their futures through advantageous marriages. Elinor forms a close bond with the shy, honorable Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant), while Marianne falls deeply in love with the dashing Willoughby (Greg Wise). However, in typical Austen fashion, the path to happily ever after is filled with misunderstandings, social obstacles, and painful realizations. With an Oscar-winning screenplay by Emma Thompson and beautiful direction by Ang Lee, Sense and Sensibility is a must-watch for any Jane Austen fan.
2. Emma (2020)
The most recent adaptation of Austen’s Emma is a delightful, candy-colored treat. Anya Taylor-Joy sparkles as Emma Woodhouse, a privileged young woman who fancies herself a matchmaker. She takes the naive Harriet Smith (Mia Goth) under her wing and attempts to find her a suitable husband, meddling in the lives of those around her with often humorous results. All the while, Emma verbally spars with her friend and critic Mr. Knightley (Johnny Flynn), unaware of her own growing feelings for him. With its clever screenplay, gorgeous costumes and production design, and charming performances, Emma (2020) is a fresh and fun take on a classic story.
3. Becoming Jane (2007)
For those curious about the woman behind the beloved stories, Becoming Jane offers a speculative glimpse into Jane Austen’s own love life. Anne Hathaway stars as the young Jane, a budding writer who dreams of marrying for love rather than security. She meets her match in the charming but penniless lawyer Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy), and the two engage in a passionate but ill-fated romance. Drawing parallels between Austen’s real-life experiences and the themes of her novels, Becoming Jane is a heartfelt tribute to the author’s legacy, featuring strong performances from Hathaway and McAvoy.
4. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
No list of Pride and Prejudice-esque movies would be complete without mentioning the iconic 1995 BBC miniseries. Over six hour-long episodes, this faithful adaptation brings Austen’s novel to life in rich detail. Jennifer Ehle is an intelligent, spirited Elizabeth Bennet, while Colin Firth’s portrayal of the brooding, smoldering Mr. Darcy has become the gold standard against which all other Darcys are measured. With its leisurely pace, stunning locations, and perfect casting, the 1995 Pride and Prejudice is a true classic that rewards multiple viewings.
5. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
For a modern, comedic twist on Pride and Prejudice, look no further than Bridget Jones’s Diary. Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget, a 32-year-old single woman who resolves to improve her life and find love. She soon finds herself torn between her charming boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and the initially aloof Mark Darcy (Colin Firth, in a delightful meta-casting choice). With its relatable heroine, hilarious situations, and ultimate message of self-acceptance, Bridget Jones’s Diary is a feel-good romantic comedy that pays loving homage to its Austen roots.
6. North and South (2004)
Based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South transposes Pride and Prejudice-like themes to the world of the Industrial Revolution. When Margaret Hale (Daniela Denby-Ashe) moves with her family from the idyllic south of England to the northern factory town of Milton, she clashes with the strict, hardened mill owner John Thornton (Richard Armitage). Despite their differences in background and opinion, Margaret and Thornton develop a grudging respect and simmering attraction to each other. With its exploration of class divides, social change, and the slow-burn romance between its leads, North and South is a must-watch for fans of historical drama.
7. Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
Based on Thomas Hardy’s novel, Far from the Madding Crowd centers on Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), a strong-willed, independent woman who inherits her uncle’s farm. As she strives to manage the farm on her own terms, three very different suitors vie for her affections: the devoted shepherd Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), the wealthy, mature bachelor William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), and the dashing, reckless Sergeant Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge). With its sweeping, pastoral landscapes, complex heroine, and themes of love, pride, and resilience, Far from the Madding Crowd is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant period drama.
8. Persuasion (2022)
Netflix’s Persuasion puts a fresh, slightly modernized spin on Austen’s final completed novel. Dakota Johnson stars as Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old single woman who still pines for her ex-fiancé, naval officer Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis). Eight years ago, Anne was persuaded to break off their engagement due to Wentworth’s lack of prospects. Now, he has returned as a wealthy, eligible Captain, but old wounds and new rivals threaten their second chance at love. Featuring witty, direct-to-camera commentary from Anne and a swoon-worthy ending, Persuasion (2022) is a lighthearted, romantic update of an underrated Austen tale.
9. Love & Friendship (2016)
Based on Austen’s early epistolary novel Lady Susan, Love & Friendship is a sharp, farcical delight. Kate Beckinsale shines as the wry, scheming Lady Susan Vernon, a recent widow determined to secure wealthy husbands for herself and her reluctant daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark). With the help of her American confidante Alicia Johnson (Chloë Sevigny), Lady Susan gleefully manipulates those around her—especially the hapless Sir James Martin (Tom Bennett, in a scene-stealing comedic turn). Whit Stillman’s satirical, fast-paced adaptation revels in the unapologetic misbehavior of its heroine while still offering a satisfying romantic resolution.
10. The Duchess (2008)
The Duchess tells the true story of Georgiana Spencer, the Duchess of Devonshire (Keira Knightley), an 18th-century aristocrat renowned for her beauty, fashion sense, and political influence. Trapped in an unhappy marriage to the cold, unfaithful Duke (Ralph Fiennes), Georgiana seeks solace in her friendship with the sensitive politician Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper), leading to scandal and heartbreak. With its sumptuous costumes, grand estates, and themes of duty versus desire, The Duchess offers a fascinating glimpse into the real-life inspiration behind many of Austen’s stories.
11. Mansfield Park (1999)
Patricia Rozema’s bold adaptation of Mansfield Park blends Austen’s novel with elements of the author’s own life and letters. Fanny Price (Frances O’Connor) is a poor relation sent to live with her wealthy cousins at Mansfield Park. As she navigates the social hierarchies and romantic entanglements of the estate, Fanny also pursues her own creative ambitions as a writer. With its exploration of class, colonialism, and the role of women, Mansfield Park (1999) is a thought-provoking and unconventional take on Austen’s most complex novel.
12. Belle (2013)
Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, Belle follows the mixed-race daughter (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) of a British admiral as she is raised by her aristocratic great-uncle, Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson), in 18th-century England. Despite her privileged upbringing, Belle faces discrimination and uncertainty due to her skin color. She finds an ally in the idealistic lawyer John Davinier (Sam Reid), who is involved in a landmark slavery case. Belle deftly combines romance with social commentary, shining a light on a little-known figure who challenged the prejudices of her time.
13. Bright Star (2009)
Bright Star depicts the tragic love story between the Romantic poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and his muse, Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Though Keats is initially dismissive of the fashionable, outspoken Fanny, the two develop a deep connection through their shared love of poetry and nature. However, Keats’s failing health and lack of financial prospects threaten to tear them apart. With its lush, pastoral visuals, tender performances, and poignant exploration of love and loss, Bright Star is a moving ode to the power of art and the human heart.
14. Jane Eyre (2011)
Charlotte Brontë’s Gothic romance Jane Eyre has been adapted many times, but the 2011 film directed by Cary Fukunaga stands out for its atmospheric beauty and intense performances. Mia Wasikowska stars as Jane, a plain but spirited governess who falls in love with her brooding, mysterious employer, Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender). As Jane uncovers the dark secrets of Rochester’s past, she must decide whether to follow her heart or her principles. With its haunting score, stunning cinematography, and simmering chemistry between its leads, Jane Eyre (2011) is a passionate, beautifully crafted period drama.
15. The Remains of the Day (1993)
Based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day follows Stevens (Anthony Hopkins), a dedicated English butler who reflects on his decades of service at Darlington Hall and his unspoken love for the estate’s housekeeper, Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson). Set against the backdrop of World War II and the decline of the British aristocracy, the film is a poignant meditation on duty, repressed emotions, and missed opportunities. Hopkins and Thompson give masterful, understated performances in this quietly heartbreaking period piece.
16. A Room with a View (1985)
Based on E.M. Forster’s novel, A Room with a View is a charming, romantic comedy of manners set in Edwardian England and Italy. When Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) and her chaperone Charlotte (Maggie Smith) travel to Florence, they meet the free-spirited George Emerson (Julian Sands) and his father (Denholm Elliott). Lucy finds herself torn between her growing feelings for George and her duty to marry the priggish Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis). With its witty dialogue, lush Italian settings, and delightful supporting cast, A Room with a View is a warm, joyful celebration of love and personal awakening.
17. Howards End (1992)
Another acclaimed adaptation of an E.M. Forster novel, Howards End explores the intertwined lives of three families in Edwardian England: the intellectual Schlegels, the wealthy Wilcoxes, and the working-class Basts. When Margaret Schlegel (Emma Thompson) befriends the ailing Mrs. Wilcox (Vanessa Redgrave), she becomes entangled with the woman’s widower, Henry (Anthony Hopkins), and the family’s country estate, Howards End. Meanwhile, Margaret’s idealistic sister Helen (Helena Bonham Carter) tries to help the struggling clerk Leonard Bast (Samuel West). With its themes of class, social change, and the power of place, Howards End is a masterful, beautifully acted period drama.
18. The Age of Innocence (1993)
Martin Scorsese’s sumptuous adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel The Age of Innocence is a bittersweet portrait of love and duty in Gilded Age New York. Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), an aristocratic lawyer engaged to the young, innocent May Welland (Winona Ryder), finds himself drawn to May’s unconventional cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer). As Newland navigates the rigid social codes and expectations of his class, he must choose between passion and obligation. With its opulent costumes, lush score, and powerful performances, The Age of Innocence is a haunting, visually stunning period piece.
19. The Portrait of a Lady (1996)
Based on the novel by Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady follows the intelligent, independent American heiress Isabel Archer (Nicole Kidman) as she navigates the social and romantic landscapes of Europe. Rejecting multiple suitors, including the devoted Lord Warburton (Richard E. Grant) and the passionate Caspar Goodwood (Viggo Mortensen), Isabel instead marries the charming but manipulative Gilbert Osmond (John Malkovich), with tragic consequences. With its exploration of freedom, identity, and the constraints of gender and society, The Portrait of a Lady is a complex, beautifully crafted period drama featuring a stunning performance from Kidman.
20. The Piano (1993)
Jane Campion’s haunting, sensual film The Piano tells the story of Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter), a mute Scottish woman sent to New Zealand with her young daughter Flora (Anna Paquin) for an arranged marriage to the cold, distant Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). Ada finds solace in her beloved piano and a growing attraction to Alisdair’s neighbor, the sensitive, tattooed George Baines (Harvey Keitel). As Ada and George’s forbidden relationship deepens, it sets in motion a chain of events that will change all of their lives. With its lush New Zealand landscapes, evocative score, and powerful performances (including Oscar wins for Hunter and Paquin), The Piano is a mesmerizing, unforgettable period drama.
These 20 movies offer a diverse array of historical settings, social commentaries, and swoon-worthy romances that will appeal to any fan of Pride and Prejudice. From the wit and charm of Jane Austen adaptations to the passion and tragedy of Gothic romances, these films showcase the enduring power of period dramas to transport us to another time and place. So curl up with a cozy blanket, grab some popcorn, and lose yourself in these timeless tales of love, duty, and self-discovery.
