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. Prepare to be swept off your feet.
1. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Another Jane Austen classic brought to vivid life on screen, Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood sisters – sensible Elinor (Emma Thompson) and passionate Marianne (Kate Winslet). After their father’s death leaves them in a precarious financial situation, the sisters navigate the perils of courtship and heartbreak. With its talented cast, clever script (adapted by Thompson herself), and impeccable attention to period detail, this film is a must-watch for any Austen fan.
2. Persuasion (1995)
Often cited as a favorite Austen novel, Persuasion gets a faithful and moving adaptation in this 1995 version. Amanda Root stars as Anne Elliot, who was persuaded to reject the proposal of Captain Frederick Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds) years ago. When he returns from war, successful but still stinging from her rejection, the two must confront their history and lingering feelings. A mature and deeply romantic story about second chances.
3. Emma (2020)
This recent adaptation brings a fresh and stylish sensibility to the tale of Emma Woodhouse, a privileged young woman who fancies herself a matchmaker. Anya Taylor-Joy sparkles as the “handsome, clever and rich” titular character, while Johnny Flynn makes an endearingly exasperated Mr. Knightley. With its pastel-hued palette, charming performances, and gently satirical tone, Emma. is a delightful entry in the Austen canon.
4. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
This modern reimagining transplants Pride and Prejudice to 1990s London, with the lovably awkward Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) as our heroine. While not a strict adaptation, the parallels are clear – frosty barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) is the Darcy to Bridget’s Elizabeth, while caddish Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) fills the Wickham role. A funny, relatable take on the classic romance.
5. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
No list of Pride and Prejudice-esque films would be complete without Joe Wright’s sumptuous adaptation. From the opening scene of Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) traipsing across a field, to the now-iconic hand flex that concludes Darcy’s (Matthew Macfadyen) confession of love, every moment drips with romance and yearning. The film condenses Austen’s story into a swooning greatest hits reel, making it one of the most purely romantic entries.
6. Becoming Jane (2007)
For a different perspective, this biographical drama speculates on the life of Austen herself and her rumored lost love. Anne Hathaway makes for a spirited Jane, while James McAvoy is her roguish but poor suitor Tom Lefroy. While taking liberties with the facts, the film captures the wit and social insight that would come to define Austen’s work.
7. North and South (2004)
Based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South follows Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from the idyllic south of England to an industrial Northern town. There, she clashes with the brusque factory owner John Thornton, before a grudging respect turns to love. With smoldering performances by Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage, it’s a swoon-worthy romance that also grapples with class divides and a changing social landscape.
8. Far From the Madding Crowd (2015)
In this Thomas Hardy adaptation, Carey Mulligan stars as the independent Bathsheba Everdene, who inherits a farm and finds herself courted by three very different men. Matthias Schoenaerts smolders as the rough-hewn Gabriel Oak, while Michael Sheen and Tom Sturridge offer intriguing contrasts as her other suitors. A lush and romantic period drama about a complex woman navigating societal expectations.
9. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012-2013)
This Emmy-winning web series proves the enduring appeal of Austen’s story and characters by translating them into a modern vlog format. Over 100 short episodes, we follow grad student Lizzie (Ashley Clements) as she chronicles her family dramas, career aspirations, and grudging romance with the wealthy, socially awkward Darcy (Daniel Vincent Gordh). A clever and addictively watchable modernization.
10. Austenland (2013)
For a more comedic take on Austen obsession, Austenland follows the shenanigans that ensue when the romantically unlucky Jane (Keri Russell) blows her life savings on an immersive Austen-themed resort. While there, she gets caught between the Darcy-esque proprietor (JJ Feild) and a down-to-earth servant (Bret McKenzie). A frothy confection for anyone who’s dreamed of their own Regency romance.
11. Belle (2013)
Belle takes inspiration from the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the mixed-race daughter of a British Navy officer raised by her aristocratic great-uncle in 18th century England. Gugu Mbatha-Raw gives a luminous performance as a woman grappling with her identity and place in society, while also navigating a tender romance with a passionate young lawyer. A moving period drama that confronts issues of race, class and gender.
12. Bright Star (2009)
While focused on the romance between poet John Keats and his muse Fanny Brawne, Bright Star has much in common with Austen’s works in its lush period detail and tale of star-crossed lovers divided by circumstance. Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish imbue the central couple with aching tenderness, while Jane Campion’s directorial eye creates an intoxicating portrait of the early 19th century. A treat for hopeless romantics.
13. Shakespeare in Love (1998)
This Oscar-winning romantic comedy imagines a young Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) overcoming writer’s block through a passionate affair with the wealthy Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), who disguises herself as a man to act in his latest play. With its witty, playful script and sumptuous period trappings, Shakespeare in Love spins a delightful tale of romance, mistaken identities, and the creative process.
14. Mansfield Park (1999)
An underrated Austen adaptation, Mansfield Park follows the meek but moral Fanny Price as she navigates the wealthy household of her uncle. While overshadowed by her more vivacious cousins, Fanny’s steadfast heart and mind ultimately triumph, and she finds love with the noble Edmund. Though taking some liberties with Austen’s text, the film captures the novel’s central themes and offers a satisfying romance.
15. Jane Eyre (2011)
Charlotte Brontë’s gothic romance gets a moody and atmospheric treatment in this adaptation. Mia Wasikowska brings quiet strength to the role of Jane, a governess who falls for her brooding employer Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender), but finds their love threatened by a dark secret. With its windswept moors and simmering chemistry between the leads, Jane Eyre is a treat for period romance lovers.
16. Vanity Fair (2004)
Based on the novel by William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair charts the rise of cunning social climber Becky Sharp (Reese Witherspoon) in early 1800s England. While Becky is a very different heroine than Lizzy Bennet, the film shares Pride and Prejudice‘s satirical skewering of class and society, with a dash of romance. Witherspoon is a delight in the lead, clearly having a ball as the scheming but strangely sympathetic Becky.
17. The Duchess (2008)
The Duchess depicts the real-life story of Georgiana Spencer, ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales, who married the powerful Duke of Devonshire and became a fashion icon and political influencer in 18th century England. Keira Knightley brings her usual luminous presence to the role, portraying a woman who craves love and recognition in a gilded cage. A visually opulent drama with an undercurrent of melancholy.
18. Miss Austen Regrets (2008)
Another speculation on Austen’s life, this TV movie focuses on her later years, living a somewhat impoverished life with her mother and sister. Olivia Williams portrays Jane as a sharp and independent-minded woman, quietly wrestling with regrets and unfulfilled romantic longings of her own. A poignant and introspective character study of the beloved author.
19. Love & Friendship (2016)
Based on Austen’s early novella Lady Susan, Love & Friendship is a deliciously acidic comedy of manners. Kate Beckinsale shines as the witty and unscrupulous Lady Susan, who schemes to secure wealthy husbands for herself and her daughter. With Beckinsale clearly relishing the character’s unapologetic wickedness, and a game supporting cast, it’s a rare Austen adaptation that leans more toward humor than heart.
20. Clueless (1995)
Can we count Clueless as a Pride and Prejudice movie? Absolutely. This modern teen classic reimagines Austen’s Emma in 1990s Beverly Hills, with Alicia Silverstone as a spoiled but well-meaning matchmaker. The Knightley character is transformed into ex-stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd), while the film’s funky fashion and endlessly quotable dialogue have made it a pop culture touchstone. You’re totally buggin’ if you don’t think Clueless belongs on this list.
From faithful adaptations to inspired-by interpretations, these films all carry the spark of Austen’s signature wit, social commentary, and heartfelt romance. Whether you prefer bonnets and balls or modern meet-cutes, there’s something here to make any period romance fan swoon. So queue up one of these delightful films and get lost in an enchanting world of dashing suitors, plucky heroines, and hard-won happily ever afters.
