Ultimate Guide to 'Pride and Prejudice' on Screen: 5 Best Adaptations, Ranked by IMDb
Each of these projects has something special – whether it's its faithfulness to the text, its charming couple, or its unexpected creative turn.
For over a century, the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and their complex journey from mutual hostility to love, has captivated new generations of viewers.
Each era finds something unique in the plot and offers a different interpretation of the famous characters, ranging from black-and-white elegance to modern adaptations in the 21st century.
5. 'Pride and Prejudice', 1940
IMDb Score: 7.3/10
Robert Z. Leonard's black-and-white movie was one of the first attempts to bring the novel to the screen. The first adaptation is considered to be the 1938 BBC series, but unfortunately, the recording has not survived.
The 1940 version differs from the other adaptations in its costumes. The creators shifted the timeline slightly, setting the story in the 1830s instead of at the turn of the century.
The plot also differs from the original. For instance, the movie includes a scene not found in the book: Mr. Darcy teaches Elizabeth Bennet how to shoot a bow.
4. 'Pride and Prejudice', 1980
IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Cyril Coke's Pride and Prejudice is a BBC miniseries starring Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, respectively.
If you're looking for a leisurely, traditional adaptation, the five-episode version from 1980 is perfect for a couple of evenings.
One of the series' distinctive features is its opening credits, which feature a watercolor drawing in the style of Thomas Rowlandson, a caricaturist who was a contemporary of Austen.
3. 'Pride & Prejudice', 2005
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
Another iconic adaptation of Jane Austen's work is Joe Wright's Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The movie features many famous scenes that have become part of popular culture.
Examples include Mr. Darcy's declaration of love in the rain and the lovers' meeting at dawn at the end. Wright's film has become a widely quoted, iconic example of a literary classic.
However, the movie's merit extends beyond its romantic plot – Wright captured the coming-of-age of five young women better than many of his colleagues.
2. 'The Lizzie Bennet Diaries', 2012-2014
IMDb Score: 8.7/10
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is arguably the most unconventional adaptation of an Austen book. The project's main highlight is that it's a web series in which the story unfolds through a young woman's vlog.
The story centers on Lizzie Bennet, a student who shares her experiences and the major events of her recent days with her blog followers.
As viewers watch, a certain Darcy appears in Bennet's life – a repulsive young man who evokes a storm of feelings and emotions in Lizzie.
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was the first web series to win an Emmy Award.
1. 'Pride and Prejudice', 1995
IMDb Score: 8.8/10
Many consider the 1995 miniseries to be the best adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Above all, the creators of the show succeeded in capturing the mood of the novel and perfectly depicting English life at the time.
The 1995 version is also perfect for viewers experiencing the love story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet for the first time because the screenwriters carefully adhere to the original text.
The main reason for the project's success, however, is its superb cast. Without exaggeration, Colin Firth is the perfect Mr. Darcy, and Jennifer Ehle seamlessly fits into the role of sensible, witty Elizabeth.
