If you know me, you’re well aware of the fact that I’m a bookworm. I’m the type of person who lives, breathes, and eats books to the point where I actually enjoy my readings for university. Given this, I’ve come across many pieces of literature that have impacted me and my life greatly. However, my all-time favourite book on the entire planet has to be Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (the best use of the enemies-to-lovers trope I have ever seen).
The book is centred around our heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest of five daughters—all are unmarried. This is an issue because her father is getting older, and her parents have no means to support their daughters should he die. Thus, it is of the utmost importance that the Bennet sisters marry up in society to provide for themselves.
The plot follows Elizabeth and her family as they maneuver through marital and society-related issues, all the while Elizabeth fosters a special hatred in her heart for a certain Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Austen’s writing is immaculate and endears me to every single character in the book (even poor Mr. Collins). I consider this book to be required reading for everyone, because of how well-written it is, and the way my girl Jane touches on themes of self-betterment, social class, love, marriage, and feminism with such grace and finesse. And, of course, because Mr. Darcy is my dream man.
Unfortunately, the book itself is not enough to satiate my hunger for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s relationship. Fortunately for me, there are several screen adaptations of Pride and Prejudice that have allowed me to fuel my addiction. I’ve watched almost every single adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (yes, this is an obsession), and I have compiled five of those adaptations that I personally think are the best.
5. Pride and Prejudice (1940)
Starring Greer Garson and Laurence Oliver, this marks the first on-screen adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. This movie perfectly encapsulates the style of movie making of the time and is aesthetically beautiful. The film has stood the test of time as well, since it’s still considered a good film by critics and moviegoers. Although it doesn’t stick too closely to the source material, I personally think it’s still phenomenal and sets a good precedent for the adaptations that follow.
4. Bridget Jones’ Diary
Bridget Jones’ Diary follows 32-year-old Bridget (Renée Zellweger) as she keeps a diary filled with her experiences, opinions, and things she wishes to happen in her life. Included is an exciting love triangle between her, Mark Darcy (swoon), and Daniel Cleaver (ew).
What would I do without early 2000s movies loosely based on classical literature? We’ll never know because I (thankfully) have gems like this. Although this isn’t my favourite romcom of its time, it is one that I constantly find myself going back to when I need something cute to watch. In addition, I love how the novel that I have come to worship adore has been effectively translated into the world of the early 2000s.
3. Bride and Prejudice
In that same vein, we can come to our Bollywood-ish version of this beautiful book. If you need one reason to watch it, here it is: Aishwarya Rai. Again, the same plot lines are followed with an infusion of Bollywood—we have the clothing, the culture, my favourite actress, and the songs—what more could we possibly want?
2. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
This is both the most accurate and the only TV series adaptation on this list. The attention to detail and the faithfulness to the source material were two aspects that I loved about this show. I found it so entertaining and aesthetically pleasing
1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
I watch this at least once every three months—sometimes more during the fall—and I cry every time. This is arguably my favourite movie of all time, so I might be biased about how good it is objectively, but I digress. There’s nothing conceivably wrong with this movie, and if there is, it’s offset by the hand flex scene.
I feel as if I’m not doing these adaptions justice by ranking one above the other—except P&P (2005), it’s the best—because of how much love I have for each of these adaptations. Each of them holds a special place in my heart and serves a purpose. Hopefully, this gives you some great recommendations to watch instead of studying, and I have brainwashed some of you to join the cult of Jane Austen.