It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice must be re-adapted for the screen at least once a decade. For the last twenty years, Austen fans have routinely been treated to a fresh retelling of the 1813 social satire, with acting royalty ranging from Keira Knightley to Colin Firth stepping into the shoes of our beloved heroine Elizabeth Bennet and her brooding suitor, Mr. Darcy.
Austen's masterpiece is getting the small-screen treatment once more courtesy of Netflix. Jack Lowden and Emma Corrin take centre stage as the show's iconic protagonists, while screen icons Olivia Colman and Rufus Sewell step into the roles of Mrs. and Mr. Bennet. They are joined by Louis Partridge as the dashing George Wickham alongside a star-studded supporting cast.
As we eagerly count down the days until the drama's arrival on 3 December, we have curated the ultimate selection of Pride and Prejudice adaptations available to stream right now.
© Mark Lawrence/TV Times via Getty ImagesPride and Prejudice - 1995
The gold standard for many an Austen fan, the BBC's 1995 miniseries stars the perfectly matched Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as our central romantic pair, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
In my opinion, no actor has ever quite rivalled Colin Firth's portrayal of the aloof Mr. Darcy. He perfectly captures our leading man's transition from a cold, arrogant snob to an honourable and generous hero.
From Carl Davis's beautiful score to the sharp dialogue and sublime ensemble performances, this faithful adaptation remains the very best. Plus, Colin Firth's legendary wet shirt scene alone is worth tuning in for.
Watch on BBC iPlayer.
© SkyPride & Prejudice - 2005
If the BBC's 1995 edition isn't swoonworthy enough for you, then look no further. If Matthew Macfadyen's iconic delivery of, "You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you," doesn't sweep you off your feet, nothing will.
The Succession actor shares the big screen with Keira Knightley in Joe Wright's visually stunning 2005 film adaptation.
Much like the BBC's version, the film is a masterclass in casting. Brenda Blethyn is excellent as the hysterical, overbearing Bennet matriarch, while Rosamund Pike's is the perfect Jane. The film's stand-out star, however, is Tom Hollander, whose delightfully pompous, cringe-inducing clergyman Mr. Collins will have you squirming in your seat.
Watch on Prime Video.
Bridget Jones's Diary – 2001
Renée Zellweger plays a modern – and brilliantly chaotic – version of Elizabeth Bennet in Richard Curtis' loose reimagining of Austen's story.
The 2001 rom-com, which remains one of the nation's favourites, follows hopeless, 30-something singleton Bridget Jones as she navigates life and love in London. Colin Firth plays Bridget's childhood acquaintance Mark Darcy, while Hugh Grant portrays the smooth-talking womaniser Daniel Cleaver (a modern-day Mr. Wickham).
I regularly tune into this now-iconic romance, and not just to see Colin Firth in a polo-neck Rudolph jumper.
Watch on BBC iPlayer and Prime Video.
© Alamy Stock PhotoBride and Prejudice – 2004
Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha trades Regency-era corsets and bonnets for vibrant saris and high-energy Bollywood musical numbers in this dazzling cross-cultural retelling.
Virgin River actor Martin Henderson stars as Will Darcy opposite Aishwarya Rai as Lalita Bakshi in the 2004 feature. When Lalita meets wealthy American Will at a friend's wedding, the pair immediately clash. But amid a series of comedic misunderstandings – and a string of toe-tapping musical performances – opposites attract as Lalita and Will find themselves drawn to one another.
If you're looking for a fun, energetic version of Austen's classic tale, look no further.
Available to purchase on Apple TV.
© FilmPublicityArchive/United ArchPride and Prejudice – 1940
Legendary performer Laurence Olivier was the first actor to play Mr Darcy on the big screen in Robert Z. Leonard's delightful 1940 film. He stars opposite Greer Garson as Elizabeth Bennet in the MGM movie, which adapted Helen Jerome's 1935 Broadway play rather than taking directly from the original text.
Austen's story gets a glamorous Old Hollywood makeover in this witty romantic comedy. While it might not be strictly faithful to the Regency-Era tale, the Oscar-winning film is a fun, entertaining watch.
Available to purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.
© BBC/Bad Wolf/James PardonThe Other Bennet Sister – 2026
While it's technically a spin-off rather than a direct retelling, The Other Bennet Sister earns a well-deserved place on this list. Adapted from Janice Hadlow's acclaimed 2020 novel, the series shifts focus away from Elizabeth to give the overlooked middle sister, Mary Bennet, her moment in the spotlight.
Ella Bruccoleri is brilliant as the awkward title character in this charming ten-part series, which follows Mary as she leaves her family home in Meryton for London in search of independence, self-love, and reinvention.
With a festive special set to arrive this Christmas, there has never been a better time to catch up on this charming series.
Watch on BBC iPlayer.
