Last Thursday, I went to see The Black Bag in theaters. Per usual, I made sure to arrive early to catch the previews, an entirely unnecessary ritual in the age of YouTube, but one I stubbornly maintain.

To my happy surprise, one of the trailers was for a film I might know better than I know my own husband: Pride & Prejudice (2005). This year marks not only the 20th anniversary of its release but also the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The film is returning to theaters in celebration — so I can relive my first taste of Austen.

It also brings back the age old debate amongst Janeites: what constitutes your Pride & Prejudice? This usually refers to a preference between the BBC’s 1995 miniseries or the 2005 feature film. Loyalties are often chalked up to a generational divide or simply whichever one you saw first.

While both are fantastic, there is no reason for the debate to be limited to just these two adaptations. So if you feel restricted by this debate, here are 15 additional adaptations for your consideration. And the next time you're caught in a heated conversation about the 1995 vs. 2005 editions, you might say, “I personally find the 1961 Dutch adaptation, De vier dochters Bennet, the true expression of Austen’s unique voice.”

Fire Island (2022)

Come for the Austen, stay for the Marisa Tomei impressions. Fire Island brings comedic heavyweights to the Bennet clan, including Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, Matt Rogers, and many more. The Bennets are reimagined as a queer family of choice spending a weekend on Fire Island. It’s a whip-smart celebration of love, friendship, and messiness.

Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta (2018)

Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta has my vote for the most faithful modern adaptation. The film beautifully captures those classic moments—sisters gossiping around the breakfast table, the family waiting for their carriage outside Netherfield, Mr. Collins delivering a brutal homily.

What really shines, though, is the family dynamic. Mrs. Bennet is hysterical but endearing, the sisters' bickering and bonds feel just right, and Mr. Bennet is loving, if perpetually bewildered.

My only complaint? Mr. Darcy might be a little too charming right off the cuff—but as far as complaints go, that’s not a bad one.

Pride & Prejudice, Cut (2019)

A behind the scenes look at Pride & Prejudice, sort of.

An American internet celebrity is cast in a highly anticipated adaptation of Austen’s classic. The catch? She can’t do a British accent. Honestly, the rest of the cast’s frustration feels pretty justified.

If your cringe tolerance is higher than mine, give it a go. Otherwise, maybe just watch literally any other version.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)

It’s all there in the title. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a Regency-era zombie film where the highly trained Bennet sisters search for love in the middle of the apocalypse.

Just like the book, the film is unapologetically ridiculous, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. The costumes are solid, the action is over-the-top, and somehow the core Austen tension still sneaks through all the gore (rhyme intended).

Death Comes to Pemberley (2013)

Another adaptation of a Pride and Prejudice-inspired novel, Death Comes to Pemberley is perfect for when you’ve exhausted all the faithful versions and just need a hit of Austen.

While it’s not my favorite portrayal of Darcy and Elizabeth, it’ll do in a pinch. There’s enough period drama and intrigue to keep things interesting, plus a murder mystery to shake up the rarified shades of Pemberley.

Austenland (2013)

I’ll be honest, I had pretty low expectations for Austenland. But this one’s a gem.

The story follows Jane, cast as a poor orphan in a Jane Austen LARP (live-action role play). Jennifer Coolidge is, of course, her usual brilliant self as a wealthy American who’s never read a single Austen novel.

While the film borrows elements from across Austen’s works, the love story loosely tracks Pride and Prejudice. Don’t expect a faithful adaptation—think of it more as an affectionate, cheeky extension of the Pride and Prejudice universe.

Bride and Prejudice (2005)

Bride and Prejudice is a classic. I first saw it over a decade ago, and rewatching it “for research” reminded me just how good this movie really is.

The film brilliantly weaves modern classism and intercultural misunderstanding into the story, creating authentic hurdles for the couples to overcome. The vibrant dance sequences are pure joy, blending Bollywood spectacle with Austen drama in the best possible way.

Honestly, if you’re only going to watch one film from this list, make it Bride and Prejudice.

Oh, and no need to worry about Mr. Darcy being too smooth in this one.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Do we need to say more on this one?

Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy (2003)

Well, this was a trip. Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy gives the classic a distinctly Mormon twist, set at BYU where the college scholars are more focused on finding a husband than a degree.

Unless you’re craving a hit of early-aughts nostalgia, this one’s probably skippable.

Bridget Jones Diaries (2001)

Skirt wholeheartedly recommends this one. Colin Firth returns as Mr. Darcy, just as awkward, brooding, and irresistibly stodgy as ever. Hugh Grant was born to play Wickham, oozing charm and mischief in equal measure.

Realistically, has anyone not seen this yet?

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

I’m adding this one fully expecting some pushback. Technically, You’ve Got Mail is an adaptation of The Shop Around the Corner, but it shows up on more than a few Pride and Prejudice adaptation lists.

Personally, I’m not sure I see it. Aside from the classic enemies-to-lovers arc, there’s not much direct connection. The heroine does read P&P on screen, though, so I’d categorize this one more as an homage than a true adaptation.

BBC Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Swoon! As I mentioned at the top of the newsletter, the 1995 Pride and Prejudice is one of the most beloved adaptations of all time.

If you're looking for the most faithful version, look no further. The six-part series omits nothing of importance from the novel and stays true to both its tone and period. It’s a slow burn in the best way—and yes, the lake scene lives up to the hype.

Wishbone Furst Impressions (1995)

What can’t he do? Wishbone was one of the most versatile actors of the ’90s—leaping between literary classics with charm, wit, and an excellent wardrobe.

If, like me, Wishbone was your gateway to the greats, you’ll understand why he earns a spot on this list. It may not hold up quite as well as some of the others, but it still deserves a mention for sheer nostalgia and heart.

BBC Pride and Prejudice (1980)

I started losing steam…

BBC Pride and Prejudice (1967)

…this is a lot of movies to watch in a week!

De vier dochters Bennet (1961)

In the spirit of full honesty, I only made it about two minutes in. Any Dutch readers, let me know what you think!

Pride and Prejudice (1940)

The 1940 Pride and Prejudice is pure vintage Hollywood: glamorous, theatrical, and wildly inaccurate when it comes to period costumes (those puffed sleeves are doing a lot).

While it takes liberties with the plot and tone, there's something charming about this old-school adaptation. Think of it as Pride and Prejudice meets screwball comedy. It’s elegant, playful, and not exactly faithful, but still a worth a watch.

CW: Pride & Prejudice (1940) included a slur not original to Austen’s work.

Missing from this List

Where is my Muppet Pride & Prejudice?

Let’s be real. While Miss Piggy is always heroine material, deep down she’s more of a Lydia: dramatic, impulsive, and absolutely convinced the world revolves around her. And naturally, we’d need Colin Firth to reprise his role as Mr. Darcy. Though Brett Goldstein makes a convincing argument. Either actor would be the lone human in a sea of Muppets, brooding while Kermit plays a surprisingly restrained Mr. Bingley.

Let’s make this happen people!

He gets it.