While Nicholas Sparks may have numerous film adaptations of his popular romance novels, Jane Austen is a formidable rival with her romantic literature works. Austen's 1813 novel, Pride And Prejudice, was adapted into an eponymous 2005 film. Pride And Prejudice is beloved by fans of the novel and those who haven't read her work.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, some may want to abandon the cheesy and cliché romance movies where there's always a predictable twist. Romantic period dramas are full of forbidden love, romance, and happy endings. For fans who are looking for something similar to Pride And Prejudice, there are plenty of romantic period dramas to choose from.
10 Emma Loves To Meddle In Other People's Love Lives
The 2020 film Emma is an adaptation of Austen's eponymous novel published in 1815. Emma marks the feature directorial debut of Autumn De Wilde. Anya Taylor-Joy stars in the lead role, a wealthy young woman named Emma Woodhouse, who lives in England during the early 1800s.
Emma enjoys matchmaking, especially regarding the love lives of her friends and family. Although, this hobby frequently gets her in trouble. Emma was nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 93rd Academy Awards.
9 Jane Eyre Is Faithful Brontë Adaptation
Jane Eyre is the 2011 film adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel with the same title. Jane Eyre stars Mia Wasikowska as the title character and Michael Fassbender as Edward Fairfax Rochester. Fassbender is recognized for his super-villain role as Magneto in X-Men: First Class.
Jane is a young woman who faced several traumatic events throughout her childhood, like the suicide of her cousin, John, and cruel treatment from her Aunt Reed. Jane Eyre was nominated for Best Costume Design at the 84th Academy Awards.
8 You May Recognize Downton Abbey Star In The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Society is a 2018 historical drama based on Mary Ann Shaffer's 2008 novel with the same title. The Guernsey Literary is set shortly after the events of World War II in England and stars Lily James as a London-based author named Juliet Ashton. Dawsey Adams sends Juliet a letter after he finds a book with Juliet's name in it. The pair develop a relationship through their passion for reading, and Juliet visits his literary club.
7 Becoming Jane Depicts Jane Austen's Beginning Years
Becoming Jane is a 2007 biographical film about Jane Austen's younger days and her long-lasting love for Thomas Langlois Lefroy, although the romance author never married. Becoming Jane is based on Jon Hunter Spence's 2003 novel of the same title and stars Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen.
Other appearances include James McAvoy (known for his role as Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class) as her love interest, the beloved Maggie Smith, and many more familiar faces. Becoming Jane was created from various facts the production team discovered about Austen's life.
6 The 2019 Version Of Little Women Is One Of The Best
The 2019 film Little Women is the seventh attempted film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's eponymous 1868 novel. This version, along with the 1994 version, is considered many people's favorites. Greta Gerwig, also known for the 2017 film Lady Bird, directed and wrote 2019's Little Women.
Little Women features many dominant names in the acting industry, like Saoirse Ronan as Jo March, Emma Watson as Meg March, and Florence Pugh as Amy March. Timotheé Chalamet also plays Theodore "Laurie" Laurence, the common love interest in Little Women.
5 Atonement Is Another Example Of Knightley's Expertise
The 2007 film Atonement is further proof that Keira Knightley is made for period pieces. The romantic war-drama film also stars James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Saoirse Ronan. Atonement is based on Ian McEwan's 2001 novel with the same title. Atonement takes place across six decades, beginning shortly before World War II, and depicts the tragic tale of Cecilia and Robbie. Atonement was nominated across seven categories at the 80th Academy Awards, but unfortunately only won Best Original Score.
4 Persuasion Is Directed By Notting Hill Director
Persuasion is a 1995 made-for-television film directed by Roger Michell. Michell is best recognized for directing Notting Hill, the 1999 romantic comedy with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Persuasion is based on Austen's 1817 novel with the same title and stars Amanda Root as the title character of Anne Elliot.
Ciarán Hinds plays her long-lost love interest, Captain Frederick Wentworth, who returns from war after Anne rejects his marriage proposal. Hinds is also recognized for his role as Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus' younger brother, in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2.
3 Love & Friendship Stars Pearl Harbor Actress
Love & Friendship is a 2016 period comedy film written and directed by Whit Stillman, known for his 1990 Academy Award-nominated film, Metropolitan. Love & Friendship is based on Austen's early novel, a series of documents titled Lady Susan, written when Austen was a teenager.
Love & Friendship stars Kate Beckinsale, also known for her appearance in the 2001 film Pearl Harbor, as recently widowed Lady Susan Vernon. Lady Susan Vernon is on a mission to find a rich husband for herself and her daughter.
2 Mansfield Park Differs Greatly From The Novel
Mansfield Park is a 1999 romantic comedy written and directed by Patricia Rozema, which is based on Austen's 1814 novel with the same title. Mansfield Park shares several key differences from the novel - it includes aspects of Austen's life, and goes into more detail on the issue of slavery and West Indian plantations.
Mansfield Park also excludes certain characters, introduces new ones for those familiar with the novel, and puts the events in a different order. Mansfield Park stars a young girl named Fanny Price, who is sent to live with her wealthy Uncle and Aunt since her parents can no longer afford her.
1 Sense And Sensibility Features Several Big Acting Names
Sense And Sensibility is a 1995 period drama directed by Ang Lee, who is best recognized for directing Life Of Pi and the 2003 Hulk. Sense And Sensibility is based on Austen's 1811 eponymous novel, and stars Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet as sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood respectively. The Dashwood sisters are forced to marry due to their sudden impoverished status. The pair meet Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman on their mission to find worthy suitors. Sense And Sensibility was a massive success and earned seven Academy Award nominations.