The best Jane Austen adaptations and where to watch them

Watch on: BBC iPlayer 

As most Austen fans will attest, Colin Firth is the ultimate Mr Darcy, thanks to his tortured portrayal of the English aristocrat. 

In the BBC's beloved adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Jennifer Ehle is the perfect fit for Elizabeth Bennett, lending her charm and wit to one of literature's most iconic characters. 

With the duo's undeniable chemistry, every longing look and exchange is more romantic than the last, and with the story unfolding across six episodes, this adaptation remains faithful to the novel. 

Watch on: Netflix 

Emma Woodhouse is one of Austen's most outspoken protagonists, and it takes a talent like Gwyneth Paltrow to capture her many nuances. 

Boasting a stellar cast, which includes Alan Cumming, Toni Collette, Ewan McGregor, and Jeremy Northam, Douglas McGrath's film is a real treat for fans of the book. It's a particularly cosy watch at Christmastime too. 

Watch on: Netflix

Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson are polar opposites in Ang Lee's take on the novel. The film, which earned seven Academy Award nominations, is internationally recognised as one of the best Austen adaptations of all time. 

With British heavyweights Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman and Greg Wise among the cast, this beautifully made movie follows the Dashwood sisters as they contend with the consequences of sudden destitution while falling for the most unlikely of suitors. 

Rent on: Amazon Prime 

Persuasion is probably one of the best Jane Austen books that NEEDS more adaptations, but the 2007 version does a pretty good job. 

Starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones, ITV's television film recalls the story of the ever-reliable, and easily swayed Anne Elliot (Hawkins). Forced to confront her long-lost love, Captain Frederick Wentworth, eight years after she was persuaded to reject his proposal, Anne is filled with regret and longs for the chance to reconnect. The question is: can Frederick ever forgive her?

Watch on: Netflix

Putting a modern spin on a Jane Austen novel is no easy feat, but Bridget Jones' Diary is one of the most successful examples. 

While the story was penned by Helen Fielding, the story is loosely based on Pride and Prejudice, with the titular Bridget serving as our heroine. Reprising his role, Colin Firth is back as Mr Darcy, though this time around, the central romance takes place in the '90s and this time around, his character is a handsome barrister, and not the proprietor or Pemberley.  

Rent on: Amazon Prime 

Matthew McFayden had pretty large shoes to fill, after Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr Darcy, but he certainly delivered. Up against Keira Knightley in Joe Wright's adaptation, the duo's chemistry manages to be both subtle and electric. Just the touch of a hand communicates so much between their characters. 

Full warning for the true romantics out there – fans complained that we don't get to see a kiss between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in the UK cut. If you're lucky enough to find the US version, however, there's an additional eight minutes, which includes the emotional moment. 

Watch on: Amazon Prime

Clueless is loosely adapted from Emma, and it's become a cult classic. Filled with '90s fashion and pop culture references, this coming-of-age teen comedy reimagines Emma as Cher – a Beverly Hills it girl who decides to play matchmaker. 

While the character's names are changed, it's pretty easy to recognise which literary icons they're based on. Alicia Silverstone leads the film as Cher, while Paul Rudd stands in for Mr Knightley and Brittany Murphy inhabits Tai Frasier – aka Harriet Smith in the books.