‘Pride and Prejudice’ Miniseries With Colin Firth Turns 25: Which Adaptation Is Best?
Pride and Prejudice is celebrating a new milestone as the 1995 TV adaptation from Andrew Davies (Sanditon) celebrates its 25th anniversary.
A remastered version of the six-episode series is currently available for viewing in North America on BBC and ITV’s streaming service BritBox. Fans of the beloved show will be able to revisit Jane Austen’s iconic story featuring two of her best-known characters — Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) and Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth).
(Credit: Courtesy of BritBox/©BBC 1995)
Hailed as one of the best screen adaptations of Austen’s famed story, 1995’s Pride and Prejudice isn’t the first program to explore these characters. So, how well does it stack up against other films and adaptations that are currently available to stream? Scroll down for a look at Pride and Prejudice‘s many adaptations and let us know what you think in this poll, and sound off in the comment section below.
Pride and Prejudice (1995), Streaming now, BritBox
Pride and Prejudice (1995) - Remastered (BritBox)
This critically acclaimed series based on Jane Austen’s story saw Jennifer Ehle take on the heroine of all heroines in Elizabeth Bennet while Colin Firth stole hearts as Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy man who has an interesting way of showing his feelings. The tale of overcoming differences in social standing is timeless and remains a favorite among Austen fans.
Pride and Prejudice (2005) - (Netflix)
Joe Wright’s directorial debut resulted in this two-hour film adaptation starring Kiera Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession) as Mr. Darcy. Following its theatrical run, the gorgeously shot film was the recipient of various Oscar nominations in 2006.
Pride and Prejudice (1940) - (Amazon Prime Video)
Sir Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson feature in the black and white adaptation, which will bring viewers back to the old glamour of Hollywood with their portrayals of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The film even won an Oscar for Best Art Direction in 1941.
Bride & Prejudice (2005) - (Amazon Prime Video)
This film takes a more modern approach as it spins Jane Austen’s classic novel into a 21st-century tale about the lives of four unmarried daughters in an Indian family. Directed by Guriner Chandha, the film stars Martin Henderson, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Nadira Babbar among others.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) - (Hulu)
This film takes Austen’s characters for a horror spin in this adapatation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s parody novel. When a mysterious plague turns the English countryside into a war zone, Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James) will band together with Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) and put their differences aside to save their country in this bloody romp.
Conversation7 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
-
J
Some of these shouldn't even be suggested as serious contenders. IMHO nothing--and I mean NOTHING--surpasses the 1995 miniseries with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. The main reason for this is that it IS a miniseries, and has the time to develop the richness of Austen's story. And the complexity of her characters. A 2-hour movie just doesn't cut it.
-
B
Couldn't have said it better myself!
-
P
Agree completely that the 1995 miniseries is hands down the best version because it has that richness to it. However, I also like the 2005 movie version as well...it all depends on whether I'm looking for a quick watch or have the 5+ hours to watch the miniseries. Having watched the miniseries so many times, it's hard for me to notice any undeveloped areas of the 2-hour 2005 movie because I already have the miniseries background and story richness in the back of my mind to fill in any gaps.
-
-
C
The 1995 Pride and Prejudice was the best of all! I am 76 and Colin Fifth can still get my heart pounding!!
-
B
Colin firth by far
-
B
1995 adaptation was by far the absolute best, keeping it true to Austen's novel.
Although I have seen and own the 2005 version, I really don't care for it at all! My ex and I at least had some great laughs when he took me to see it when it came out.
For some great one-liners and a loose but fun adaptation, you can't pass up the 1940 version in which Sir Lawrence Olivier presents for a fairly sexy Mr. Darcy. (Also a great intro into the novel for younger readers...this was the first version I saw and it immediately helped me to sort out the characters so I could read the book.) Probably tied with the next one as my second most favorite.
And if you are in for a fun, upbeat, musical, I promise you won't be disappointed with Bride and Prejudice. I was skeptical at first, even rolling my eyes thinking it would be horrible, but I laughed so hard and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy was definitely interesting and had some great parts, but I found it a bit cheesy.
Lost in Austen was interesting, to say the least, but worth taking a look at.
Death Comes to Pemberley had me mesmerized from the start and I didn't sleep at all the night I watched it because I had to see ALL of it! I would definitely recommend it after you've seen the 1995 version and read the book.
All that said, nothing will ever beat the 1995 adaptation, but there are a good many other versions beyond the 2005 version, many of which are actually better. Watch them. 😊
-
G
Either read the book or watch Colin Firth and Jennifer Earle in Pride and Prejudice. Nothing else counts for a true fan of Jane Austen. Matthew McFadden mumbles and Kiera Knightly is a squeaker...all other adaptations are even more painful.
I became a Jane Austen devotee when I was 16, 65 years ago and despise “modern” director brain farts, she needs no translation.
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services