‘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.
