Jane Austen is one of the most famous romance authors of all time. She began writing in 1787, but her books did not become popular until the 1940s. Her most notable novels include Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility. Her novels are beloved, so the movie industry turned them into movies and  TV shows. I will rank these four movies and shows from least enjoyable to most enjoyable, from my perspective.

#4 Sense and Sensibility

Synopsis: When Mr. Dashwood dies, his estate and inheritance go to the son from his first marriage, leaving his second wife and their three daughters with nothing. While staying at their cousin’s place, the eldest daughter Elinor develops feelings for Edward Ferrars, but his family disapproves of the relationship and separates them. This leaves Elinor heartbroken, but she is too distracted by her sister Marianne’s reckless love life and health. That is until Edward returns to her. 

My review: This version of Sense and Sensibility is a show on Hulu. It is a delightful show, but nothing too extravagant, like the other movies. I like how two different love stories are going on for the sisters. Marianne’s actions are based more on her emotions, while Elinor’s action is based on sense. That is why the title is called Sense and Sensibility. I recommend watching this show if you have nothing else to watch because it does have an interesting storyline.  

“I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.” -Edward Ferrars 

#3 Persuasion 

Synopsis: Persuasion is about Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth getting a second chance at love. Eight years prior, Anne had been persuaded not to marry Frederick because he had no money. But when Frederick comes back, he has a naval rank and money. Anne Elliot now has to choose between letting the past go or following her heart for a second chance with Frederick.  

My review: This movie was much better than I expected when watching the trailer. I like how we get to hear what is going on in the main character’s head with her monologues. It definitely kept me entertained, but there were a couple of things that bothered me throughout the movie. The lack of accuracy in the hairstyles and costumes drove me nuts. And the dialogue was too modern for the time period. This may not be a concern for some, but I felt like I was taken away from the feeling of this taking place in the 19th century. Putting all of that aside, it was an entertaining movie. 

“My love for you has never faltered.” -Captain Fredrick Wentworth 

#2 Emma 

Synopsis: Emma Woodhouse is the queen bee of her little town. She spends most of her time making misguided matches which cause trouble in the lives of the people she is trying to match. Her sister’s brother-in-law, Mr. Knightly, visits her and her father often. He is very considerate of the feelings of others. The two go head-to-head about Emma’s matchmaking and soon fall in love with each other. 

My review: Emma is a great movie! The storyline is interesting, the characters were funny, and it was pretty historically accurate, which I appreciated. The thing that I did not like in the movie was Emma’s personality. She annoyed me because she thought she was better than everyone else. Jane Austen had written at the beginning of the book, “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” So, Emma is supposed to be an unlikeable character. Other than that, it’s a good movie!  

“If I loved you any less, I might be able to talk about it more” -Mr. Knightley 

#1 Pride and Prejudice

Synopsis: The Bennet household is in chaos with the news that a wealthy young gentleman, Charles Bingley, has come into town since they have five unmarried daughters. One of them is Elizabeth Bennet. At a ball, she meets Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. The two have their pride and prejudices, which influence the lives of the people around them. They must overcome these traits to be better people in society and accept the fact that they love each other. 

 My review: My heart is bursting with love for this movie! The characters are loveable, especially Mr. Darcy, and the movie is very enjoyable! The soundtrack itself is amazing as well! The movie is not very historically accurate, so if you want something that is, I recommend watching the 1995 version. However, I feel that the 2005 version is more emotional. Putting that aside, the storyline is very interesting and makes you think about yourself and society, like most of Jane Austen’s stories. It is definitely a story to watch or even read at least once in your life.

“If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love–I love–I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.” -Mr. Darcy 

This is my ranking of these movies and shows. It is amazing to see how Jane Austen’s books are still so popular to this day! The movie industry did an amazing job of bringing her stories to life for everyone to enjoy!