One of the UK’s most beloved romantic comedies is streaming again. The film that made an international star of Renée Zellweger and helped redefine the rom-com genre for a generation returned to Amazon Prime Video for free on June 18.
Based on Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel, Bridget Jones’s Diary was released in 2001 and the film follows the chaotic, charming and often cringe-inducing life of Bridget Jones – a 32-year-old Londoner determined to get her life together while navigating dating, career worries and personal insecurities, all recorded in her iconic diary.
Renée Zellweger’s performance as Bridget was instantly praised, with her portrayal earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Fans and critics alike were quick to embrace her comic timing, emotional honesty and, of course, her memorable attempt at a British accent.
As one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer put it: “Renée Zellweger gives her all in her performance as Bridget Jones, despite her attempt at a British accent. Overall, it’s a fun movie and can be viewed as a way to escape from something.”
Another added: “Zellweger is great at interpreting comedy and the most clear proof is this movie. I think it changed my view on what I wanted to experience while watching movies. I never laughed that much watching a film. Bridget, I love you.”
The film also gave viewers one of cinema’s most famous love triangles with Bridget torn between the charming but untrustworthy Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and the uptight but endearing Mark Darcy (Colin Firth).
As one fan review simply put it: “So funny and sweet. Renee gives a stellar performance. Love the triangle with her, Grant and Firth.”
Directed by Sharon Maguire, the film was a huge commercial success and remains a go-to comfort watch for many. With its combination of slapstick comedy, romantic mishaps and quotable one-liners, it has maintained cult status over the years and regularly features on “best rom-com” lists.
It also marked the beginning of a franchise, with Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Bridget Jones’s Baby and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy following in 2004, 2016 and 2025 respectively.
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 80%, Bridget Jones’s Diary remains as fresh and funny as ever – and it’s now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.