Period dramas seem to be having somewhat of a renaissance at the moment, with the likes of Bridgerton and Poldark getting their flowers. But when it comes to period dramas, Jane Austen dominates the genre, thanks to the many film and TV adaptations of her work that have been made over the decades.
With so many to choose, those not too familiar with these adaptations may not know where to start. But the Express has compiled a list of the top 10 TV adaptations of Jane Austen’s work – as ranked according to the highest ratings recorded on Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb – to help readers choose. One popular adaptation of Pride and Prejudice released in 2005 and featuring Keira Knightley does not make the cut.
10. Mansfield Park (2007)
Billie Piper, who had recently finished a Doctor Who stint, allowed for a refresh of Austen’s slightly dull heroine. In this ITV adaptation, which turned moralistic Mansfield Park into a Regency romp, Blake Ritson played a winningly gawky Edmund, while Hayley Atwell stole the show as Fanny Price’s friend/enemy Mary.
Rotten Tomatoes rating 53%
(Image: ITV/PBS)
8. Northanger Abbey (2007)
This underrated ITV adaptation stars Felicity Jones as the Goth-fixated heroine with a vivd imagination. A young Carey Mulligan played her controversial friend, with JJ Feild romantic hero. Its steamy dream sequences have been compared to Twilight, only with corsets and carriages.
Rotten Tomatoes rating 79%
(Image: Album/Alamy)
6. Death Comes to Pemberley (2013)
This is a three-part murder mystery, based on PD James’s novel that was a cosy-crime continuation of Pride & Prejudice and it will have you hooked. The stellar cast was led by Anna Maxwell Martin, Matthew Rhys and Jenna Coleman. It first aired at Christmas and made for optimal festive viewing.
Rotten Tomatoes rating 82%
(Image: BBC/PBS)