7 films for every ‘Pride and Prejudice’ 2005 movie fan

Yes, we know you love “Pride and Prejudice” 2005 directed by Joe Wright; we all do. But instead of watching the same movie over and over again, why not try these similar picks?

I am guilty. Guilty as charged—for watching the 2005 “Pride and Prejudice” movie adaptation by Joe Wright, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen, around 30 or so times now. And I know a lot of women have done the exact same thing, understanding the rabid following this iconic period piece has.

After all, who could ever resist an almost-kiss in the rain, a slow burn romance, and a tender confession of love at the break of dawn? Let me tell you: no one.

While I do enjoy watching this godforsaken (I say this affectionately) film over and over again, sometimes, I like switching it up and satiating my thirst for a good romance elsewhere. These are movies that I think every “Pride and Prejudice” fan, book or movie, will love. Whether you want an enemies-to-lovers tale, a chaotic love triangle, or another ethereal period film, there’s something to adore about each one here. 

“Emma” (2020)

Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn

To fill the “Pride and Prejudice”-shaped hole in your heart, why not watch another movie based on yet another Jane Austen novel? 2020’s “Emma” is one of the best you can find. This has everything the people want in a period film—burning chemistry between its two lead actors, a hilarious script, dreamy costumes and production design, breathtaking performances, and so many more. “Emma” is probably my second favorite Jane Austen adaptation, but of course nothing can beat P&P. 

“Atonement” (2007)

Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy

Another offering from “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) director Joe Wright, “Atonement” is not for the faint of heart. Reuniting with actress Keira Knightley, Wright beautifully brings the Ian McEwan novel to life on the big screen—a devastating tale about the atrocities of war and the harm that can be caused by a single lie. Not only did this film bring us a harrowing (yet memorable) viewing experience, but it also gave a 13-year-old Saoirse Ronan her first Academy Award nomination and brought forth that iconic green dress. 

“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)

Starring: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles

 

Who doesn’t love a good enemies-to-lovers trope? It was pulled off flawlessly by Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, and it’s pulled off just as well in this film by Kat Stratford (Stiles) and Patrick Verona (Ledger), who are modern iterations of the characters from Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” This movie is a ’90s cult classic for a reason—you’ve probably seen that one dreamy and iconic Heath Ledger scene of him singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” while running around a football scene. May that beautiful man’s soul rest in peace! 

“Austenland” (2013)

Starring: Keri Russell, Jennifer Coolidge, JJ Feild

“Austenland” does not have the best reviews online, but do I still love this campy mess of a thing? Yes, I do. The film title itself refers to a Jane Austen theme park that our protagonist (Russell) goes to, being a huge Jane Austen fan. But she then comes to realize that things aren’t as romantic and fun as the park advertises. Keep an eye out for: a fun performance from Jennifer Coolidge, a dashing JJ Feild (I like to think of him as a budget-but-equally-as-charming Tom Hiddleston) as a Mr. Darcy cosplayer, and a hilarious cover of Nelly’s “Hot in Herre.” 

“Bridget Jones’ Diary” (2001)

Starring: Renée Zellwegger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth

This movie is literally the ultimate modern “Pride and Prejudice” adaptation. Another cult classic, “Bridget Jones’ Diary” follows its titular character navigate her early 30s while journaling her experiences, which includes being torn between the arrogant but handsome Mark Darcy (Firth) and the charming but notorious Daniel Cleaver (Grant). “Bridget Jones’ Diary” isn’t only one of the most beloved rom-coms of the early 2000s, but it also has one of the most memorable movie soundtracks of all time. Alexa, please play “It’s Raining Men” by Geri Halliwell. 

“Becoming Jane” (2007)

Starring: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy

While we all love “Pride and Prejudice,” we have to give credit where credit is due to its extraordinary author, the one and only Jane Austen. “Becoming Jane” is loosely based on the years of her early life and her rumored romance with politician Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy), said to be the inspiration behind Mr. Darcy. When watching this movie, I was also surprised to hear a couple of lines similar to those in “Pride and Prejudice.” Though Jane Austen was never married in her lifetime, it was lovely learning more about her experiences and the events that inspired her beloved novel. 

“Little Women” (2019)

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh

Fans of “Pride and Prejudice” love a good story about strong and independent women just like Elizabeth Bennett, and “Little Women” has four of them. Based on another popular feminist novel, “Little Women” follows four sisters with very different outlooks on life. Their dynamic is similar to the Bennett sisters—chaotic but warm and loving. While I adore the 1994 adaptation starring Winona Ryder and Christian Bale, the 2019 version from director Greta Gerwig is definitely more suited to modern audiences. 

Bonus: “Succession” (2018-2023)

I know this isn’t a movie, but this renowned television series is especially for the Matthew MacFadyen girlies. If you loved him as Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice,” you will no doubt still love him as the hilarious Tom Wambsgans in HBO’s “Succession,” no matter how despicable his character may be. He did win 2 Primetime Emmy awards for this role, so you can expect another hell of a performance, along with the show’s intriguing corporate “Game of Thrones”-esque storyline.