10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Description: Like Pride and Prejudice (1995), Sense and Sensibility is based on a Jane Austen novel and explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations. Both films feature strong female protagonists navigating the complexities of romance and family in Regency-era England. The 1995 adaptation, directed by Ang Lee, shares a similar visual aesthetic and attention to period detail with Pride and Prejudice.

Fact: Emma Thompson, who wrote the screenplay, won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Kate Winslet received her first Oscar nomination for her role as Marianne Dashwood. The film was shot entirely on location in England, using many historic houses.

Description: This adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's classic novel shares with Pride and Prejudice a focus on a strong-willed, intelligent heroine facing societal constraints. Both stories involve complex romantic relationships with mysterious, brooding men (Mr. Rochester and Mr. Darcy) and explore themes of class, morality, and personal growth. The 2006 version maintains a similar period atmosphere and emotional depth.

Fact: This was a BBC television adaptation starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. The production used Haddon Hall in Derbyshire as Thornfield Hall. At 4 episodes, it allowed for more faithful adaptation of the novel than most film versions.

Description: While set later than Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey shares its focus on class dynamics, marriage politics, and the lives of both aristocracy and servants. Both feature strong female characters navigating a changing society, witty dialogue, and lavish period production design. The romantic tension between Mary and Matthew echoes Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship.

Fact: Originally conceived as a three-part miniseries. Highclere Castle was nearly unavailable for filming. Maggie Smith ad-libbed many of her best lines.

Description: While incorporating time travel, Outlander shares with Pride and Prejudice an epic love story between strong-willed protagonists (Claire and Jamie) facing societal obstacles. Both feature detailed historical settings, complex romantic relationships, and themes of loyalty and personal integrity. The Scottish landscapes provide a similarly breathtaking backdrop.

Fact: Diana Gabaldon wrote the first novel as practice. The stones were filmed at a real Neolithic site. Sam Heughan almost turned down the role of Jamie.

Description: Greta Gerwig's adaptation shares with Pride and Prejudice a focus on sisterhood, female agency, and the challenges women faced in patriarchal societies. Both stories feature intelligent, unconventional heroines (Jo March and Elizabeth Bennet) who resist societal expectations about marriage. The films share a warm, vibrant aesthetic and emotional authenticity in portraying family dynamics.

Fact: Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet reunited after Lady Bird. Florence Pugh, at 23, played 12-year-old Amy in flashbacks. Gerwig used non-linear storytelling to emphasize Jo's growth as a writer.

Description: This romantic period drama shares Pride and Prejudice's blend of personal and social drama, featuring a brooding hero (Ross Poldark) and strong-willed heroine (Demelza) overcoming class differences. Both stories explore themes of loyalty, social justice, and passionate love against stunning English landscapes.

Fact: Aidan Turner's shirtless scything scene caused a sensation. Filmed in Cornwall where the novels are set. Eleanor Tomlinson learned Cornish for her role.

Description: Julian Fellowes' American counterpart to Downton Abbey shares with Pride and Prejudice an exploration of social climbing, marriage markets, and class conflict. Both feature sharp social satire, romantic entanglements, and strong female leads navigating restrictive societies. The opulent production design creates a similarly immersive historical world.

Fact: Originally developed in 2018 but delayed by the pandemic. Features the largest standing set in New York. Carrie Coon's character was inspired by Alva Vanderbilt.

Description: This royal drama shares with Pride and Prejudice a focus on a young woman's coming-of-age and romantic awakening in a constrained society. Both feature intelligent, strong-willed female leads (Victoria and Elizabeth) navigating love and duty. The lavish production recreates 19th century England with similar attention to historical detail.

Fact: Jenna Coleman studied Victoria's German accent. Many scenes were filmed at the actual royal locations. Tom Hughes based Albert's mannerisms on Prince Charles.

Description: This George Eliot adaptation, like Pride and Prejudice, offers a nuanced portrayal of provincial English society and the marriage market. Both feature intelligent heroines (Dorothea Brooke and Elizabeth Bennet) navigating romantic choices with serious consequences. The miniseries format allows for similarly detailed character development and social commentary.

Fact: Considered one of the greatest BBC literary adaptations. Rufus Sewell's breakout role as Will Ladislaw. The production used over 100 locations to recreate 1830s England.

Description: This Elizabeth Gaskell adaptation shares Pride and Prejudice's central romantic tension between two strong-willed characters from different social backgrounds. Like Elizabeth and Darcy, Margaret Hale and John Thornton initially misunderstand each other before gradually developing mutual respect and love. The series similarly explores class divisions and social change in 19th century England.

Fact: Richard Armitage's performance as John Thornton launched his career. The iconic train station reunion scene was filmed at the last minute. The series was shot in just 7 weeks on a modest budget.