Top 10 Acclaimed Portrayals of Jane Austen's Heroines

These heroic portrayals did Jane Austen justice. For this list, we’ll be looking at the best depictions of the author’s female characters in film and TV through both classic adaptations and modern updates. Our countdown includes "Sense and Sensibility," "Clueless," "Persuasion," and more! What's YOUR favorite Jane Austen portrayal? Let us know in the comments!
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#JaneAusten #Books #FireIsland #PrideAndPrejudice #Clueless

[@MsMojo]

What's YOUR favorite Jane Austen portrayal? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Movies You Didn't Know Were Inspired by Jane Austen - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6C6haJ5g7t7qtU

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Sylvestra Le Touzel as Fanny Price. She's so underrated.

[@MrGabeanator]

i was just looking for keira knightley

[@shannonneese952]

As much of a Lizzie lover as I am, I do love Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, and Elinor sobbing when she finds out Edward is not the married of the Ferrars brothers is my favorite Austen adaptation moment.

[@JessEla87]

If they had listed anyone else as #1 I would have cried!! Jennifer Ehle portrayed one of my favorite literary heroines to perfection.

[@jendesimone9053]

I just said that out loud!

[@Iggystar71]

You’re so sweet…I would have rioted!!! 😂😂

[@JennA-uf6lo]

Ha! I thought “If #1 isn’t Jennifer Ehle I’m throwing my iPad across the room!”

[@Iggystar71]

@@JennA-uf6lo Legit unsubscribing….never to return.

[@starlady98]

She has the look, the charm, that perfect way of delivering a polite burn. I don't know if anyone could compare.

[@etherealbeauty_sf3799]

Totally obvious that the original BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice would be number one. No remakes can touch it. Also Sense & Sensibility is my personal favourite of the Jane Austen novels and I love the movie

[@alyzu4755]

Amanda Root as Ann Elliot in the 1995 adaptation of "Persuasion" is my favorite. I was lucky enough to see her onstage (with Ciaran Hinds) a few years earlier.

[@trinaq]

Thank you for featuring Cher in your list! Although "Clueless" isn't a direct "Emma" adaptation, Alicia definitely embodies all of the traits which make Cher lovable, despite her flaws. She also has impeccable style! 💛😻

[@marcietownsend3635]

Amanda Root in "Persuasion" will always be at the top of my list.

[@honeybeastie1]

Absolutely agree with your #1 Elizabeth....also, Colin Firth will ALWAYS be Darcy to me!

[@judalea17]

I agree; Colin Firth will always be my Mr Darcy

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

Absolutely! Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy….truly a casting success

[@mikkibaker6907]

My favorite "Emma" is Romola Garai. It was good she was selected for the 4-part BBC production. She couldn't have been more perfect, having the time and acting ability to bring out all those little bits Jane Austin slipped into Emma's character. Now, about Alicia Silverstone. "Clueless" is the most fun and is a wonderful "current-day" adaptation of "Emma" and Alicia Silverstone couldn't be more perfect as Cher. It's neck-and-neck and I give Romola Garai the edge because she's the "actual" Emma -- but it's a "win by a nose"!

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Amanda Root is so lovely! She was a sweet Anne and she was Fanny on the radio too! She should be higher on the list.

[@trinaq]

Although Keira was wonderful as Lizzie, thank you for shining the spotlight on Rosamund, who was just as phenomenal as Jane! 🥰

[@drc4168]

Jennifer Ehle need never act in anything again. She will be immortal as the living embodiments of Jane Austen's spirited and beloved Elizabeth Bennett. Lovely video, thank you!!

[@MsMojo]

Well said

[@kelleyceccato7025]

I love that you gave a single spot to Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson for Sense and Sensibility. Putting one of those performances over the other would be criminal. My favorite Elizabeth Bennet is actually Elizabeth Garvie from the 1980 BBC miniseries. The miniseries itself doesn't rise to the level of 1995's gold standard, but Garvie is an exquisite Elizabeth, coming closest to matching the image I have in my head when I read about the character. She deserved at least an Honorable Mention.

[@HaleyRadiant]

Anya Taylor Joy’s Emma also is one of my favorite portrayals of the Jane Austen heroine! Completely full of herself but you still root for her based on her charm among other things! Definitely still a great list, but thought I’d shout out that performance too! 💖👏

[@lovetolovefairytales]

That "Lizzy" from Fire Island was on this list and Anya was not is so wrong.

[@nerd26373]

Jane Austen is one of the most memorable authors of all time. Her writing has always compelled readers and her stories have reached far and wide. We all know her for being this mastermind behind Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Jane Eyre, so on and so forth. Her legacy continues to thrive to this day.

[@JCej]

Charlotte Bronte wrote Jane Eyre

[@lovetolovefairytales]

She didn't write Jane Eyre. She was dead by then, I'm pretty sure.

[@denisefreitas6727]

Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma Woodhouse , Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet as Elinor and Marianne, and Jennifer Ehle as Lizzy Bennett - my favorites.

[@angelacarleton9575]

I did like very much Amanda R, was the best performance in "Persuasion." It is still my favorite of Jane Austen stories because when one loves one doesnt' forget but stays with you. Obviously, Captain Wenthrop didn't forget her either. That's what makes this story so damn special. Love does not evaporate but stays within one's heart.

[@Texaslawhorn]

"Persuasion" is my favorite Austen novel, and Amanda Root is my favorite Anne Elliott!

[@cherrycain6425]

I totally agree with the #1. And Collin Firth is the very best Darcy. Love it ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@elizdavidson]

How could you omit the cast of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries!? Ashley Clements as Lizzie, Daniel Vincent Gordh gives Colin Firth the only real challenge to his Darcy throne (Firth still wins), Laura Spencer as the adorable lovely Jane and Mary Kate Wiles as Lydia. Julia Cho as Charlotte as well deserves a shout out. I dare say Ashley is my favorite Elizabeth Bennet of all.

[@robynmorgan773]

Cant forget joanna samatra aa emma in emma approved and dayeanne hunton as harriet

[@nastassjaloots4717]

For sure! Maty Kate managed to turn my least favourite Austen character into a favourite! She gave Lydia so much depth

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

I read the book Sense and Sensibility before I saw the movie but I knew that Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet were the main characters. While I was reading the book for the first time I kept thinking how perfect those two would be in those roles. Then after I finished the book I saw the movie for the first time and OH MY GOSH! They are both just….no one else could’ve played Elinor and Marianne Dashwood better. Both of them are so good at being their characters it’s insane!

[@rachel-in-the-208]

I am not a huge Emma Thompson fan … but I LOVE that Sense and Sensibility adaptation. And I absolutely LOVED 1995 Persuasion!! (It was so so good)

[@Annatheelfprincess]

I’ll be honest Sense And Sensibility will always be my favorite book/movie from Jane Austen. Just like Elinor will always be my favorite character 😊

[@MrMikander]

I enjoy watching these videos with my wife. She teaches me about those books and adaptations. More men should watch these ones :)

[@Lady_Blade_WarAngel]

Curiosity makes me ask if there’s going to be a top 10 for Austen Heroes too!

[@melissagrant4178]

Can you please make a top 20 best of Angela Lansbury moment from movie and TV show, she was best actress

[@marcietownsend3635]

"The Manchurian Candidate" She deserved the Oscar for that performance.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

I’m reading Emma right now and I’ve only read like 5 chapters (I have read it before but it has been a while) and I can’t believe how well Cher really is like Emma!

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Sylvestra Le Touzel as Fanny Price and Anya Taylor Joy as Emma. Those are my favorites.

[@Showtunediva]

#2 is definitely my favorite Austin adaptation!

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Lily James gets only an honorable mention but the guy from fire Island gets a spot? Who writes these lists?

[@glennrenna2491]

A very good selection of #1

[@angelacarleton9575]

Jennifer Jehle was the best Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. Love her always as the best Elizabeth.

[@kwnctantinakyriakou3652]

Have been screaming "YES!" at my screen the entirety of this video! 😂

[@cathylawrence507]

I love Bride and Prejudice and the actress who played Lalita.

[@teenie36214]

Not surprised by #10 😁 season one of that show was better though.

[@diablohuma9197]

My favority is Pride and Prejudice - 2005 and Sense and Sensibility 1996 are so gorgeos and marvelous😘

[@brittnielsen6576]

I pretty much agree with the list. But You’ve Got Mail schould have a mention 😉

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

Jennifer Ehle is so incredibly perfect and good as Lizzie Bennett and Colin Firth playing opposite her was just too good!

[@hollyludlow2460]

Love adaptation especially pride and prejudice sense and sensibility and emma 2020

[@emmavink]

I was really happy a spot wasn't given to Fanny Price from Mansfield Park. I usually love Billie Piper, but her Fanny didn't work for me. Frances O'Connor is lovely, but the script did her character so wrong in the 1999 movie.

[@auroramadariaga4081]

I cannot recommend the 2008 BBC adaptation of Sense and Sensibility enough. The movie is great but due to the movie format, they had to cut a lot of the novel. This mini series has the time to explore most of the novel and it's very close to it. Besides, David Morrissey as Colonel Brandon is just *chefs kiss*😍

[@christophermoya7111]

Badly done, Ms. Mojo… Badly done.

[@jas108ful]

I'm so happy because I'm the 700th "like" and the 90th comment 🙂👌👍Thanks a lot 🙂👍👏

[@lh5670]

Jennifer Ehle forever. But I think Kate Beckinsale should be higher - her Emma is also the best. (though kudos for remembering the amazing Romola Garai and not highlighting Kiera)

[@amidthephantomsrose]

How can you omit kiera Knightley as Lizzie bennet?!

[@Texaslawhorn]

I loved her Lizzie!

[@Girl-rj3qe]

I don’t think Clueless should be in the list. I know it’s popular, but acting in a period drama is quite different

[@Isabellaunbrella]

Sally is the best Anne❤

[@yadielenielbellecolon982]

🤩💞

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Why do these lists always ignore the 1980s BBC adaptations of JA books? 😡

[@moviematica]

No Bridget Jones!?

[@druth7969]

“This is the hair of my mother gave me!! “ always pushing the narrative/ you know what I am? Irish! and my hair looks like hers if I wear it “like my mother gave me, “and it’s not because I feel oppressed, it’s because I have Irish hair and it’s wild and crazy if I don’t tame it! If your hair is wild and crazy, don’t make it a social statement and a condemnation of different ethnic groups, you just have Hair that’s hard to tame! I actually buy products in the “black section. “Because they work for my hair.- I’m calling out this crap every time I see it because we’re all sick of it!

[@boimboim2494]

Finally....Dakota as Anne Elliot is the worst ever...

[@Seventeenpro517]

First,,,,

[@tiger31623]

Bots can't be first

[@bighand1530]

Ok

[@paulinha2969]

How much is WatchMojo/ MsMojo being paid to insistently make Fire Island happen?

[@Texaslawhorn]

I tried twice to finish that movie, and I just couldn't.

[@paulinha2969]

@@Texaslawhorn there's an Austen fan who did a fantier on the best adaptation she almost graded it F

[@Texaslawhorn]

@@paulinha2969 sounds right. I found the Darcy character way too insufferable to want him to be with the main character. I had heard people say they loved it so I wanted to like it, but nope.

[@Objective-Observer]

I don't agree about Persuasion. Ciran Hines stumbled over his feet in that production like a Bull in A China Shoppe. Amanda Root was milquetoast. I've read Persuasion, and the under lying pain of Anne Eliot being forced to relinquish true love, because of her father's demands is gut wrenching. Amanda treated it like the loss of one's favorite hanky. I don't agree about Emma, either. Your Honorable Mentions far and away surprassed Culeless and Bride and Prejudice.

[@Annatheelfprincess]

Correction it’s Pride and Prejudice

[@Objective-Observer]

@@Annatheelfprincess The Bollywood version, which I have seen, is Bride and Prejudice. You can find it here on YT.

[@shannonneese952]

I agree with her being milquetoast. The whole movie was her mumbling vaguely then looking down. They hardly spoke and then suddenly he's passionate for her?

[@lateralhistory]

"I've read Persuasion" Once? Quite some time ago? Lady Russell was the defining force in persuading Anne to turn down Wentworth, not her father. Anne wasn't forced to let go of Wentworth - she chose to turn down his proposal, and years later when she looks back on her decision, she can't say that she made the wrong one. Wentworth actually agrees with her, and admits that his injured pride kept them apart for years longer than it should have done. Persuasion is about the choices people make and how much chance determines the outcome. It's not a simple tale of a woman giving up the love of her life because her father didn't approve. I also disagree that Amanda Root treated it like the loss of a favourite hanky. Her understated, repressed performance perfectly reflects the Anne of the books. By the end of the novel only Anne's father, one of her sisters and Lady Russell even know she had a history with Wentworth, and they all think it's in the past. This is only possible because Anne is so restrained - a quality that is contrasted favorably against her hypochondriac sister Mary and Wentworth's opposing love interest, the passionate Louisa Musgrove. Amanda Root played exactly what was asked of her, and played it well. I don't recall Ciarán Hinds stumbling either. I remember his character as pretty poised, if anything.

[@Objective-Observer]

@@lateralhistory Thank you, for your response. Both Anne and Wentworth were frustrated and in anguish over her decision. Her FATHER didn't want him, and Lady Russel was the instrument of their destruction. They did NOT agree this was the right decision to turn him down... UNTIL THEY WERE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN. That is the fact. They were analyzing their actions and rationalizing their choices as a means of lessening the pain of waiting so long to get together. That is my opinion. "Persuasion is about the choices people make and how much chance determines the outcome. " Thank you for proving you did not understand the book. Why call the book Persuasion, if this is nothing but personal choices? Why call it Persuasion, if this is nothing but chance? Manipulation of Others is a constant theme in Jane Austen's books and this is no exception. Oh, and you do know this was the most Autobiographical of all her novels. Jane was proposed to by a young clergy man, she said 'yes,' but her older sister Persuaded her to not marry him. Anne didn't turn this young man down by her OWN choice; she allowed someone else to Persuade her to do that. The decision was NOT in her best interest, but the comfort of her family, that she won't belittle herself [and by extension, her family] with a mere sailor who had no money. Her well being was the excuse, not the reason for them demanding she do what was best for them. Wentworth was angry that she loved him, but allowed her family to Persaude her to deny him. He saw that as someone without backbone. When he saw how her family treated her, and the grace and poise she carried her self, despite them... then he finally understdood her orignal choice. Once all is forgiven, then they could see the choice, as perhaps, the best thing, because now he has the money, and she has the maturity to turn against her family... but I saw all of that as rationalization. Cirran is so damb big, he couldn't move about the set without carefully sidestepping the antique furniture. He was so awkward in his blocking, because of his size. His Costumes didn't fit well, either, just exacerbating his size. Then that final speech.. was so over the top melodramatic, I barfed in my mouth. Cirran is an Action Hero, not a Rom Com Lover, and he is best in those Action Hero roles. Amanda had the emotional range of A-B in this role. It was so disconcerting her Blandness set against Cirran's clumsy over the top melodrama. She was 42 at the time, and looked the age of Anne. Cirran was 52 at the time, and looked much older than that. And I will admit: that wasn't their fault; it was a bad script, and bad directing and bad set staging. Now all of that is my opinion. The 2007 WBGH production with Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry Jones captured the angst of the couple, without it getting mellodramatic. I thought Rupert was a bit too broody, but it didn't destroy the production. There were several dramatic licenses choices that too many people dwell on, instead of the bulk of the flim and the Acting. The music is beautiful.

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Number 9 does NOT deserve to be on this list. He is a cartoonish parody of Lizzy. So pandering and stupid to include him.

[@lauramiller6106]

Elizabeth Garvie (Pride and Prejudice 1980) is the definitive Elizabeth Bennet. She had the right mix of "sweetness and archness". I always thought Jennifer Ehle was too b****y in her manners with Darcy.

[@dittohead7044]

Fire Island is gross. Doesn’t belong in this genre. Yuck

[@SlightlySusan]

I could not tolerate Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. Her Elizabeth came across as sly and manipulative. I also found her ugly to look at. I had missed the original broadcast of that P and P, but, watched it later after working for a woman who had an enormous crush on Colin Firth. I also thought the swimming scene was overrated.

[@isabellamarais8494]

I'm laughing at yr silly list. So hilarious. Including movies that cant even be said to be even close to the concept of what Jane Austin was writing about . Cough cough, worthless junk, that went to the pile of scrap that is the movie business of today. Please try and be more accurate and less trendy. this was such a disappointment. Not even touching on the best movie adaptions of JA's ACTUAL books. Persuasion is and still stands out as the best book that was written by Austen and the only good portrayal was done by the crew of 2007. The writers, the director the actors, Sally Hawkins was accurate in her portrayal of Anne , she played it all inside. Please don't mention 2022 version, its sickening and has nothing to do with Jane Austen. The 2007 version of persuasion is achingly close to what J A wanted to convey of that time and how one person was touched by love, loss and then the discovery that constancy actually exists. That is what she wanted to say and probably echoed her own loss in love and wrote what she wished would have happened to herself. All this fribble that you go on about as a critic is useless and empty. Yr only accurate with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet and Jennifer Ehle. I can see there is no understanding of any depth and you just waddle in yr shallows. please try....please and do better. or not a all.