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Pride & Prejudice

Pride & Prejudice

Sometimes the last person on earth you want to be with is the one person you can't be without.

2005129 minPGMidcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Director
Joe Wright
Starring
Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Rosamund Pike

A story of love and life among the landed English gentry during the Georgian era. Mr. Bennet is a gentleman living in Hertfordshire with his overbearing wife and five daughters, but if he dies their house will be inherited by a distant cousin whom they have never met, so the family's future happiness and security is dependent on the daughters making good marriages.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Pride & Prejudice?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Pride & Prejudice to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Pride & Prejudice?

Pride & Prejudice earns 14 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 6 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Pride & Prejudice worth watching?

Pride & Prejudice's Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 2.7M ratings across 6 sources. 86% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

98th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)96th

81 /100

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2000s

Critics 82 · Audience 81

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

86% liked it

96th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Drama95th percentile among 2000s
86% rated it 7–1014% rated it 1–6

Critics 87% · Audience 90%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 4 Oscar noms · 10 wins / 58 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Art Direction
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Costume Design

99th percentile

2.7M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$28M
Opening weekend$2.8M
Domestic gross$45M
Worldwide gross$132M

Returned 4.7× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a compressed, visually beautiful adaptation that takes liberties with Austen's novel to focus more on the romance than the social satire.

Fans praised

  • breathtaking cinematography and landscape shots
  • spirited, witty performance by Keira Knightley as Elizabeth
  • captures the romance and emotional depth of the love story

Detractors panned

  • rushed pacing that sacrifices character development and subplots
  • historical inaccuracies in costumes, manners, and period detail
  • Matthew Macfadyen's Darcy lacks pride and charisma, comes off as flat or wooden

What stands out

Cinematography90

Lush, painterly landscapes and fluid camera work; praised even by detractors

ActingDivisive82

Knightley praised as spirited and perfect; Macfadyen divisive—some find him subtle and vulnerable, others flat and weak

AtmosphereDivisive80

Gritty, earthy realism of Bennet farm contrasts with grand estates; immersive but jars purists

Emotional impactDivisive80

Moves many viewers deeply, especially final scenes; detractors find it melodramatic

CharactersDivisive60

Supporting roles like Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins well-drawn, but protagonists lack development; Wickham and Lydia severely truncated

DialogueDivisive60

Austen's wit sometimes preserved but often replaced with modernized or simplified lines

Plot and storyDivisive55

Rushed condensation omits subplots and key character moments; story feels like bullet points

PacingDivisive45

Too fast for the novel's complexity, with abrupt scene transitions and compressed timelines

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 8 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Pride & Prejudice like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticWarmTenseJoyful
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats the romance and social commentary with earnest warmth and occasional wry humor, never undercutting its emotional core.
The rideThe film sustains a romantic warmth and gentle tension across its runtime, with moments of social discomfort and verbal sparring fading into joyful resolutions.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the Bennets' introduction to the resolutions, following a clear beginning, middle, and end.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a warm, satisfied feeling as misunderstandings give way to love and the ending rewards the characters' growth.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1% (this title)
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Comedy of manners: Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeElizabeth Bennet's journey is driven by the clash of personalities and social codes, with a witty critique of class and marriage that aligns with comedy of manners.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% (this title) · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsClass · 3% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is driven by Elizabeth and Darcy overcoming pride and prejudice to find genuine love, while class barriers and each person's sense of value are constantly tested.
StanceThe film affirms romantic love as both desirable and ennobling, celebrating Elizabeth and Darcy's union while presenting the social comedy of manners with affection.

The world

Early modernRuralDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · Dario Marianelli
SettingEnglish countryside estates and villages around 1800
MusicThe piano-led score highlights romantic longing and rustic charm, becoming as iconic as the film itself.

Content guide

Is Pride & Prejudice okay for kids?

PG

Pride & Prejudice is rated PG: “Rated PG for some mild thematic elements” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (2/100), sexual content at minimal (13/100), language at minimal (6/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (16/100) and frightening material at minimal (5/100). Overall it is heavier than 1% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea12
  • BrazilL
  • Austria6
  • Czechia15+
  • DenmarkA
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaU/A 13+
  • MexicoB
  • NetherlandsAL
  • NorwayA
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • SK15
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland16
Overall
None / Minimal · all five categories
Heavier than 1% of all filmsHeavier than 1% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 1%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 23%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 8%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 30%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 3%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is drug and alcohol content, heavier than 30% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Pride & Prejudice have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Pride & Prejudice?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Keira Knightley
as Elizabeth Bennet
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Matthew Macfadyen
as Mr. Darcy
newcomer then · star now
Brenda Blethyn
as Mrs. Bennet
BAFTA nominee: BAFTA Award nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Rosamund Pike
as Jane Bennet
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Carey Mulligan
as Kitty Bennet
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Jena Malone
as Lydia Bennet
Talulah Riley
as Mary Bennet
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Donald Sutherland
as Mr. Bennet
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Simon Woods
as Mr. Bingley
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Judi Dench
as Lady Catherine de Bourg

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Pride & Prejudice?

Movies like Pride & Prejudice include Pride and Prejudice (1940), Becoming Jane (2007) and Emma (1996). Of the 12 closest matches, several are comedies of manners, and most are enemies-to-lovers stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Jane Austen wrote 6 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Pride & Prejudice?

1.4K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: enemies to lovers. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.