Jane Austen's 5 most famous books - Emma only at No. 3

If you watch a romantic comedy or read a modern novel and feel like the plot sounds slightly familiar, there are good chances of it being inspired by something written by Jane Austen.

Though only publishing novels from 1811 to 1918 (posthumously), Austen managed to solidify her place as one of the most recognised and inspiring authors of all time. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and inspired countless adaptations for film, television, and theater.

Outside of direct adaptations, Austen's stories have been reinterpreted and retold extensively, giving life to some of the world's most famous modern romance films, series and books - like Clueless (1995) and Bridget Jones' Diary (2001).

Here, we take a look at the most famous works of Jane Austen's life, ranked by how many people have read them, according to data from book reviewing platform Goodreads.

5- Northanger Abbey

434,067 ratings

Lesser known by general audiences than other entries in this list, Northanger Abbey follows Catherine Morland, a young, naive woman, as she journeys from her sheltered upbringing to a more mature understanding of the world and social dynamics.

The story centers on her visit to Bath, her fascination with Gothic novels, and her eventual engagement with Henry Tilney, all while satirizing the genre of Gothic romance - melodramatic and filled with unrealistic scenarios.

Like all Austen classics, Northanger Abbey was adapted into film, TV, theatrical, radio, literature and web series formats. The most known versions to come out of those are the 1987 BBC television series of the same name, an ITV episode of their Jane Austen Season series and the 1993 film Ruby in Paradise.

4- Persuasion

745,545 ratings

In Persuasion, Anne Elliot, now 27 and unmarried, lives a quiet life with her family, including her vain father Sir Walter and her older sister Elizabeth. She is deeply affected by her past engagement to Captain Wentworth, a naval officer who was persuaded not to marry Anne by her godmother, Lady Russell, due to his uncertain financial situation.

As the story unfolds, Anne and Captain Wentworth are thrown back together, particularly as the Elliot family faces financial hardship and their estate is rented out. Anne's initial reluctance to pursue a relationship with Captain Wentworth is eventually overcome, and she confronts her past regrets and embraces the possibility of a second chance at love.

The most famous adaptations include homonymous films from 1995, 2007 and 2022, and multiple television series.

3- Emma

940,262 ratings

Widely considered one of Jane Austen's most sharply observed works, Emma centres on the rich, clever and somewhat spoiled Emma Woodhouse - a young woman who fancies herself a skilled matchmaker despite having no intention of marrying herself. As she meddles in the love lives of her friends, her well-meaning schemes lead to more confusion than romance, until she eventually realises her own feelings for the reserved and sensible Mr Knightley.

Originally published in 1815, Emma marked the last of Austen's novels released during her lifetime and is often praised for its wit, psychological depth and nuanced character development.

The novel has inspired numerous film and TV versions. The 1996 adaptation starring Gwyneth Paltrow remains a fan favourite, while the 2020 stylised film starring Anya Taylor-Joy brought the story to a new generation. Perhaps most famously, the 1995 cult teen classic Clueless, starring Alicia Silverstone, reimagined the narrative in a Beverly Hills high school.

2- Sense and Sensibility

1,255,020 ratings

Published in 1811 under the byline "A Lady," Sense and Sensibility was Austen's first published novel and established many of the themes and techniques that would define her later work. The story follows the Dashwood sisters - practical Elinor and passionate Marianne - as they navigate love, heartbreak and social standing in the wake of their father's death and their sudden loss of financial security.

The contrasting personalities of the two sisters provide a framework for exploring the tension between logic and emotion in relationships, while also touching on inheritance laws, gender expectations and the rigid class system of the time.

The story has been adapted many times, but the most well-known version is the 1995 film directed by Ang Lee and written by Emma Thompson, who also starred as Elinor alongside Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman. The film won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

1- Pride and Prejudice

4,567,429 ratings

Unquestionably Austen's most beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice is known universally as one of English literature's finest products. First published in 1813, the book introduces readers to Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent and independent young woman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy but aloof gentleman. What begins as mutual dislike gradually gives way to understanding, affection and eventual love - once both overcome their own pride and prejudices.

More than just a romance, Pride and Prejudice critiques social mobility, gender roles and class in early 19th-century England. Its sharp wit and srtong characters - particularly Elizabeth, often cited as one of the most admired heroines in fiction - have helped it stay relevant for over 200 years.

The novel has been adapted into countless forms: from the classic 1995 BBC miniseries starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle to the 2005 feature film with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. It also inspired modern retellings like Bridget Jones's Diary and even the zombie twist Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.