The 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, will be broadcast free-to-air on BBC Two this Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 4.25pm. The screening comes shortly after the film left Netflix, offering fans a one-day-only opportunity to watch the acclaimed period romance.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Recognition
The film, directed by Joe Wright, received widespread critical praise and earned Knightley an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. In July 2025, it appeared in the Readers' Choice edition of The New York Times' list of The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century. Screenwriter Deborah Moggach spent over two years crafting the script, producing approximately 10 different drafts.
Fan Reactions and Reviews
Enthusiasts have taken to IMDb to voice their opinions. One viewer described it as an "emotional masterpiece," stating: "Pride and Prejudice was the best movie I've seen in a very long time, if not the best I've ever seen. It captured the very essence of Jane Austen's brilliant novel. In fact, I enjoyed the movie more than the book itself." Another fan called it "absolutely perfect," adding: "This Pride and Prejudice adaptation perfectly captured the wit, the intelligence, the passion and the romance of Jane Austen's classic." A third reviewer labelled it "simply excellent," praising its simplicity and the music, natural scenes, and honest souls that made the film alive.
Behind the Scenes
Knightley revealed on The Graham Norton Show that director Joe Wright initially thought she was "too pretty" for the role of Elizabeth Bennet, making her an unlikely contender. Despite initial uncertainties and some criticism, the film has been hailed by Austen devotees as among the finest adaptations to date.
Broadcast Details
Pride & Prejudice airs on BBC Two this Sunday, July 12, at 4.25pm. The 2005 film follows the tempestuous relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, exploring the consequences of rash judgments.
