Every 'Bridget Jones' movie, definitively ranked (even 'Mad About ...

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'Bridget Jones 4': Renée Zellweger is 'Mad About the Boy'

Renée Zellweger's title character finds new romantic interests, including a younger man, in Peacock rom-com "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

OK, so not all of us have sung Madonna with inmates at a Thailand prison or enjoyed an annual turkey curry buffet at New Year's. But anybody who's ever been in a relationship or been torn between potential significant others can relate to the romantic travails of British singleton Bridget Jones.

Since 2001's "Bridget Jones's Diary," Renée Zellweger has played the title character over several romantic comedies based on the Helen Fielding novels. She's been a part of silly shenanigans, shagged assorted suitors – most notably Colin Firth's stoically upper-crust Mark Darcy and Hugh Grant's womanizing Daniel Cleaver – but in the end always maintaining a strong sense of self-worth. The newest effort, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" (streaming now on Peacock), finds a widowed Bridget smitten by a younger man (Leo Woodall) yet also intrigued by her son's science teacher (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

In honor of the latest installment – and because Valentine's Day is upon us once again – here's every "Bridget Jones" movie, definitively ranked.

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4. 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' (2004)

The silliest series entry finds Bridget in a relationship with impossibly stuffy human-rights barrister Mark, though they break up after some mishaps with his law buddies and a worry that he's cheating on her with an attractive new intern (Jacinda Barrett). At least her work life is looking up: Her popular news segments lead her to becoming a TV host alongside absolute cad Daniel. A work trip to Thailand goes awry, she does mushrooms and gets locked up in prison, and Mark has to get her out. Not even a jailhouse rendition of "Like a Virgin" can save this one.

Where to watch: Max

3. 'Bridget Jones's Baby' (2016)

At a memorial for the presumed-dead Daniel after a plane accident (he gets better, trust us), Bridget runs into the now-married Mark. She goes off to a music festival, gets drunk and has a one-night-stand in a yurt with wealthy dating-site creator Jack (Patrick Dempsey). Soon after, Mark tells her he's divorcing his wife and Bridget hooks up with him, too. Quicker than you can say "expired condoms," she's preggers and has no idea which one's the father, leading to a bro-down between Mark and Jack. A more mature Bridget lifts this solidly funny installment, as does Emma Thompson as Bridget's hilariously deadpan OB/GYN.

Where to watch: Max

2. 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' (2025)

This one might polarize the Bridgeteers because it's barely a comedy, instead opting for something more touching than the usual froth. Four years after the death of husband Mark, Bridget struggles to find balance in her life while focusing on her two kids. She buckles down, hires a nanny, goes back to work as a TV producer and tries love again, finding potential bachelors in younger, dreamy Roxster (Leo Woodall) and her son's haughty science teacher Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Only one of them is emotionally capable of helping Bridget deal with true loss in a "Jones" flick that explores mortality while also keeping a sense of humor (thanks to the welcome return of Grant).

Where to watch: Peacock

1. 'Bridget Jones's Diary' (2001)

The OG "Bridget" still plays. Zellweger is a goofy, insecure delight in the first film, introducing Bridget as she begins to keep a diary in an effort to better herself. The to-do list includes losing some weight, cutting back on the cigarettes and booze, and maybe even finding a boyfriend so she doesn't end up a "verbally incontinent spinster." A love triangle develops between Bridget, her devilish magazine editor boss Daniel and unbelievably stiff lawyer Mark. (Those two have history, leading to an embarrassingly awkward brawl.) She ultimately picks the best one of the two – neither of them deserve you, Bridge! – in an empowering rom-com that revels in its Britishness and big heart.

Where to watch: Max