Wuthering Heights has made a significant mark at the global box office, becoming the first film of 2026 to surpass the $100 million milestone. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the adaptation of Emily Brontë‘s classic novel is currently the highest-grossing title of the year. The film, which had a reported production budget of $80 million, achieved this financial feat in under a week since its release.
Box Office Success Despite Mixed Reviews
Despite receiving mixed reviews and facing controversies related to its casting and costume decisions, Wuthering Heights has demonstrated strong box office performance. Analysts anticipate that while the film may not maintain the same rapid growth in its second weekend, it is expected to continue its ascent at a slower pace.
The film features Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the lead roles of Cathy and Heathcliff. The official logline describes their relationship as one that evolves from romantic to intoxicating, set against a backdrop of “lust, love, and madness.” The cast also includes Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, Charlotte Mellington as Young Cathy, and Owen Cooper as Young Heathcliff, known for his role in “Adolescence.”
Critical Reception and Artistic Interpretation
As of now, Wuthering Heights holds a critic score of 60% on Rotten Tomatoes. The Critics Consensus states: “Liberally adapting Emily Brontë’s classic story with a heavy dose of carnality and chic stylization, Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights might not be the stuff of high literature, but it is a visually vibrant pleasure.”
In a review from GamesRadar+, the film’s artistic choices were defended, stating: “Fennell has done exactly what she set out to do: bring her own version of the novel to the screen. She has distilled the essence of Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship as she sees it and used it to conjure up this dream version of the story that can either enchant or repulse, depending on your perspective.”
Wuthering Heights is currently available in theaters, inviting audiences to experience this bold reimagining of one of literature’s most celebrated love stories. For those interested in the film industry, resources detailing upcoming releases in 2026 and beyond are available for further exploration.
