Wuthering Heights Tops Box Office with $34.8M Debut

Emerald Fennell's bold reimagining of the classic novel draws predominantly female audience

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" debuted at #1 at the box office this weekend, earning $34.8 million in its first three days in North American theaters. The Warner Bros. release, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, drew an estimated 76% female audience according to PostTrak polling. The romantic drama outperformed other new releases like the animated film "GOAT" and the heist thriller "Crime 101".

Why it matters

Fennell's unconventional take on the classic Emily Brontë novel has sparked both critical praise and debate, but proved to have strong commercial appeal, especially among women moviegoers. The film's success highlights the continued demand for female-driven stories and the power of women's voices in shaping the entertainment landscape.

The details

"Wuthering Heights" cost a reported $80 million to produce and is expected to earn an additional $42 million internationally in its opening weekend. While the film received a mixed critical reception with a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, only 51% of opening weekend audiences said they would "definitely recommend" it. The animated "GOAT" from Sony landed in second place with a $26 million debut, while the Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo thriller "Crime 101" opened to $15.1 million.

  • The film opened in North American theaters on February 15, 2026.
  • By the end of the Presidents Day holiday on February 17, the film's total could rise to $40 million.

The players

Emerald Fennell

The director and screenwriter who helmed this bold reimagining of "Wuthering Heights".

Margot Robbie

The actress who stars as Catherine in the film.

Jacob Elordi

The actor who plays Heathcliff opposite Robbie.

Warner Bros.

The studio that released "Wuthering Heights".

MRC

The production company behind the film.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The film is expected to open in additional key international markets in the coming weeks, including Japan, Vietnam, and China.

The takeaway

Fennell's unconventional adaptation of the classic novel has resonated with audiences, particularly women, demonstrating the continued demand for female-driven stories and the power of women's voices in shaping the entertainment industry.