Wuthering Heights Tops Box Office with $34.8M Debut

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

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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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. According to PostTrak polling, an estimated 76% of the film's opening weekend audience were women. The romantic drama starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the iconic Catherine and Heathcliff also performed well internationally, expected to earn an additional $42 million from 76 territories.

Why it matters

The strong opening for 'Wuthering Heights' highlights the continued demand for female-driven stories and the power of women as moviegoers. It also comes at a pivotal time for Warner Bros. as the studio faces a potential takeover by Paramount.

The details

The Warner Bros./MRC production, which cost a reported $80 million to produce, won out over the weekend's other new releases including the animated film 'GOAT' and the heist thriller 'Crime 101.' 'Wuthering Heights' had its biggest day on Valentine's Day, earning $14 million. While the film has received mixed reviews from critics, with a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, that didn't deter audiences, though only 51% said they would 'definitely recommend' it.

  • The film opened in North American theaters on February 14, 2026.
  • It is expected to open in Japan and Vietnam on February 27, 2026, and in China on March 13, 2026.

The players

Emerald Fennell

The director who reimagined the classic novel 'Wuthering Heights' for the screen.

Margot Robbie

The actress who stars as Catherine in the new 'Wuthering Heights' film.

Jacob Elordi

The actor who plays Heathcliff in the new 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation.

Warner Bros.

The studio that released the new 'Wuthering Heights' film.

Paramount

The company that is making a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros.

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What they’re saying

“This was a solid if not record-breaking Presidents Day/Valentines weekend. But that was to be expected without an MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) film.”

— Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore marketplace trends expert (wsvn.com)

“It's been a rather slow first quarter. But this could ignite a spark at the box office.”

— Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore marketplace trends expert (wsvn.com)

What’s next

The film is expected to open in Japan and Vietnam on February 27, 2026, and in China on March 13, 2026, which could further boost its global box office performance.

The takeaway

The success of 'Wuthering Heights' demonstrates the continued audience demand for female-driven stories and the power of women as moviegoers. It also comes at a pivotal time for Warner Bros. as the studio faces an uncertain future amid a potential takeover.