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Sleepy Hollow Today
By the People, for the People
Wuthering Heights Overtakes Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow at the Box Office
Emerald Fennell's adaptation of the classic Gothic novel has surpassed the box office earnings of Burton's 1999 film.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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Tim Burton's 1999 Gothic horror film Sleepy Hollow has been overtaken at the global box office by Emerald Fennell's recent adaptation of the classic novel Wuthering Heights. While Sleepy Hollow was considered an underrated entry in Burton's filmography, earning mostly positive reviews and over $200 million worldwide, Fennell's Wuthering Heights has now grossed more than $210 million globally against a smaller $80 million budget.
Why it matters
This box office face-off highlights the enduring appeal of Gothic literature and cinema. While Burton's Sleepy Hollow offered a fully realized version of his signature macabre aesthetic, Fennell's Wuthering Heights has resonated with modern audiences, demonstrating the timeless quality of these classic stories.
The details
Sleepy Hollow, produced on a $100 million budget, marked Tim Burton's third collaboration with Johnny Depp, who landed the role of Ichabod Crane despite Paramount's preference for Brad Pitt or Daniel Day-Lewis. The film was based on the 1820 short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and featured a supporting cast including Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Christopher Lee, and Richard Griffiths. In contrast, Fennell's Wuthering Heights stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi and has grossed over $210 million worldwide against an $80 million budget.
- Sleepy Hollow was released in 1999, the same year as other landmark films like The Matrix, American Beauty, The Sixth Sense, and Fight Club.
- Wuthering Heights was released in 2026, 27 years after Sleepy Hollow.
The players
Tim Burton
An Oscar-winning director known for his influential work in the Gothic genre, having directed films like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Emerald Fennell
The director of the recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which has now surpassed the box office earnings of Burton's Sleepy Hollow.
Johnny Depp
The lead actor in Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow, playing the role of Ichabod Crane.
Margot Robbie
The lead actress in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation.
Jacob Elordi
The co-lead actor in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation.
The takeaway
This box office battle between two Gothic classics highlights the enduring appeal of the genre and the ability of modern filmmakers to put a fresh spin on timeless stories. While Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow remains a cult favorite, Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights has proven that there is still an audience hungry for dark, atmospheric tales of love and obsession.
