‘Wuthering Heights’ to top box office with $80m global opening despite mixed reviews
Audience scores for the adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel starring Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi outpace critics
Photo: Warner Bros.
Wuthering Heights has opened at number one at the US box office, earning $11 million domestically on its first day despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.
According to reports published on 14 February 2026, the adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel was produced on an $80 million budget and is projected to generate $40 million domestically over its opening weekend. International markets are expected to contribute a further $40 million, placing the film on course to recover its production costs within days, pending promotional expenses.
Directed by Emerald Fennell, the large-scale costume drama has divided reviewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 63% critic score. Peter Travers wrote, “Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi get steamy in Emerald Fennell’s overheated but undercooked take on Emily Brontë’s classic Gothic romance in which they suck each other’s faces with a wild, porny abandon that would shock Victorians. No complaints here.” Adam Graham added, “This is a large-scale costume drama with an epic scope, and Fennell makes sure it’s anything but stodgy.”
Other critics were less favourable. Marianna Neal from Impression Blend stated, “It feels like a movie made for Tumblr posts.” Keith Garlington from Keith & the Movies wrote, “Fennell’s new spin on Wuthering Heights is more in love with itself than with anything Emily Brontë put to page in her highly regarded 1847 novel. Sadly, it results in a surprisingly hollow and frustratingly scattershot exercise in overindulgence.”
Hannah Lodge from Screen Rex observed, “Fennell’s bold reimagining of the source material might have worked with more cohesive character development, but as it stands, this adaptation is best appreciated as a visual feast rather than an emotionally satisfying story.”
Despite critical division, audience reception has been stronger. The film currently holds an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting positive word of mouth is supporting its early commercial success.
