The global box office has been captivated by a storm of passion and drama, as the classic tale of Wuthering Heights breathes new life into cinemas worldwide. With a staggering $77 million in its opening weekend, this romantic epic has left audiences enthralled and critics divided.
But here's the twist: despite falling short of initial projections, the film has already surpassed expectations in many ways. Emerald Fennell's bold adaptation of Emily Brontë's novel took in $34.8 million in North America, making it the year's biggest opener so far. And this is just the beginning, as Warner Bros. predicts a total of $40 million by the end of the extended President's Day weekend.
The film's international appeal is equally impressive, grossing $42 million in 76 territories. Interestingly, the audience demographics vary across regions, with more men reportedly attending screenings outside North America, where women dominated the theaters. This gender dynamic adds an intriguing layer to the film's reception.
In Australia, the film's stars, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, brought in a remarkable $6.07 million, showcasing their local appeal. With a global total of $82 million, the film has already covered its production costs, excluding marketing expenses, in its opening weekend alone. And with upcoming releases in Japan, Vietnam, and China, the film's success is far from over.
However, amidst the celebration, there's a storm brewing. Warner Bros., the studio behind this triumph, faces an uncertain future as Paramount aggressively pursues a hostile takeover, aiming to outbid Netflix. Wuthering Heights is the studio's ninth consecutive No. 1 opening, following a successful 2025 lineup. But the real controversy lies in the film's critical reception.
Fennell's interpretation has sparked debate, with critics divided. While Rotten Tomatoes gives it a mixed 63%, audience reactions are even more intriguing. Only half of the opening-weekend viewers would 'definitely recommend' the film, and it received a B CinemaScore. This raises the question: is Wuthering Heights a masterpiece or a misfire?
In other box office news, GOAT, an animated film produced by NBA star Stephen Curry, scored second place with $26 million. Crime 101, starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, debuted in third with $15.1 million, but faces an uphill battle to recoup its substantial production budget. Meanwhile, The Walt Disney Studios reached a milestone, becoming the first to cross $1 billion globally in 2026, thanks to Avatar: Fire and Ash and the enduring Zootopia 2.
And this is the part that keeps the industry on the edge of its seat: with the future of Warner Bros. at stake, will Wuthering Heights' success be a saving grace or a fleeting triumph? The box office battle continues, and the audience's verdict is yet to be decided. What's your take on this cinematic sensation?
