1939 'Wuthering Heights' Outshines the 2026 Adaptation

Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights has inspired more than 50 adaptations, yet Emerald Fennell’s 2026 film — released Feb. 13 and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi — has met mixed reviews. The movie holds a 65% score on Rotten Tomatoes and, despite strong lead performances, has been criticized for a raunchier, Cinderella-like tone, truncating much of the novel’s second half and skimming past its darker elements.

It is expected to recoup the $80 million production cost and will be available to stream, rent, and purchase soon. Many viewers who want a version closer to Brontë’s social tragedy still prefer William Wyler’s 1939 adaptation. Starring Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff and Merle Oberon as Catherine, that film spends time on Heathcliff’s mistreatment, the pull of Thrushcross Grange, and the metaphysical bond that culminates in Cathy’s “I am Heathcliff!” moment, a line the picture sells convincingly.

Behind the scenes, Olivier and Oberon disliked one another strongly and nearly came to blows during filming.

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