Love, Revenge, and the Moors: The Ultimate Guide to “Wuthering Heights” (From 1939 to 2026)

Emily Brontë’s 1847 masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, has captivated readers for centuries with its raw passion and Gothic atmosphere. Its journey to the screen has been long and varied, resulting in numerous adaptations that each bring a unique vision to the windswept Yorkshire moors.

From the black-and-white classic of 1939 to Emerald Fennell’s highly controversial 2026 release, filmmakers have continually tried to capture the novel’s dark magic.

This guide provides a complete overview of the most significant film versions, including the latest box office stats, cast lists, and where to stream them.

The Story That Haunts Us All

At its core, Wuthering Heights is not a romance, but a story of all-consuming love and destructive revenge.

• The Setup: The narrative is framed through Mr. Lockwood, a newcomer to the moors who visits the imposing farmhouse of Wuthering Heights. There, the housekeeper, Ellen “Nelly” Dean, recounts the tragic history of the family.
• The Bond: Years earlier, Mr. Earnshaw adopts a foundling boy, Heathcliff. He forms an unbreakable, spiritual bond with Earnshaw’s daughter, Catherine “Cathy.”
• The Betrayal: After Earnshaw dies, Cathy marries the wealthy Edgar Linton to improve her social standing, despite loving Heathcliff.
• The Revenge: Heartbroken and vengeful, Heathcliff returns years later as a wealthy man to destroy both the Earnshaw and Linton families.

The 2026 Sensation: Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights”

Status: In Theaters Now | Rotten Tomatoes: 60%

The most talked-about version in decades is director Emerald Fennell’s (Saltburn) bold, modern take. Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this adaptation sparked intense debate long before its release.

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Why It’s Controversial

Fennell’s version is described as a “reimagining” rather than a faithful adaptation. She strips away secondary plots to focus exclusively on the primal, obsessive lust between the leads.

• The Critics: Reception is sharply divided. While the cinematography and Elordi’s brooding presence are praised, critics argue the film reduces complex characters to mere shadows driven only by lust.
• The Casting: The choice of Jacob Elordi (a white Australian actor) as Heathcliff drew backlash. In the book, Heathcliff is described as “dark-skinned,” often interpreted as Romani or Black. Fennell defended the choice as an artistic interpretation of her “emotional response” to the book.

Box Office Performance

Despite the critical mauling, the film is a commercial hit. It has grossed over $80 million in its opening week worldwide against an $80 million budget, driving a massive 500% increase in novel sales. Audiences seem drawn to its “spicy and dangerous” tone.

The Undisputed Classic: “Wuthering Heights” (1939)

Director: William Wyler | Awards: Academy Award for Cinematography

Directed by William Wyler, this version is often considered the definitive adaptation, despite covering only the first half of the novel.

• The Vibe: Starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, it is a masterclass in Hollywood romance.
• The Look: Gregg Toland’s stunning black-and-white cinematography won an Oscar and perfectly captures the desolate beauty of the moors.
• Legacy: Nominated for eight Academy Awards (including Best Picture), it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2007.

Cast Comparison: Who Played It Best?

Here is a look at the actors who brought these iconic characters to life across the decades.

Character	1939 Classic	1992 Adaptation	2011 (Andrea Arnold)	2026 (Emerald Fennell)
Heathcliff	Laurence Olivier	Ralph Fiennes	James Howson	Jacob Elordi
Catherine	Merle Oberon	Juliette Binoche	Kaya Scodelario	Margot Robbie
Edgar Linton	David Niven	Simon Shepherd	James Northcote	Shazad Latif
Isabella	Geraldine Fitzgerald	Sophie Ward	Nichola Burley	Alison Oliver
Nelly Dean	Flora Robson	Janet McTeer	Simone Jackson	Hong Chau

Where to Watch “Wuthering Heights” (Streaming Guide)

Finding the right version can be tricky. Here is where you can watch them in the US/Global markets:

• Wuthering Heights (1939): Available for rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Occasionally streams on The Criterion Channel.
• Wuthering Heights (1992): Starring Ralph Fiennes, this version is streaming on Paramount+.
• Wuthering Heights (2011): Andrea Arnold’s gritty take is available on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ (select regions).
• Wuthering Heights (2026): Currently Only in Theaters.
  • Digital Rental Release: Expected Late March 2026.
  • Streaming Release: Expected on Max (HBO) in late April or May 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the 2026 Wuthering Heights movie loyal to the book?

A: No. Emerald Fennell’s 2026 version is a “reimagining” that focuses on the toxic romance and cuts many side characters and the second-generation plot.

Q: Why is there controversy over Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff?

A: In Emily Brontë’s novel, Heathcliff is described as “dark-skinned,” leading many scholars to believe he was not white. Casting a white actor was seen by many fans as “whitewashing.”

Q: Which Wuthering Heights movie is the best?

A: The 1939 version is considered the best “classic” film, while the 2011 version is praised for being the most realistic and gritty. The 2026 version is best for fans of stylized, modern psychological thrillers.