Emily Brontë published her only novel, Wuthering Heights, in 1847, using the name Ellis Bell. Sadly, she passed away just a year later. Despite this, her powerful story – filled with themes of love, revenge, obsession, and forgiveness – has continued to captivate readers. Over 50 versions of the book have been adapted for film and television, but many fans agree the best adaptation isn’t the upcoming 2026 movie starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. The most highly regarded version was released 87 years ago.
Warner Bros. Pictures released the new movie in theaters on February 13th, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day, and it’s predicted to earn back its $80 million production cost. Soon, you’ll be able to watch, rent, or buy it online, which is great news if you prefer watching at home. But, if you always want the best possible experience, the 1939 version of Emily Brontë’s story remains the top pick.
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Has Been Met With Mixed Reviews
Warner Bros.
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights features Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the iconic lovers, Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Heathcliff, an orphaned boy taken in by the Earnshaw family, falls in love with Catherine, but she believes he isn’t good enough for her and chooses to marry another man. Devastated, Heathcliff leaves to make a fortune and eventually returns.
There was a lot of buzz around the new film, largely because the lead actors repeatedly complimented each other during filming, even saying they grew very close and missed being on set together. However, the movie, a take on Wuthering Heights, isn’t considered a particularly faithful adaptation of the book. It currently has a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is considered pretty good, though not exceptional.
While the actors give strong performances, the film doesn’t quite overcome its weaknesses. Many critics have pointed out that it’s overly sensational and adopts a playful, fairytale-like style, rather than exploring the disturbing themes present in the original novel. Emily Brontë’s book is famous for its unflinching depiction of abuse and its challenge to the strict social norms of the Victorian era. The movie also feels incomplete because it significantly shortens the story, omitting much of the second half. However, it’s worth remembering that most film adaptations of this novel have also been condensed in similar ways.
Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier’s 1939 ‘Wuthering Heights’ Adaptation Is Perfect
Samuel Goldwyn Productions
William Wyler, the director of the classic film Ben-Hur, also created what many consider the definitive movie adaptation of Wuthering Heights in 1939. The film powerfully portrays the novel’s tragic elements and the feeling that the characters are victims of circumstance. We see a lot of Heathcliff’s difficult childhood as a stable boy and how Catherine is drawn to the wealthy family at Thrushcross Grange. As they face more obstacles, the deep connection between them intensifies, making Catherine’s famous declaration, “I am Heathcliff!” truly believable.
Interestingly, the main actors in this film delivered stronger performances than Jacob Elordi and Robbie, despite lacking the same on-screen spark. Director William Wyler’s decision to cast Laurence Olivier (who was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar) and Merle Oberon proved problematic, as they disliked each other intensely. Their feud originated during the filming of a previous movie, The Divorce of Lady X, and Wyler’s biography from 1995 reveals they nearly came to blows on set.
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The striking black-and-white visuals of Wuthering Heights are a key part of its appeal. Shot on location in Yorkshire, the film creates a classic Gothic mood without relying on scares. Its beautiful look was made possible by the Mitchell Camera Corporation, who allowed the production to be the first to use their new Mitchell BNC camera – a model that would become a studio standard for over half a century and inspire the Panavision cameras that followed. It’s no wonder the film won an Oscar for Best Cinematography, and it still looks fantastic today.
If you want a film that truly stays faithful to Emily Brontë’s novel, the William Wyler version is your best bet.
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2026-02-16 18:33