Wuthering Heights didn’t just arrive in theatres — it swept in like a storm. Over the long Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, the romantic drama claimed the top spot at the global box office, turning its intense love story into the season’s biggest theatrical event.
A Passion-Fueled Start at the Box Office
Directed by Emerald Fennell, the bold reimagining of Emily Brontë’s literary classic earned $38 million across North America and a stronger-than-expected $45 million overseas. That pushes its worldwide opening to an impressive $83 million — slightly above earlier estimates.
While Warner Bros. had initially projected closer to $40 million domestically over the four-day stretch, international audiences clearly leaned into the film’s dramatic romance. With an $80 million production budget — not counting a global promotional campaign that reportedly ran into the tens of millions — the film now appears poised to rely heavily on overseas momentum for long-term success.
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi Bring the Fire
At the heart of the film are Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff — a pair of lovers whose relationship is as consuming as it is destructive.
The timing couldn’t have been more strategic. Landing squarely over Valentine’s Day weekend, the film became the go-to choice for women moviegoers, who made up more than 75% of opening weekend audiences. The romance angle clearly struck a chord, especially among younger female crowds looking for something dramatic and emotionally charged.
Interestingly, this project almost looked very different. In 2024, Netflix reportedly offered $150 million for Fennell to develop the film as a streaming exclusive. Instead, Fennell and Robbie — who also produced the film alongside MRC — opted for a leaner budget and a full-scale theatrical release under Warner Bros.. So far, that gamble seems to be paying off.
Warner Bros. Keeps Its Winning Streak Alive
The studio’s confidence isn’t accidental. “Wuthering Heights” marks Warner Bros.’ ninth consecutive No. 1 debut, following a string of 2025 hits including A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, Final Destination Bloodlines and Weapons.
That consistency has helped push the overall 2025 box office about 8% ahead of last year’s numbers, according to Comscore. Even so, attendance didn’t quite match the massive Presidents’ Day surge seen in 2025 when Captain America: Brave New World opened to $100 million.
The Competition: ‘GOAT’ and ‘Crime 101’
While “Wuthering Heights” dominated, it wasn’t alone in theatres.
Sony’s animated sports adventure GOAT surprised many by landing in second place with $35 million over the holiday frame. Families showed up in big numbers, and the film earned an “A” CinemaScore — a promising sign for word-of-mouth legs. Made on an $80 million budget, the film also collected $15.6 million internationally, bringing its global total to $50.6 million.
Then there’s Crime 101, the sleek heist thriller directed by Bart Layton and starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo. The R-rated drama pulled in $16.3 million domestically and $12 million overseas, totaling $28.3 million globally. However, with a reported $90 million production cost backed by Amazon MGM Studios, the film will need strong legs to justify its price tag — especially since theatres typically retain about half of ticket revenue.
What This Means for the Industry
The Valentine’s-to-Presidents’ Day corridor has once again proven to be a prime window for counter-programming. Instead of relying solely on superhero spectacles or franchise fare, audiences showed up for romance, animation, and adult thrillers.
The next major studio release, Scream 7 from Paramount Pictures, is set to arrive on Feb. 27. Until then, theatre owners are counting on “Wuthering Heights” and “GOAT” to sustain momentum.
Final Words
“Wuthering Heights” may not have smashed domestic projections, but it has clearly found its audience — especially overseas. By choosing theatres over streaming, Emerald Fennell and Margot Robbie took a calculated risk. For now, that decision has turned a centuries-old love story into the box office’s newest queen.
And if international audiences continue to embrace its stormy romance, this gothic drama might just have the staying power to outlast the holiday glow.
