Hollywood’s latest romantic drama is breaking barriers and drawing massive crowds, proving that women-led stories can dominate the box office. Emerald Fennell’s reimagining of “Wuthering Heights” has scored an impressive $34.8 million in its opening weekend, with a staggering 76% of ticket buyers being women.

Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the iconic star-crossed lovers Catherine and Heathcliff, the film represents a bold contemporary take on Emily Brontë’s classic novel. Despite mixed critical reviews, sitting at 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences have shown significant enthusiasm for the film.

The movie’s success comes at an interesting time for Warner Bros., which is currently navigating potential corporate shifts with Paramount’s ongoing takeover bid. This ninth consecutive No. 1 opening suggests the studio remains a powerful force in entertainment.

Interestingly, the film performed even stronger internationally, with projected earnings of $42 million across 76 territories. Its Valentine’s Day performance was particularly notable, earning $14 million on that single day.

The weekend’s box office also highlighted other successful films, including the animated “GOAT” produced by basketball star Stephen Curry, which secured second place with $26 million. The heist thriller “Crime 101,” featuring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, landed in third place with $15.1 million.

Disney also marked a milestone, becoming the first studio to cross $1 billion in global box office earnings for 2026, largely driven by “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and continued success of “Zootopia 2”.

As the film industry continues to evolve, “Wuthering Heights” demonstrates the commercial potential of women-driven narratives and innovative storytelling approaches. With upcoming international releases in Japan, Vietnam, and China, the film’s global impact is far from over.

Marketplace analyst Paul Dergarabedian noted that while the weekend wasn’t record-breaking, it potentially signals a revitalization of the box office after a slow first quarter.