Emerald Fennell’s bold new adaptation of Wuthering Heights led the North American box office during the Presidents Day and Valentine’s Day weekend, earning $34.8 million in its first three days across 3,682 theaters, according to studio estimates released on February 16, 2026. Warner Bros. projected that the four-day holiday total could reach $40 million, marking the biggest opening of the year so far. PostTrak polling indicated that women made up 76% of ticket buyers, highlighting the film’s strong appeal to female audiences. Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the romantic drama outperformed competing releases including the animated film GOAT and the heist thriller Crime 101, reinforcing the studio’s recent streak of box office successes.

The film’s global performance has been equally robust, with expectations of $42 million from international markets, pushing the worldwide debut near $82 million. Despite a reported $80 million production budget and additional marketing expenses, analysts described the opening as a promising start, particularly as major releases remain limited early in the year. The movie’s reception has been polarizing, earning a 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a B CinemaScore from audiences, suggesting mixed reactions. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. faces uncertainty amid Paramount’s ongoing takeover bid, making the film’s momentum especially significant for the studio. Industry observers noted that the weekend performance signals a gradual recovery after a slow first quarter, with several major releases expected in the coming weeks to further boost theater attendance.