Valentine’s Day Box Office Boost: ‘Wuthering Heights’ & Beyond
The box office saw a significant lift this Valentine’s Day weekend, led by Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. The film garnered $3 million from Thursday previews at 3,000 locations, signaling a strong start.
‘Wuthering Heights’ Eyes $40M-$50M Holiday Weekend
While not matching the $7 million previews of It Ends With Us, industry sources anticipate a surge in ticket sales over the Valentine’s Day holiday and the subsequent Presidents’ Day holiday. Presales for Wuthering Heights already stand at $14 million, with projections estimating a $40M-$50M four-day gross in North America. The film currently holds a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the rights to the film for $80 million, surpassing a $150 million offer from Netflix.
Animated Success: ‘GOAT’ Leaps to $20M Projection
Sony Pictures Animation’s GOAT similarly performed well, earning $1 million in Thursday previews from 3030 locations. Early PostTrak ratings are high, with 5-stars from kids under 12 and 4.5-stars from parents and general audiences. Sony projects a $20 million four-day haul, potentially higher due to a lack of family-friendly releases. GOAT currently boasts an 80% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Noir Thriller ‘Crime 101’ Delivers Solid Start
Amazon MGM Studios’ Crime 101, featuring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo, brought in $1 million in overall previews. The film is aiming for a $15 million four-day opening. It currently holds an 86% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Amazon MGM Studios relies on theatrical releases to recoup marketing costs, a benchmark Crime 101 appears poised to meet.
Weekly Box Office Roundup
Here’s a look at how other films performed this past week:
- Send Help: $13M (Wk 2) – Total $38.9M
- Solo Mio: $10.5M (Wk 1)
- Iron Lung: $9.2M (Wk 2) – Total $34M
- Dracula: $6.0M (Wk 1)
- Zootopia 2: $5.1M (Wk 11) – Total $415.6M
The Shifting Landscape of Valentine’s Day Moviegoing
The success of Wuthering Heights on Valentine’s Day echoes past trends. Eleven years ago, Fifty Shades of Grey opened to a massive $93 million over four days when Valentine’s Day fell on a Saturday. This demonstrates the potential for romantic dramas and films geared towards couples to capitalize on the holiday weekend.
The Power of Presales and Holiday Weekends
The $14 million in presales for Wuthering Heights highlights the increasing importance of advance ticket purchases. This allows studios to gauge interest and adjust marketing strategies accordingly. The inclusion of the Presidents’ Day holiday further extends the potential for strong box office numbers.
FAQ
Q: What is the runtime of Wuthering Heights?
A: 136 minutes.
Q: Who directed Wuthering Heights?
A: Emerald Fennell.
Q: Which studio distributed Wuthering Heights?
A: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Q: What is the budget for Wuthering Heights?
A: $80 million.
Q: What is the current Rotten Tomatoes score for Wuthering Heights?
A: 65%
Did you know? Wuthering Heights premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on January 28, 2026.
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