The top 5 ever Wuthering Heights adaptations which fans branded 10/10 | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
Wuthering Heights is a classic English literature novel that tells a gothic yet turbulent story of the relationships between the Earnshaw and Linton families on the Yorkshire Moors. The newest adaptation stars Australian A-listers Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the main roles of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. The pair play lovers but their story takes a dark turn when a need for revenge hurts many families.
The 2026 film has already received a rating of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 72 reviews. While the score is set to change there are other adaptations of the classic novel which fans have branded ten out of ten while others have been a bit of a dud. Express.co.uk has counted down the “best ever” adaptions of Wuthering Heights and number one is a “true masterpiece”.
Wuthering Heights
5. Wuthering Heights (1992)
The 1992 historical film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights directed by Peter Kosminsky starred Ralph Fiennes as Heathcliff and Juliette Binoche as Catherine Earnshaw.
It has only scored 31% on Rotten Tomatoes but received five stars from fan critics. One reviewer praised, “Always loved this film since I was a young girl. I find Ralph Fiennes is the perfect Heathcliff. The ending moves me to tears every single time I watch this film. You can feel how much he pines for Cathy.”
Another echoed: “Timeless and my favourite adaptation. They managed to capture the mood of the book, I love everyone’ s performance. The scenery is exactly how I’ve pictured Wuthering Heights. The fact that it has Sinead O’Connor as a narrator makes it even more special. And the music is my forever favourite.”
(Image: Imdb)
Wuthering Heights
4. Wuthering Heights (2011)
The 2011 adaptation starred James Howson as Heathcliff and Solomon Glave as the younger leading character alongside Kaya Scodelario as Catherine Earnshaw.
Directed by Andrea Arnold the British Gothic romantic drama continues to receive praise from online reviewers and critics.
With a score of 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, one said, “This atmospheric take on Wuthering Heights is a slow-burning masterpiece, drenched in raw emotion and strikingly interpretative cinematography.”
Another gushed: “One of several film adaptations of Emily Bronte’s famous classic novel, this 2011 film by Andrea Arnold is a heartbreaking story of romance happening in a backdrop of prejudice, physical and mental cruelty, betrayal, and misunderstanding, with solid performances.”
(Image: Imdb)
Wuthering Heights
3. Wuthering Heights (1970)
The 1970 British period romantic drama film was directed by Robert Fuest. It starred Timothy Dalton as Heathcliff and Anna Calder-Marshall as Catherine Earnshaw.
This adaptation received a score of 64% on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer said: “In my opinion, this is the best version of all the Wuthering Heights movies. Very passionate.”
A second remarked: “Excellent movie. Watched so many times. Never bored of it.”
(Image: Imdb)
Wuthering Heights
2. Wuthering Heights (2009)
The two-part British series was adapted for the screen by Peter Bowker and directed by Coky Giedroyc. The programme stars Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley in the roles of the lovers Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.
With an impressive score of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, one fan gushed: “By far the best adaptation I have seen. Not perfect but a mostly faithful retelling. Tom Hardy is a very good Heathcliffe and you can never go wrong with causing Burn Gorman as a villain or complex character like Hindley.”
A second penned: “Excellent actors in this two-part British ITV television series adaptation of the novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Intense performances from Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley about passion, obsession, and revenge.”
(Image: PBS)
