Your Watch Guide for Every Version of ‘Wuthering Heights’ & All Brontë Adaptations
Nothing beats a classic Brontë adaptation, in our humble opinion. There’s just something timeless about the three sisters’ novels. Sure, we might not be traipsing up and down the moors, wailing about our heartbreak — but we are posting TikToks about it and surviving the horrors of dating apps. We might not discover an ex-wife locked in the attic, but honestly, who hasn’t dated someone who complains about their “psycho ex” and is definitely the problem themselves?
There’s one very exciting new Wuthering Heights adaptation on the way — by our girl Emerald Fennell, the woman behind Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. But while we wait, here are some of the best Brontë adaptations and where to find them.
Wuthering Heights Adaptations
In case you didn’t read this incredible Emily Brontë novel in high school or since then, let’s quickly catch you up. Wuthering Heights is a dark and passionate tale of love, revenge, and obsession set on the Yorkshire moors. It follows the doomed romance between the brooding Heathcliff and the headstrong Catherine Earnshaw, whose choices ripple across generations.
Everett Collection
Wuthering Heights (1939)
We’re talking almost a century ago (let that sink in), but we like to cover all our bases. This was the first non-silent version of Wuthering Heights, starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, directed by William Wyler. Like many adaptations, it skips the second-generation story — goodbye, young Cathy, Linton, and Hareton — and isn’t exactly faithful to the novel.
Still, it made waves: It won the 1939 New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Film and was nominated for the 1939 Academy Award for Best Picture. Fun fact: it was filmed in California (yikes), and for some reason, Heathcliff is green on the poster — very Wicked vibes. In 2007, Wuthering Heights was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Where to watch Wuthering Heights (1939):
Prime Video, Tubi, Sling TV, and PLEX.
Wuthering Heights (1967)
In 1967, BBC Two aired a four-part television adaptation of Wuthering Heights. This time, at least, it was filmed in the UK, namely, the moody landscapes of Yorkshire. It starred Ian McShane as Heathcliff and Angela Scoular as Catherine Earnshaw. Once again, despite the longer format, the second-generation story was left out.
Where to watch Wuthering Heights (1967):
This version is not available to stream anywhere, but you can buy the DVD on Amazon!
Wuthering Heights (1970)
Not long after, we got another take on the beloved novel. The 1970 film, starring Timothy Dalton as Heathcliff, was the first color adaptation of Wuthering Heights. While it was initially poorly received, it has gained appreciation over the years. Hindley is portrayed more sympathetically, and his story arc is altered, while the film even subtly hints that Heathcliff might be Cathy’s illegitimate half-brother — what in The White Lotus Season 3 is that?
Like the 1939 version, it covers only the first sixteen chapters, ending with Cathy Linton’s death, and skips the trials of her daughter, Hindley’s son, and Heathcliff’s son. The music stood out, earning a Best Original Score nomination at the 28th Golden Globe Awards.
Where to watch Wuthering Heights (1970):
You can watch for free on Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV.
Wuthering Heights (1978)
Not quite a decade later, another British TV adaptation appeared, this time a series again. The five-part miniseries starred Ken Hutchison, Kay Adshead, Pat Heywood, and John Duttine, with each episode running about an hour. Produced by BBC Two and filmed on the windswept Yorkshire Moors, it delivered all the moody atmosphere you’d expect.
This adaptation is particularly important because it’s widely regarded as the most faithful to the original novel. Unlike earlier versions, it doesn’t end with Cathy’s death but continues into the next generation, showing Heathcliff pursuing revenge against those he feels have wronged him.
Where to watch Wuthering Heights (1978):
You can watch on Britbox with a subscription.
Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (1992)
Now, for some big names we actually recognize! First up: A slight title tweak to Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Why the change? Paramount Pictures had to use the author’s name because Samuel Goldwyn Studio (later sold to MGM) owned the rights to the simple title Wuthering Heights from their 1939 film adaptation.
The film starred Ralph Fiennes as Heathcliff and Juliette Binoche as Catherine Earnshaw, complete with a gorgeous sepia-toned cover. Fun fact: It was actually Fiennes’ film debut, and he and Binoche later reunited for The English Patient. Playing Heathcliff also opened the door for him to portray Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List because Steven Spielberg reportedly loved Fiennes for the role because of his “dark sexuality.”
This adaptation is praised for including the often-omitted second-generation story, showing the children of Cathy, Hindley, and Heathcliff. That said, it wasn’t a critical darling, earning largely negative reviews and a 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Where to watch Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (1992):
You can watch for free on Pluto TV.
Wuthering Heights (2009)
This time, British broadcaster ITV delivered a two-part series, each episode running 90 minutes, and aired on consecutive nights at the end of summer — poetic, really. The series starred Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley as the iconic lovers Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Critics gave it a generally mixed response, though it fared better than the 1992 adaptation. Hardy, in particular, was praised for capturing Heathcliff’s dangerously magnetic presence. (Hardy and Riley fell in love on set and have since married.)
This version aimed to dig deeper than the typical love story, highlighting how damage is passed through generations and exploring the destructive power of hate and revenge.
Where to watch Wuthering Heights (2009):
You can watch for free on PLEX and on PBS with a subscription.
MTV/Everett Collection
Wuthering Heights (2003)
We have a duty to cover all Brontë adaptations, no matter how wild, which is why we’re including this MTV version that later landed on DVD.
It starred Erika Christensen, Mike Vogel, Christopher Masterson, Katherine Heigl, John Doe, and Aimee Osbourne. Yes, that Heigl from Grey’s Anatomy, playing Isabel Linton — her third “Izzy” role if you count her time on the medical drama and the underrated Roswell.
This modern take was set in California (though filmed in Puerto Rico) and leaned heavily into a rock soundtrack. It’s a wild ride, so if you have some free time and want a good Brontë-inspired laugh, this one’s for you.
Where to watch Wuthering Heights (2003):
You can watch on fuboTV and The Roku Channel with subscriptions.
Wuthering Heights (2011)
Directed by Andrea Arnold and starring Kaya Scodelario as Catherine Earnshaw and James Howson as Heathcliff, this film didn’t get nearly the attention it deserved. We were especially excited to see Scodelario, known for her rebellious turn in Skins, and a more age-appropriate choice than in many previous adaptations.
James Howson also made history as the first Black actor to play Heathcliff — a choice that aligns more closely with Brontë’s original description of him as a “dark-skinned gypsy in aspect.” To top it off, Grammy-nominated band Mumford & Sons recorded two songs for the film, giving you yet another reason to watch it immediately.
Where to watch Wuthering Heights (2011):
You can watch for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, and Fandango at Home.
Wuthering High School (2015)
Once again, they couldn’t leave Emily Brontë’s classic alone. Wuthering High School is a 2015 American made-for-TV drama directed by Anthony DiBlasi, starring Francesca Eastwood, Paloma Kwiatkowski, and James Caan. Naturally, it’s set in sunny Malibu.
The biggest problem with these Californian adaptations? They simply can’t capture the moody, brooding atmosphere of the Yorkshire Moors, an essential ingredient for truly understanding Wuthering Heights.
Where to watch Wuthering High School (2015):
Wuthering High School isn’t available to stream anywhere at the moment, but you can rent/buy on Apple TV, Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, and Fandango at Home.
Warner Bros.
“Wuthering Heights” (2026)
In July 2024, it was announced that Emerald Fennell would write and direct a new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights for Warner Bros., starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff.
Eagle-eyed fans have noticed the quotation marks around the title. Is this truly an adaptation of the novel? A story within a story? Honestly, we don’t know yet. The film is already generating buzz — both good and bad — for Charli XCX‘s soundtrack, the casting choices, those mysterious quotation marks, and the claim that this is the greatest “love story.”
Where to watch Wuthering Heights (2026):
The latest version will hit theaters on February 13, 2026.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall Adaptations
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, by Anne Brontë, tells the story of Helen Graham, a mysterious young woman who moves into the dilapidated Wildfell Hall, hiding a troubled past. Through her diary, we learn she escaped an abusive, alcoholic husband to protect her young son and preserve her independence.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1968)
BBC produced a four-part series of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, with each episode running 45 minutes. The serial starred Janet Munro as Helen Graham, Bryan Marshall as Gilbert Markham, and Corin Redgrave as her spoiled, alcoholic husband Arthur Huntington.
Sadly, with a heavy heart, we must report that the series is incomplete: Episode one, titled “Recluse,” is missing from the BBC Archive.
Where to watch The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1968):
You can buy episodes of the 1968 series on Fandango at Home.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1996)
The BBC revisited The Tenant of Wildfell Hall with a three-part series in 1996, directed by Mike Barker. The serial starred Tara Fitzgerald as Helen Graham, Rupert Graves as her abusive husband Arthur Huntington, and Toby Stephens as Gilbert Markham.
The first two episodes aired together, with the third following a week later — a classic move to build anticipation. The BBC had hoped the series would match the popularity of their recent Pride and Prejudice production from the previous year, but alas, it didn’t quite hit those heights, though it did receive award nominations for costume and production design.
Where to watch The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1996):
You can watch for free on Tubi, Prime Video, and The Roku Channel.
Jane Eyre Adaptations
Another classic from high school, which only becomes more beloved with age. Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Brontë, follows the life of an orphaned girl who overcomes a harsh childhood to become a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she falls in love with her mysterious employer, Mr. Rochester, but discovers he harbors a dark secret that tests their relationship.
Jane Eyre (1934)
The first talkie adaptation of Jane Eyre came with a very, very yellow movie poster. Directed by Christy Cabanne, it starred Virginia Bruce as Jane and Colin Clive as Rochester. Not much is known about this version, though many found it unremarkable compared to the novel.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (1934):
You can watch for free on Tubi.
Jane Eyre (1943)
Almost a decade later, another film adaptation of Jane Eyre arrived, directed by Robert Stevenson and produced (uncredited) by Kenneth Macgowan and Orson Welles. Welles also starred as Edward Rochester, with Joan Fontaine as the titular Jane.
Fun twist: Fontaine had previously starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 Rebecca, based on the Daphne du Maurier novel heavily influenced by Jane Eyre. Critics praised the film’s moody atmosphere for staying true to the novel’s tone, though some found it tame.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (1943):
You can’t stream this Jane Eyre for free right now, but you can buy/rent it on Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Jane Eyre (1970)
Back to the Brits for another Jane Eyre adaptation, though this one was released on NBC in the U.S. in 1971. Directed by Delbert Mann, it starred George C. Scott and Susannah York.
Fun fact: In the 1980s, the film was dubbed into Mandarin and released widely in China. It was so popular that entire monologues were memorized by many, eventually leading to an audio cassette version that outsold the dubbed film itself.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (1970):
You can watch for free on Tubi, PLEX, and Prime Video.
Jane Eyre (1973)
This 1973 four-hour adaptation of Jane Eyre was originally broadcast as a five-part BBC television drama, directed by Joan Craft and starring Sorcha Cusack and Michael Jayston.
The series received generally positive reviews, particularly for its faithfulness to the novel. This was most evident in the early episodes, though later installments felt a bit rushed due to the sheer amount of material covered. Ironically, the commitment to the story was both a strength and a weakness, as it sometimes trudged through content at the expense of pacing.
Cusack is still considered one of the definitive Jane Eyres, bringing a quiet strength to the role while maintaining the reserved, introspective quality of the character. She wasn’t cast for conventional beauty, but for the kind of mysterious allure that has always defined this beloved literary heroine.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (1973):
You can buy this adaptation on YouTube.
Jane Eyre (1983)
This might just be the Brontë adaptation with the most episodes: an 11-part BBC series, each episode running 30 minutes. Filmed in Northamptonshire and directed by Julian Amyes, it starred Zelah Clarke as Jane Eyre and Timothy Dalton as Edward Rochester.
Perhaps due to the sprawling format or minimal marketing, the series hasn’t left a particularly memorable mark in the long history of Jane Eyre adaptations.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (1983):
You can watch for free on Tubi and The Roku Channel.
Miramax / Everett Collection
Jane Eyre (1996)
Hollywood took another crack at this gothic classic with Franco Zeffirelli at the helm. The film compresses and omits much of the last quarter of the novel — the running away, trials and tribulations, new relationships, and jobs — to fit the story into a two-hour runtime.
And for some star power: Charlotte Gainsbourg as Jane Eyre, Anna Paquin as Young Jane, William Hurt as Edward Fairfax Rochester, Fiona Shaw as Mrs. Reed, and Elle Macpherson as Blanche Ingram — yes, the Australian supermodel.
Thornfield Hall was filmed at Haddon Hall in Bakewell, Derbyshire, United Kingdom. Since Zeffirelli’s adaptation, Haddon Hall has become synonymous with Thornfield, though it was previously used as the castle in The Princess Bride. The film received generally positive reviews, holding a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though some critics felt Hurt’s Rochester was more eccentric than brooding.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (1996):
You can watch for free on Pluto TV and Fandango at Home.
Jane Eyre (1997)
ITV broadcast this adaptation of Jane Eyre, starring Samantha Morton in the title role and Ciarán Hinds as Rochester. The cast included several actors familiar to period drama fans, like Gemma Jones as Mrs. Fairfax (Sense and Sensibility) and Hinds (Persuasion).
This version is notable for omitting key middle sections of the story, including Jane’s conflicts with Mrs. Reed, her relationship with the Rivers family, and her paternal uncle’s inheritance from Madeira.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (1997):
You can watch for free on Tubi, PLEX, and The Roku Channel.
Jane Eyre (2006)
This four-part BBC television drama starred Georgie Henley as young Jane (fresh off The Chronicles of Narnia) and Ruth Wilson as adult Jane. Toby Stephens played Rochester, known for his role as a Bond villain in Die Another Day (2002).
The series aired on most PBS stations in the U.S. and surprisingly found a strong audience in Portugal and Spain. Director Susanna White and writer Sandy Welch were praised for staying faithful to the novel while making it accessible for modern viewers. The adaptation earned multiple BAFTA and Emmy nominations, taking home awards for hair and costume design.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (2006):
You can watch for free on Pluto TV and The Roku Channel, as well as Hulu, Peacock, and Britbox with subscriptions.
Laurie Sparham / Focus Features / Everett Collection
Jane Eyre (2011)
Now for the Jane Eyre adaptation that truly captured the novel’s gothic essence. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and written by Moira Buffini, it starred Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender as the intense, complicated couple.
It holds the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating among Jane Eyre films, at 85%, with Wasikowska consistently praised as possibly the best Jane Eyre ever portrayed. This version stays faithful to the novel without needing a radical update or feeling stiff — it’s lively, emotional, and exactly the kind of adaptation Brontë would have wanted.
Where to watch Jane Eyre (2011):
You can rent/buy this version on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Fandango at Home.
Films about the Brontë Family
To Walk Invisible (2016)
Written and directed by Sally Wainwright, this BBC One film focused on the lives and relationships of the three Brontë sisters —Charlotte, Emily, and Anne — and their brother Branwell. It later aired in the U.S. on PBS under the title To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters.
Finn Atkins played Charlotte, Chloe Pirrie played Emily, Charlie Murphy played Anne, and Adam Nagaitis played their brother Branwell. While the film is undeniably sad — reflecting the real hardships the family endured — it also captures the sisters’ incredible resilience as they defied the odds of their time to achieve literary success, leaving a legacy that endures centuries later.
Some criticism came from Peggy Hewitt, a member of the Brontë Society, who argued that the characterisation of the family wasn’t entirely accurate.
Where to watch To Walk Invisible (2016):
You can watch To Walk Invisible on Prime Video now.
Emily (2022)
Emily is a 2022 British biographical drama written and directed by Frances O’Connor in her directorial debut. The film offers a partly fictional portrait of English writer Emily Brontë (played by Emma Mackey), focusing on a romantic relationship with the young curate William Weightman.
Mackey, previously known for her role as Maeve in Sex Education, took on a very different and challenging role here. The supporting cast includes Fionn Whitehead, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Alexandra Dowling, Amelia Gething, Adrian Dunbar, and Gemma Jones — yes, the same Jones who appeared in a Jane Eyre adaptation, a delightful little coincidence.
Critics praised the film as a “gothic fable,” striking the perfect balance between fact and fiction. Vibrant and captivating, it’s honestly a perfect pick for a Sunday afternoon watch.
Where to watch Emily (2022):
You can watch for free on Tubi, Fandango at Home, and PLEX.
