Margot Robbie has been on a rollercoaster ride since her iconic turn in Barbie. While that billion-dollar smash cemented her as a Hollywood A-lister, her subsequent projects—Amsterdam, Babylon, and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey—failed to capture the same magic. So when she teamed up with director Emerald Fennell and Saltburn star Jacob Elordi for a new take on Wuthering Heights, expectations were high. The result? A film that has sparked fierce debate but is now crushing it on streaming.
Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel has been one of the most talked-about movies of 2026—and not always for the right reasons. Critics have been quick to call out what they see as a misinterpretation of the source material. The film currently holds a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with some reviews being particularly scathing. Collider's Therese Lacson gave it a 2/10, writing, "Emily Brontë is absolutely rolling in her grave," and describing it as "an adaptation that feels like a 14-year-old skimmed the book and jumped to her own conclusions."
But Fennell was upfront about her intentions. By putting the title in quotation marks, she signaled that this is more of a stylistic interpretation—a kind of fan fiction—rather than a faithful retelling. That warning didn't stop the backlash, but it also didn't stop audiences from flocking to see what all the fuss was about.
At the box office, Wuthering Heights proved that controversy can be profitable. Released around Valentine's Day, the film grossed a staggering $241 million worldwide against an $80 million budget. It held the title of the most-watched theatrical release for two weeks until Scream 7 came along. Now, almost three months after its debut, the movie has found a second life on streaming.
As of May 2026, Wuthering Heights is the most-watched movie on HBO Max globally. This streaming success mirrors the trend of other divisive titles finding huge audiences online, like Taylor Sheridan's divisive Tom Clancy thriller 'Without Remorse' dominating Prime Video. It seems that for every viewer who hated Fennell's bold choices, there's another who was captivated by the film's visual flair and daring narrative.
Robbie's performance, along with Elordi's brooding presence, has been a major draw. The film also benefits from Fennell's signature style, which blends dark humor with lush cinematography. Whether you love it or hate it, Wuthering Heights is impossible to ignore.
For those who missed it in theaters, now is the perfect time to see what all the shouting is about. Wuthering Heights is streaming now on HBO Max. And if you're in the mood for more action-romance, check out Netflix's 'My Dearest Assassin', which is also making waves this month.
Love it or loathe it, this adaptation has proven one thing: Margot Robbie's star power, combined with Fennell's fearless direction, can turn even the most divisive project into a global hit. And with streaming numbers like these, it's clear that audiences are more than willing to make up their own minds.
