In a fresh twist on Emily Brontë’s classic, Emerald Fennell’s version of “Wuthering Heights” infuses the narrative with soap opera-like drama and modern plot twists while still exploring themes of class conflict, generational trauma, and forbidden love. The tale of the wealthy Cathy Earnshaw (played by Margot Robbie) and the orphaned Heathcliff (portrayed by Jacob Elordi), whom her father adopts, has been retold countless times. However, this rendition stands out with its vibrant and uncivilized portrayal. The film is a visually stunning spectacle brimming with passion, perfect for an afternoon escape.
If Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” captivated you, you might also be drawn to other boldly written tales of historical heroines or stories of thwarted romance. We’ve curated a list of five films featuring heart-wrenching narratives where miscommunication, stubbornness, bad luck, and chaos challenge love. These films explore whether true love triumphs or falters, making them perfect companions for anyone who enjoyed the new “Wuthering Heights.”
Both “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights” are cherished literary works with numerous film adaptations—47 for “Jane Eyre” and 30 for “Wuthering Heights.” The 2011 film adaptation of “Jane Eyre” might resonate with fans of the 2026 “Wuthering Heights” due to its ability to intensify drama while keeping viewers invested in Jane (Mia Wasikowska) and Edward Rochester’s (Michael Fassbender) seemingly impossible love story. This version is more refined and serious than “Wuthering Heights,” yet it remains equally gripping in its quiet intensity.
The movie follows Jane as she takes on the role of governess at the remote Thornfield Hall. Having endured a harsh upbringing as an orphan, she becomes a strong yet compassionate woman. However, she is unprepared for the secrets Edward conceals, even as her affection for him grows. Ultimately, Jane must muster the strength to break away from Edward’s unpredictable nature, even if it means severing their delicate bond.
Jane Eyre
Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” is a delightful choice for fans of “Wuthering Heights,” as it defies conventional boundaries of time, space, and history. This biographical film features the iconic queen (Kirsten Dunst) sporting sneakers, with new wave music setting the tone, and scenes of extravagant excess unfolding vividly. Coppola intentionally crafts a narrative that juxtaposes the tragic and triumphant aspects of teenage life with opulence and decadence. Marie’s story unfolds as a poignant tragedy, highlighting the vulnerability of entrusting a kingdom’s fate to someone barely more than a child.
The film follows Jane as she becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, located deep in the moorland. She is an orphan whose cruel childhood has formed her into a woman of staunch but caring character. Yet she’s unprepared for the secrets that Edward harbors, even as she begins to fall in love with him. Ultimately, she must have the courage to run from Edward’s vagaries — even if it means shedding their fragile new bond.
Marie Antoinette
Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” is unbound by the rules of space, time, and history, making it a perfect next stop for “Wuthering Heights” fans. Deliberately anachronistic, this is a biographical picture that has the titular queen (Kirsten Dunst) wear sneakers. New wave music blasts on the soundtrack, and scenes of wild excess play out before the viewer’s dazed eyes. This is all deliberate; Coppola is weaving a tale about the tragedies and triumphs of teenage life around bits of glitter and gloms of silk. Marie’s story is a tragedy — it’s what happens when you place the welfare of an entire kingdom in the hands of someone who’s barely more than a child.
The film loosely chronicles Marie’s life from her arrival in France ahead of her marriage to Louis XVI (Jason Schwartzman) to the storming of the Bastille and her family’s imprisonment in the Tuileries. In between there is scandal, flirtation, parties, and an affair with Axel von Fersen (Jamie Dornan).
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
“Lady Chatterley’s Lover” is another erotic period piece movie about lovers who nearly miss their chance at happiness. Netflix’s 2022 adaptation is fearless in its portrayal of heedless sexual passion, something that “Wuthering Heights” fans won’t shrink away from when prowling for a new flick to try out. Connie Chatterley (Emma Corrin) and Oliver Mellors (Jack O’Connell) earn a much happier ending than Cathy and Heathcliff, though they commit adultery without shame or regret as well.
To Connie’s credit, the adultery is her husband, Sir Clifford Chatterley’s (Matthew Duckett) idea. Wounded in combat during his service in World War I, Clifford is paralyzed from the waist down. Clifford’s heart is hardened by his injury, and he becomes cruel, losing the sweet, progressive ways that had so beguiled Connie’s heart before their marriage.
Unable to fulfill his marital duties, Clifford suggests Connie have an affair so that he might have an heir. This is how Connie falls in league with gamekeeper Oliver. But Clifford could not have predicted that Connie would find affinity, romance and comfort — as well as sexual satisfaction — with Oliver, leaving her caught between what society expects of her and what her heart yearns for.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Dramatic, romantic, and filled with a dizzyingly rich assortment of bloodcurdling, blood-soaked scenes, Francis Ford Coppola’s take on Stoker’s titular novel is also a story about a romance so doomed that it might even bring a tear to Heathcliff’s eye. Part love triangle, part mystery, part quest for justice, the story of the central count (Gary Oldman) will keep “Wuthering Heights” fans intrigued and swooning right to the last bloody drop. On top of that, it also sports one of the best portrayals of the Dracula legend in movie history.
Back in 1462, Vlad Dracula is grief stricken to lean of the death of his wife, Elisabeta (Winona Ryder). The thought of slaying the men who encouraged her suicide lead him to renounce his faith and turn to vampirism. Time passes, and it’s now 1897. Dracula is shocked to note that his solicitor, Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) has a fiancée who looks just like Elisabeta. Though Mina Murray (also Ryder) doesn’t remember him, Dracula is convinced she is his wife reincarnated. He sets about convincing her by any means necessary.
The Duchess
Paramount Vantage
Finally, there’s this poetic biopic about duty, desire, and fighting dirty for what you really want. “Wuthering Heights” fans will recognize the storm-tossed, taboo love affair between Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (Keira Knightley) and Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (Dominic Cooper), probably seeing echoes of Heathcliff and Cathy in them. Even without that connection, it’s so very easy to get involved in Georgina’s battle for autonomy, love and a place in the lives of her children.
The film follows Georgiana’s unhappy marriage to William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes), which is soon so unhappy as to encourage her toward becoming a light of society and a fashion plate. When William begins an affair with her only friend, Lady Elizabeth ‘Bess’ Foster (Hayley Atwell), Georgiana takes on a boyfriend of her own. But her connection to Charles soon sets in motion a series of shocking events which will shape her future — and eventually that of the British monarchy — forever.