The U.K. And Ireland box office saw a strong start to the weekend with Warner Bros.’ “Wuthering Heights” claiming the top spot, earning £7.6 million (approximately $10.4 million) in its debut, according to Comscore. The film is also currently number one at the global box office, signaling a successful international launch for the adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
Directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, “Wuthering Heights” has quickly become a talking point in the industry. The film’s success is particularly notable given the competitive landscape, with several new releases vying for audience attention. The opening weekend performance suggests a strong appetite for dramatic period pieces, and a willingness from audiences to embrace Fennell’s vision of the story.
Sony also enjoyed a successful opening frame, securing two films in the top three. “GOAT” launched at number two with $4.8 million, while “Crime 101” debuted in third place with $1.9 million. This demonstrates Sony’s ability to deliver a diverse slate of films that appeal to different demographics.
Disney’s “Send Help,” which topped the charts last weekend, moved to fourth place, adding $1.1 million to its cumulative total of $22.6 million. The film’s continued performance indicates solid staying power, even as new releases enter the market. Lionsgate U.K.’s “The Housemaid” also continued its impressive run, adding $754,000 to reach a total of $42.3 million. The longevity of “The Housemaid” speaks to its appeal with audiences and its effective marketing strategy.
Holdovers dominated the middle of the chart. Disney’s “Zootopia 2” secured sixth place with $610,000, bringing its total to $46.2 million, while Universal’s “Hamnet” ranked seventh with $480,000, reaching $23.8 million. These films continue to draw audiences, demonstrating the enduring appeal of established franchises and critically acclaimed dramas.
Further down the list, Kazoo Films’ “Stitch Head” opened in eighth place with $360,000, followed by Black Bear’s “Whistle” in ninth with $317,000. Disney’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” rounded out the top ten, adding $267,000 to its impressive total of $57.5 million. The continued success of “Avatar: Fire and Ash” underscores the franchise’s enduring popularity and its ability to attract audiences even after a lengthy theatrical run.
Looking ahead, Trafalgar Releasing is set to release the concert film “Chase Atlantic: Lost in Heaven” on , followed by “Paul McCartney: Man on the Run.” These releases cater to dedicated fan bases and offer a different type of cinematic experience.
Universal is also debuting “The Moment,” starring Charli xcx alongside Alexander Skarsgård and Rosanna Arquette, across 100 locations. Trinity Filmed Entertainment is fielding two Asian titles timed for the Lunar New Year celebrations: Zhang Yimou’s thriller “Scare Out,” starring Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong, and Hong Kong-set drama “Night King,” featuring Dayo Wong and Sammi Cheng. These releases reflect the growing importance of international markets and the demand for diverse cinematic content.
Other notable releases include Dogwoof’s documentary “Fukushima,” coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the 2011 disaster, Lionsgate U.K.’s prison drama “Wasteman,” Studiocanal’s body horror “Cold Storage,” and Mubi’s Oscar and BAFTA nominated political drama “The Secret Agent,” directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and starring Wagner Moura. Picturehouse Entertainment is launching Mary Bronstein’s “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” led by Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien, while Park Circus is reissuing “A Knight’s Tale” for its 25th anniversary in a 4K restoration. These releases offer a wide range of genres and styles, catering to diverse audience preferences.
Rounding out the releases are Miracle/Bollywood Films’ animation “Running Man Revengers” and Sovereign’s animal shelter documentary “Collective Monologue.” Several Indian films are also entering the market, including Bakrania Media’s Bollywood romance “Do Deewane Seher Mein,” and Dreamz Entertainment’s Telugu-language fantasy adventure “Swayambhu” and Malayalam-language drama “Spa.” Anime Ltd. Is bringing “Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline” to cinemas this weekend.
Globally, Disney has become the first major motion picture studio to surpass $1 billion at the worldwide box office in 2026, achieving this milestone just seven weeks into the year. “Wuthering Heights” itself opened to $83 million worldwide, while “GOAT” grossed $50.6 million and “Crime 101” brought in $28.2 million. This demonstrates the continued strength of the theatrical market and Disney’s dominance in the global film industry.
The strong performance of “Wuthering Heights” domestically was slightly lower at $38 million over the four-day opening, but exceeded expectations internationally with $45 million. The question now is whether the film can maintain its momentum in the coming weeks, or if its success will be frontloaded due to its appeal to a younger, female-skewing audience. The film’s total production and marketing costs reached $180 million, meaning sustained performance will be crucial for profitability.
