Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the box office is buzzing with a romantic—yet controversial—kickoff! Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights has already swept $3 million in Thursday previews across 3,000 locations, but here’s where it gets intriguing: Can it live up to the hype of past holiday releases? Before you compare it to It Ends With Us and its $7 million previews (which soared to a $50 million opening), let’s pause. First, that was a summer blockbuster. Second, industry insiders predict a surge in moviegoing on Saturday, Valentine’s Day itself, with foot traffic shifting naturally throughout the long weekend, thanks to the Presidents Day holiday on Monday. And this is the part most people miss: The last time Valentine’s Day fell on a Saturday was 11 years ago, when Fifty Shades of Grey dominated with a $93 million four-day opening. So, can Wuthering Heights replicate that magic? With $14 million in presales and projections of $40-$50 million over the holiday, it’s aiming high—though its 65% Rotten Tomatoes score might raise eyebrows. For context, It Ends With Us had a lower 55% critic score but an impressive 87% audience rating. Bold move or risky bet? Warner Bros certainly thought so, snagging the rights to the Jacob Elordi-Margot Robbie-led film for $80 million, outbidding Netflix’s $150 million offer. But here’s the real question: Will audiences embrace this Brontë classic reimagined, or will it fall short of expectations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Animation’s GOAT lassoed $1 million in Thursday previews starting at 2 p.m. across 3,030 locations. With PostTrak ratings of 5 stars from kids under 12 and 4.5 stars from parents and general audiences, it’s poised for a strong family outing. Sony predicts $20 million over four days, but some believe the lack of family-friendly competition could push it even higher. At 80% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and a production cost of $80-$90 million, GOAT is a lively sports comedy that’s hard to ignore.
On the darker side of the spectrum, Amazon MGM Studios’ Crime 101, starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan, pulled in $1 million from overall previews. Aiming for a $15 million four-day start, this noir thriller boasts an impressive 86% certified fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. With a $90 million production cost, Amazon MGM is banking on its ability to recoup marketing expenses—a rule of thumb for their theatrical releases. Comparables like Den of Thieves: Pantera and The Beekeeper suggest solid potential, but will it resonate with audiences? Is this star-studded cast enough to draw you in, or does the noir genre feel overdone? Share your take below!
Rounding out the week, here’s how other films fared:
1. Send Help (20th) – $13 million (-50%), Total: $38.9 million (Week 2)
2. Solo Mio (Angel) – $10.5 million (Week 1)
3. Iron Lung (Cent) – $9.2 million (-48%), Total: $34 million (Week 2)
4. Dracula (Vert) – $6 million (Week 1)
5. Zootopia 2 (Dis) – $5.1 million (-30%), Total: $415.6 million (Week 11)
From romantic epics to animated adventures and gritty thrillers, this Valentine’s Day weekend has something for everyone—but which film will steal your heart? Let the debate begin!
