8 Best Brontë Adaptations to Watch While Waiting for Emerald Fennell's Version, Ranked by IMDb

It's rare for one family to have three famous writers: the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily, and Anne – created outstanding novels that, in their own ways, reflected British society in the mid-19th century.

While we wait for the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights by Emerald Fennell, set to release on February 13, 2026, let's take a look back at the best film and TV adaptations of the sisters' works.

8. 'Wuthering Heights', 2011

IMDb Score: 6.0/10

Despite her loyalty to the original Brontë text, director Andrea Arnold altered the narrative to highlight the significance of the female perspective.

2011's Wuthering Heights focuses on Catherine's inner world and her struggle with societal expectations, resulting in a more layered and complex portrayal than that of other directors.

This approach allows viewers to see the story from a new perspective in which female voices are central.

7. 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', 1968-1969

IMDb Score: 6.5/10

This is the first film adaptation of Anne Brontë's novel of the same name. Considered one of the sisters' most radical works, the original was a stunning success at the time of publication. After Anne's death in 1849, however, her sister Charlotte prevented further publication of the novel.

This adaptation consists of four episodes. Janet Munro played the main character, Helen Graham, and Bryan Marshall portrayed Gilbert Markham.

6. 'Wuthering Heights', 1992

IMDb Score: 6.6/10

Everything about this movie is wonderful: the characters played by Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, the mysterious English landscapes of hills and foggy fields, the haunting music, and the elegant costumes.

The story of strange and all-consuming love is filmed in a Gothic style. For Ralph Fiennes, playing Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights was fateful – it was after this role that he was invited to play in Schindler's List.

Director Steven Spielberg later said that he liked the gloomy image of Heathcliff, which is why he invited Ralph Fiennes to star in his movie.

5. 'Jane Eyre', 2011

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

This adaptation of the novel by director Cary Joji Fukunaga is one of the most spectacular. Set in Victorian England, the film features picturesque, misty landscapes and stunning costumes that the designers recreated with amazing accuracy.

2011's Jane Eyre was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Costume Design category. But the most impressive aspect is the cast: Michael Fassbender, who, at first glance, may not seem the most obvious candidate for the role of Mr. Rochester; and Mia Wasikowska, who played Jane Eyre perfectly.

4. 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', 1996

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

The plot centers on Helen Graham, a young widow who arrives in a small, sleepy town with her young son and settles in an old, abandoned estate.

Helen has a mysterious past that her new neighbors whisper about. She also has radical views and beliefs for Victorian England. Of course, a young man in the area becomes interested in the eccentric young lady.

3. 'Wuthering Heights', 1939

IMDb Score: 7.5/10

This is a great option for fans of retro, black-and-white cinema. This classic film adaptation, reminiscent of Golden Hollywood, has a somewhat theatrical quality, but remains faithful to Emily Brontë's original text.

While there is practically no English atmosphere, there is a unique Hollywood gloss, amazing actors, and luxurious outfits. It's a perfect choice for an evening when you want to watch a retro movie and refresh your memory of the story of Wuthering Heights.

2. 'Wuthering Heights', 2009

IMDb Score: 7.5/10

This two-part British movie stars Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley. The drama puts a new twist on the Gothic genre and tells the story of two generations of the Earnshaw and Linton families.

This adaptation is considered one of the most successful and one of the most deviant from the original text in history. The drama between Catherine and Heathcliff is shown in even more detail than in the full-length works.

1. 'Jane Eyre', 2006

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

A two-hour film adaptation cannot convey all the details and nuances described in the book. However, a miniseries can handle this task perfectly.

Therefore, this adaptation will appeal to those who want to fully immerse themselves in the measured yet passionate world of Jane Eyre. The miniseries has four episodes and features a beautifully recreated era and impeccable acting by Ruth Wilson.