When Was Wuthering Heights Filmed
Okay, grab your mug. Let’s talk about Wuthering Heights. Not the book—the movie. Or, more accurately, the movies. Because when someone asks “When was Wuthering Heights filmed?...
Okay, grab your mug. Let’s talk about Wuthering Heights. Not the book—the movie. Or, more accurately, the movies. Because when someone asks “When was Wuthering Heights filmed?” the real answer is: which one? It’s a rabbit hole of brooding men, dramatic moors, and terrible weather. And I’m here to lead you through it.
The One We All Think Of (1939)
Let’s start with the big one. You know the one: Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff, Merle Oberon as Cathy. That iconic, black-and-white, windswept masterpiece. It was filmed in 1938 and hit theaters in 1939.
Fun fact: they only adapted half the book. The director basically said, “The second half is too sad, let’s stop.” And we all just nodded! It’s still gorgeous, though. Honestly, that fog machine probably worked overtime.
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The 1992 Version (The One You Might Have on VHS)
Fast forward a few decades. Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche stepped into those soggy boots. This version was filmed in 1991 and released in 1992. It’s moody, it’s long, and it actually includes the whole story.
Plus, Heathcliff isn’t just a handsome jerk. He’s a full handsome jerk. The moors look extra cold here. I bet the crew needed a hundred cups of tea per day. Totally worth it for that final scene, though.
The Strange One: 1970 (The Musical-ish Version)
Yes, there was a film version in 1970. And yes, it has a weird, dreamy score. It was filmed in 1969 and stars Timothy Dalton. You know, the guy who was James Bond? Imagine Heathcliff with a license to kill.
Wuthering Heights Yorkshire Filming Locations: A 2026 Movie Road Trip
It’s not exactly a musical, but it feels like one. The moors look like a painted backdrop. It’s campy. It’s dramatic. And honestly, it’s so much fun to watch with friends after a glass of wine. Highly recommend.
The 2011 Version (The Artsy One)
Now we’re getting modern. The 2011 version was filmed in 2010 and directed by Andrea Arnold. It’s gritty. It’s raw. It’s basically 90% mud and 10% whispering.
The casting was controversial—Kaya Scodelario and James Howson were young and unknown. But the moors? Absolute stars. You can practically smell the damp grass through the screen. It’s not for everyone. But if you like your Heathcliff broody and your dialogue sparse, this is your jam.
What About the TV Versions?
Oh, honey, there are so many. The BBC made a version in 1998 (filmed that year) with Robert Cavanah. Then there’s the 2009 ITV version with Tom Hardy. Yes, that Tom Hardy. He filmed it in 2008.
Wuthering Heights Filming Locations in the Yorkshire Dales
Hardy’s Heathcliff is basically a feral cat. You love it. You fear it. You want to give him a blanket. The production was done on a budget, but Hardy chews every single moor like he’s in a five-star restaurant. Pure chaos. Pure art.
Wait, What About the 1954 Version?
There is always a 1954 version. This one was a TV movie, filmed that same year. It’s lost to time almost entirely. No one talks about it. It’s like the Wuthering Heights of Wuthering Heights adaptations.
Only a few fuzzy stills survive. But if you find a copy, you’re basically a literary detective. I’d watch it just to say I did. And to see how much more melodrama we can pack into 90 minutes. Spoiler: a lot.
Wuthering Heights spotlights Yorkshire filming locations - BBC News
So, When Was the First One Filmed?
The very first film adaptation? That’s a silent movie from 1920. It was filmed in 1920. Yes, 1920! It’s black and white, no sound, and probably required a lot of interpretive eyebrow acting.
Sadly, most of it is lost. But we know it existed. Just imagine: Heathcliff without a voice, but with incredible wind machine effects. The heart wants what it wants. And that heart probably wants a Victorian-era gothic romance with no dialogue.
The Bottom Line
So when was Wuthering Heights filmed? Pick a decade! The answer is always changing. Every generation gets its own version of Cathy and Heathcliff screaming on a hill. And honestly? I love that.
Whether it’s 1938, 1991, or 2010, the story stays wild. The moors stay wet. And Heathcliff stays insufferable. But isn’t that why we keep watching? Go find your favorite version. Make some popcorn. And thank the film gods for the fog machines.
