Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Emerald Fennell is presenting a new vision of the classic Emily Bronte novel, Wuthering Heights. In honor of its release, this week’s binge looks at some previous adaptations of novels from Emily and Charlotte Bronte. Films appear in chronological order.

Wuthering Heights (1939)
About
: This is the earliest adaptation of Emily’s novel. It was directed by William Wyler and earned an Academy Award for Laurence Olivier. It made the AFI List of 100 Years, 100 Films. It’s somewhat of a gold standard in classic adaptation.

Jane Eyre (1943)
About
: This wasn’t the first adaptation of Charlotte’s novel, but it was remarkable for its cast. It was directed by Robert Stevenson and featured Orson Welles and Margaret O’Brien, among others.

Jane Eyre (1996)
About
: This more updated version comes from director Franco Zeffirelli. It boasts a great cast that includes William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Anna Paquin. This is one of the more famous modern adaptation.

Wuthering Heights (2009)
About
: Have you ever wanted to see Tom Hardy and Andrew Lincoln take on a Bronte story? If so, this early 2000s mini-series is for you. It’s a two-part adaptation that featured the two actors in key roles opposite Charlotte Riley.

Jane Eyre (2011)
About:
This is the most recent official adaptation. It comes from director Cary Joji Fukunaga. It boasts a strong cast that includes Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, and Jamie Bell. If you’re a fan of the story, it’s an adaptation worth checking out.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.

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