In summary:
- Tech Advisor explores where to watch classic Wuthering Heights adaptations for free, covering films from 1939 to 1998 and the Tom Hardy series.
- Multiple free streaming options exist including Pluto TV, YouTube, and ITV, though UK viewers may need VPNs to access certain US services.
- Notable adaptations include the Oscar-winning 1939 film with Laurence Olivier and the 1992 version starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche.
The first adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Romantic novel dates back to the 1920s, though copies of it have been lost. In the following decades, filmmakers continued to adapt Wuthering Heights, as feature films and TV series. However, they rarely captured the novel’s bone-deep passion and psychological complexity.
The latest attempt to adapt Brontë’s novel for the screen is by Emerald Fennell, with Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as Heathcliff and Catherine. Even before its premiere, the film has sparked significant controversy regarding casting choices and anachronistic, campy visuals.
If you would like to compare the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights with earlier ones, here’s when you can watch them free.
How to watch Wuthering Heights (2011)
In Andrea Arnold’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel, Kaya Scodelario played Catherine, while James Howson starred as Heathcliff.
US
In the United States, you can watch the movie free on Pluto TV , Tubi or Fandango at Home , but as they’re ad-supported services, you’ll have to put up with commercial breaks.
However, you can also stream Wuthering Heights on Prime Video with a Cineverse addition – you can now use a 7-day free trial to do so.
Another option is to rent or buy the movie via the Fandango service or Apple TV .
UK
Unfortunately, in the United Kingdom, this adaptation of the novel isn’t available to watch free.
How to watch Wuthering Heights (1998)
The British television film from the late 1990s was directed by David Skynner. This time, Heathcliff was portrayed by Robert Cavanah and Cathy by Orla Brady.
US
In the States, the movie is available to watch for free on Pluto TV with ads and on YouTube .
UK
The only way to watch this adaptation free is to stream it on YouTube or – with a VPN app, such as Nord VPN – on Pluto TV .
ITV
How to watch Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (1992)
In the most famous and faithful adaptation of Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff was played by Ralph Fiennes, while Juliette Binoche starred as Catherine. Peter Kosminsky directed the film.
US
This adaptation is available free on ad-supported Pluto TV .
UK
This adaptation of the novel isn’t easily available in the UK. There’s a copy on YouTube , but it’s split into twelve parts. In this case, it’s also best to use a VPN app and watch the movie free on Pluto TV .
How to watch Wuthering Heights (1970)
Robert Fuest’s film focuses solely on the first generation of characters. Anna Calder-Marshall plays Cathy, while Heathcliff is portrayed by Timothy Dalton.
US
The Timothy Dalton-led adaptation of Wuthering Heights is available free on Pluto TV and the ad-supported Roku Channel . If you don’t mind lower quality, you can also watch the entire film on YouTube .
Another option to stream Wuthering Heights from 1970 is on MGM+ . The service now offers a 7-day free trial. After that, the subscription will cost $7.99 per month.
UK
This version of the Wuthering Heights is available free on YouTube . However, you can also use a VPN to watch the movie on an American service, for example, on ad-supported Pluto TV or MGM+ with a free trial.
Anglo-EMI Film Distributors
How to watch Wuthering Heights (1939)
Directed by William Wyler, this film is the second adaptation of Brontë’s novel and the first to survive. Heathcliff was played by Laurence Olivier, while Merle Oberon portrayed Cathy. Although the adaptation is abridged, omitting the second generation of characters, it was nominated for several awards, including Oscars, ultimately winning for Best Cinematography.
US
To watch this classic take on Brontë’s novel free, go to YouTube .
The movie is also available for streaming on Prime Video – if you’re a new customer, you can watch it with a 30-day free trial.
UK
Fans of classic cinema can find this adaptation of Brontë’s novel on YouTube . Wuthering Heights can also be watched for free on Prime Video – a subscription costs £8.99 per month, but if you’re a new customer, you can use a 30-day free trial. There’s also options to buy or rent the film.
How to watch the Wuthering Heights TV series (2009)
Wuthering Heights has also been adapted as a series. Heathcliff was played by Tom Hardy and Catherine by Charlotte Riley. The two-part production adapts the entire Brontë novel.
US
Sadly, in the US, there’s no option to see Tom Hardy as Heathcliff for free. However, you can use a VPN (virtual private network) to watch the movie on the British service ITV . A VPN, such as Nord VPN , will allow you to bypass geo-restrictions. If you’re not sure how to log in to ITV using a VPN, here’s our guide .
Another way to watch the series is to buy or rent Wuthering Heights on Prime Video .
UK
In the United Kingdom, fans can watch the series for free on ITV .
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Author: Weronika de Oliveira, Entertainment Writer, Tech Advisor
Weronika is an Entertainment Writer at Tech Advisor, where she covers topics related to TV shows, streaming, and movies. With an MA degree in Film Studies, her areas of expertise range from classical and postmodern cinema to contemporary films, series, and pop culture.
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