Valentine’s Day weekend is bringing an exciting mix of romance, animation, and thriller films to theaters. Whether you’re planning a date night or family outing, this week’s Hollywood releases offer something for everyone. From Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated Wuthering Heights to Sony Pictures Animation’s GOAT, here’s your complete guide to what’s hitting the big screen.
Hollywood Week’s Releases at a Glance
| Movie | Genre | Release Date | Runtime | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wuthering Heights | Romance, Drama | February 13, 2026 | 2h 16m | R |
| GOAT | Animation, Family | February 13, 2026 | TBA | PG |
| Crime 101 | Crime, Thriller | February 13, 2026 | TBA | R |
| Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die | Sci-Fi, Comedy Horror | February 13, 2026 | TBA | R |
1. Wuthering Heights – The Valentine’s Day Blockbuster
Director: Emerald Fennell | Stars: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Charli XCX
The most buzzed-about release of the week is Wuthering Heights, Emerald Fennell’s bold reimagining of Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel. The film stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff in what’s being called “one of the greatest love stories ever told.”
The Plot: Set against the atmospheric Yorkshire moors, the story follows the intense and destructive relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff. Their forbidden passion transforms from romantic longing to an intoxicating obsession filled with jealousy, pride, and social barriers. The film explores how their tumultuous love not only destroys their own lives but also creates a ripple effect impacting everyone around them.
What Makes It Special: Fennell, known for Promising Young Woman (2020) and Saltburn (2023), brings her signature subversive storytelling to this period drama. Unlike traditional romantic adaptations, Fennell has described her version as challenging the conventions of love stories—questioning whether Wuthering Heights is even a romance at all, given its shocking cruelty and narrative strangeness.
Adding contemporary flair, pop sensation Charli XCX has contributed an entire album of original songs for the film, with singles like “House” (featuring John Cale), “Chains of Love,” and “Wall of Sound” already creating buzz. The film’s title is stylized with quotation marks—”Wuthering Heights”—to emphasize it’s an interpretation rather than a literal adaptation.
Box Office Expectations: Warner Bros. secured the rights for $80 million after a fierce bidding war with Netflix, committing to a theatrical release and major marketing campaign. The film is projected to gross $20-25 million on its opening weekend, with potential to reach $40 million over the Valentine’s Day extended weekend. It’s releasing in IMAX theaters for an immersive experience.
Reception So Far: After its January 28 world premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the film holds 70% on Rotten Tomatoes from 64 critics. The London premiere saw stunning red carpet moments, with the cast making headlines for their fashion choices.
2. GOAT – Family Animation with NBA Superstar Power
Director: Adam Rosenberg | Voice Cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Aaron Pierre, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Nick Kroll, Jennifer Hudson, Stephen Curry
Sony Pictures Animation brings GOAT, a heartwarming underdog story set in an all-animal sports world. The studio behind the critically acclaimed Spider-Verse films and recent hit KPop Demon Hunters is betting big on this sports comedy.
The Plot: Meet Will (voiced by Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin), a small goat with enormous dreams of becoming a professional roarball player—a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the biggest and fiercest animals. When Will finally gets his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the pros, his new teammates are less than thrilled about having a “small” on their roster. But Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove that “smalls can ball!”
Star-Studded Voice Cast: Beyond McLaughlin’s lead performance, the film features Gabrielle Union, David Harbour, Nick Kroll, Patton Oswalt, Grammy-nominated rapper Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson, and NBA superstar Stephen Curry (who also serves as producer). This blend of actors, musicians, and athletes brings authenticity to the sports-driven narrative.
Themes and Appeal: Like Zootopia and Ratatouille, GOAT uses anthropomorphic animals to explore themes of determination, breaking stereotypes, and achieving the impossible. The film’s message about size not determining worth resonates with children facing their own challenges while delivering action-packed roarball sequences for entertainment.
Box Office Potential: Projected to open between $15-25 million domestically, GOAT could match Sony’s Peter Rabbit ($25M opening). Family films traditionally perform well during school holidays, and Fandango is offering “Buy 4, Get 1 Free” ticket promotions (code: GOATB4G1) to drive group attendance.
3. Crime 101 – High-Stakes Heist Thriller
Director: Bart Layton | Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan
For those seeking adrenaline over romance, Crime 101 delivers a slick crime thriller featuring an A-list ensemble. Director Bart Layton, known for his documentary-style thrillers, brings gritty realism to this cat-and-mouse game.
The Plot: Chris Hemsworth plays Davis, a highly disciplined jewel thief whose meticulously planned heists along California’s scenic 101 Freeway (Pacific Coast Highway) have baffled law enforcement for years. As he prepares for his most ambitious diamond robbery—intended to be his final score before retirement—his path collides with an insurance broker played by Halle Berry. Meanwhile, seasoned LAPD Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) finally identifies a pattern in the crimes and closes in on Davis.
What to Expect: The film explores the technical precision of modern heists, the psychological toll on career criminals seeking redemption, and the ethical gray areas insurance professionals navigate. Barry Keoghan’s supporting role adds another layer of unpredictability to the narrative.
Why Watch: Hemsworth showcases his dramatic range beyond superhero roles, while Ruffalo and Berry bring gravitas to this tense thriller. The 101 Freeway setting provides stunning California coastal visuals contrasting with the dark criminal underworld.
4. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Workplace Horror Comedy
Genre: Sci-Fi Comedy Horror | Release Date: February 13, 2026
The wildcard of the week is Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, a genre-blending sci-fi horror comedy that promises to surprise audiences with its unconventional premise.
The Plot: Two night-shift workers uncover a deadly secret buried beneath their workplace. What starts as a routine overnight shift transforms into a fight for survival as they navigate both supernatural forces and corporate conspiracies. The film satirizes modern work culture while delivering genuine scares and dark humor.
Appeal: This counter-programming choice targets horror fans and younger audiences seeking something offbeat during Valentine’s weekend. The workplace horror subgenre has gained traction recently, and this film capitalizes on that trend with a fresh sci-fi twist.
Tone: Expect sharp social commentary about late-stage capitalism, exploitation of labor, and corporate secrecy—all wrapped in jump scares and comedic relief. Think Sorry to Bother You meets The Descent.
Which Movie Should You Choose?
For Couples: Wuthering Heights offers the perfect Valentine’s experience—passionate, visually stunning, and conversation-sparking.
For Families: GOAT delivers wholesome entertainment with positive messages and celebrity voices kids will recognize.
For Action Fans: Crime 101 provides smart thrills without supernatural elements, grounded in realistic crime drama.
For Genre Enthusiasts: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die satisfies those craving unconventional horror-comedy with social edge.
Box Office Battle: Who Will Win Valentine’s Day?
Industry analysts predict Wuthering Heights will dominate the Valentine’s Day weekend box office, capitalizing on the romantic holiday timing and star power of Robbie and Elordi. However, GOAT could surprise with strong family turnout, while Crime 101 may attract adult audiences seeking alternatives to romance.
The diversity of this weekend’s releases ensures every moviegoer finds something appealing. Whether you’re drawn to period drama, animated sports stories, crime thrillers, or workplace horror, February 13 offers theatrical experiences worth leaving home for.
Final Thoughts
This week’s Hollywood releases demonstrate the industry’s commitment to theatrical experiences across genres. Check your local listings for showtimes, and consider booking tickets early for Wuthering Heights IMAX screenings, which are expected to sell out quickly.
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes stories, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi recently graced the cover of Vogue Australia discussing their chemistry and Fennell’s visionary direction. Meanwhile, entertainment industry watchers are curious if Wuthering Heights will join the Oscar conversation for 2027 awards season.
FAQs
Which is the biggest movie releasing this week (Feb 9-15)?
Is GOAT suitable for young children?
Yes, GOAT is rated PG and designed for family audiences, featuring positive messages about perseverance and teamwork with star voices like Stephen Curry and Gabrielle Union.
