alright everybody.... the ranked lists are out...

wuthering heights adaptations ranked by successfulness:

and wuthering heights ranked by my personal preference:

conclusions:

if you are looking for a version that tells the complete story and is 1 to 1 scene for scene the book because you have to pass some sort of exam, watch the 1978 version (#1 on the successful list). be aware this version is boring as shit hence why it barely makes it in the top 5 of my personal rankings

if you are looking for a version that tells the complete story but is not as boring (but still has its myriad issues), watch the 1998 version (#2 on the successful list).

if you are a looking for a version that 1) finally doesn't whitewash heathcliff and 2) very accurately captures the atmosphere of what reading the book is like, but can sacrifice missing half the story (as the entire second gen of children are not truly present), watch the 2011 version (#1 on my personal list). i will say, though, it is the most complete telling of the 1st generation story, and the one i believe portrays heathcliff and catherine's dynamic the most accurately. (though do look up warnings on doesthedogdie for this one as there are multiple scenes of animal cruelty, and be aware that there will be a myriad of racial slurs that do not appear in the book directed at heathcliff)

if you're looking to watch a version where you get the complete story but it's not quite right (sacrifices were made here, and the romance is way too overdone for my liking) but the chemistry between heathcliff and catherine is incredible (and the soundtrack is excellent), and you like to notice small details with costume design and storytelling, watch the 2009 version (#2 on my personal list)

you're welcome. i'm still going to be making the video essay though