It’s a quiet box office weekend as ‘GOAT’ edges ‘Wuthering Heights’ - AP News
AP News
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The weekend saw a relatively quiet performance at the box office, with "GOAT" narrowly edging out "Wuthering Heights" to claim the top spot. This marks a slow start for both films, reflecting a lack of strong ticket sales compared to previous weeks. While "GOAT," a biographical drama about Muhammad Ali's early life and career, managed to hold onto first place, its second-week grosses were modest, indicating limited audience interest despite its critical acclaim. Meanwhile, "Wuthering Heights," a high-budget adaptation of the classic novel, struggled to connect with viewers, leading to lower-than-expected earnings.
The subdued box office performance can be attributed to several factors. Both films faced tough competition from streaming platforms, which have increasingly drawn audiences away from theaters. Additionally, "GOAT" and "Wuthering Heights" were not widely marketed, limiting their reach. Critics pointed out that "Wuthering Heights" was particularly disappointing, as its ambitious visuals and star-studded cast failed to translate into box office success. On the other hand, "GOAT" benefited from strong reviews and a niche audience interested in sports and biographical storytelling.
This lackluster weekend highlights broader challenges facing the film industry. With streaming services offering convenience and a growing variety of content, theaters are struggling to attract audiences. The limited appeal of both films underscores
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Originally published on AP News on 2/22/2026