What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMatilda
Roald Dahl · Book · 1988
If you loved Matilda, start with Matilda (Danny DeVito, 1996) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Matilda across media.
What hooked you in Matilda was the way brilliant, underestimated individuals use their unique gifts to dismantle oppressive systems and find belonging.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Matilda
Danny DeVito · Film · 1996
Adaptation
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Matthew Warchus · Film · 2022
Films on the same thread
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Film · 2001
Shares a thread with Matilda: good vs evil.
Like Matilda, Harry discovers his hidden potential and escapes a neglectful home to find a world where his extraordinary abilities finally grant him a sense of belonging and agency.
My Neighbor Totoro
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1988
Explores: Childhood wonder, Nature spirituality, Family resilience.
While Matilda battles rigid authority, this story offers a gentler reflection on the same childhood wonder, proving that the world holds magical possibilities for those who look closely enough.
The Swan
Wes Anderson · Film · 2023
Explores: Childhood Cruelty, Power Dynamics, Social Inequality.
This story echoes the darker, Roald Dahl-penned struggles found in Matilda, focusing on a brilliant boy who must navigate the cruel power dynamics of bullies and indifferent adult authorities.
Ratatouille
Brad Bird · Film · 2007
Explores: Underdog Success, Following Your Dreams, Unlikely Partnerships.
Much like Matilda, Remy is an underdog who refuses to accept his limited circumstances, using his exceptional talent to prove that true brilliance can overcome any prejudice or societal barrier.
Series on the same thread
The Magic School Bus
Bruce Degen · Series · 1994
Explores: Science Education, Teamwork, Curiosity.
If the classroom setting of Matilda sparked your curiosity, this series captures that same spirit of adventure and discovery, showing how an exceptional teacher makes learning a truly transformative experience.
Hilda
Luke Pearson · Series · 2018
Explores: Coming-of-Age, Friendship, Environmentalism.
Hilda shares the independent, spirited nature of Matilda, as both characters fearlessly navigate new environments and use their unique perspectives to connect with the magical world around them.
Arthur
Marc Brown · Series · 1996
Explores: Childhood, Friendship, Family Relationships.
Arthur captures the authentic, everyday struggles of childhood that underpin the world of Matilda, highlighting the importance of friendship and moral integrity when facing common life challenges.
Reading Rainbow
Series · 1983
Explores: Literacy, Imagination, Cultural Exploration.
Just as Matilda found her escape and strength through reading, this series celebrates the power of literature to open new worlds and foster a lifelong passion for storytelling.
Podcasts on the same thread
48 Laws Of Power, By Robert Greene (Full AudioBook)
Podcast
Explores: power dynamics, social strategy, manipulation.
For those fascinated by the power dynamics Matilda navigated against her headmistress, this exploration of influence provides a stark, analytical look at the strategies that dictate human social hierarchies.
Doblando Realidades
Podcast
Explores: Literature, Narration, Storytelling.
The appreciation for language and narrative depth that made Matilda such a resonant story continues here, offering carefully curated selections that honor the art of the written word.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Matilda based on a book?
Yes, Matilda is based on the 1988 book written by Roald Dahl. The story follows a young girl who must navigate an unwelcoming school environment while using her intelligence and the power of reading to improve the lives of those around her.
Should I watch the 1996 movie or Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical?
Both the 1996 movie and the 2022 film, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, are adaptations of the original book. You can choose either version to experience the story of Matilda, as both capture the humor and irony found in the source material written by Roald Dahl.
What is the plot of the book Matilda?
In the book Matilda, the protagonist attends a school with teachers who are not suited for their profession. Matilda helps bring order to the school, transforming it into a place where children are encouraged to grow and read through humor, irony, and tenderness.
Does Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical follow the book?
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is an adaptation of the 1988 book. Like the original text, the musical film focuses on Matilda's journey at a school that initially feels unwelcoming, eventually becoming a kinder place through the themes of reading and personal growth.