If you loved
Matilda
Roald Dahl · Book · 1988
What hooked you in Matilda was the way an underdog uses intellect and heart to challenge broken, rigid institutional systems.
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
Dead Poets Society
Film · 1989
Just as Matilda rebels against the oppressive Trunchbull, these students find liberation through a mentor who encourages them to reject conformity and seize their own potential against rigid authority.
Freedom Writers
Richard LaGravenese · Film · 2007
Much like Matilda, these students face systemic adversity, finding hope and personal growth through a dedicated teacher who believes in their capacity to transcend their difficult circumstances.
The Chorus
Christophe Barratier · Film · 2004
If the kindness Matilda brought to her school resonated with you, you will appreciate how this teacher transforms a harsh environment into a space of inspiration and redemption.
Stand and Deliver
Ramón Menéndez · Film · 1988
Matilda proves that brilliance can overcome any obstacle, a spirit mirrored here as an unconventional teacher empowers marginalized students to defy low expectations and achieve academic excellence.
Series on the same thread
Merlí
Héctor Lozano · Series · 2015
Merlí shares the disruptive, nonconformist energy that defined Matilda, acting as a catalyst who forces students to think critically and view their stifling school world in new ways.
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
Scott Fellows · Series · 2004
If you enjoyed the way Matilda navigated the perils of school life, you will appreciate these practical, humorous survival tips for overcoming the everyday hurdles of middle school.
Abbott Elementary
Quinta Brunson · Series · 2021
Matilda fought for justice within her school, and you will recognize that same underdog spirit in these teachers who remain dedicated to their students despite systemic failures.
Sex Education
Laurie Nunn · Series · 2019
Much like Matilda, these characters are outsiders finding their own agency, using their unique perspectives to navigate the social dynamics and complex pressures of the high school experience.
Podcasts on the same thread
Story Pirates
Story Pirates · Podcast · 2026
Roald Dahl believed in the power of a child's imagination, a sentiment perfectly captured here as kids transform their own creative stories into professional, hilarious sketch comedy.
We Can Do Hard Things
Treat Media and Glennon Doyle · Podcast · 2026
Matilda teaches us that we can overcome difficult circumstances through bravery, a theme that mirrors this podcast's mission to provide a raw, supportive system for facing life's challenges.
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 girl who must bring order to an unwelcoming school where the teachers fail to meet professional standards, eventually transforming the environment into a kind place for children to grow and read.
What order should I watch the Matilda movies?
You can watch the adaptations in any order as they are separate versions of the same story. The options include the 1996 film Matilda and the 2022 film titled Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. Both versions explore the original narrative themes written by Roald Dahl.
Is Matilda the Musical a movie?
Yes, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is a 2022 movie adaptation. It shares the core story of the 1988 book, focusing on the protagonist's journey to improve her school through humor and irony, ensuring that the school becomes a supportive place for students to learn and grow.
How does the Matilda book compare to the movies?
The 1996 Matilda movie and the 2022 musical film are both adaptations of the 1988 book by Roald Dahl. Each version maintains the central premise of a young girl dealing with an unwelcoming school and uses humor and tenderness to show how children can thrive.