What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMatilda
Danny DeVito · Film · 1996
If you loved Matilda, start with Matilda (Roald Dahl, 1988) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Matilda across media.
If you loved Matilda, you likely crave stories about brilliant underdogs using hidden powers to outsmart the stifling, cruel adults in their lives.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Matthew Warchus · Film · 2022
Books on the same thread
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
Much like Matilda, Harry finds his escape from a life of neglect and mistreatment when he discovers a hidden world where his unique abilities finally grant him a sense of belonging.
Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi · Book · 1996
Explores: Transformation, Redemption, Consequences.
The journey of this mischievous puppet mirrors the spirit of Matilda, as he navigates a world filled with difficult lessons and the struggle to define himself against external expectations.
James and the Giant Peach
Roald Dahl · Book · 1961
Shares a thread with Matilda: Magical Realism.
Fans of Matilda will appreciate how this story centers on a child overcoming neglect and adversity through a touch of magic, finding a new family in the most unexpected places.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
J.K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
Just as Matilda uses her intelligence to survive her home life, Harry Potter discovers that his own extraordinary nature is the key to rising above the bullies who define his childhood.
Series on the same thread
Malcolm in the Middle
Linwood Boomer · Series · 2000
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Gifted Child, Middle Class Life.
If the gifted Matilda resonated with you, you will find a more grounded version of that experience in this story of a brilliant teen coping with his own eccentric, dysfunctional family.
Bewitched
Sol Saks · Series · 1964
Explores: Secret Identity, Inter-generational Conflict, Concealed Powers.
Samantha Stephens shares the secret power and subversive wit of Matilda, using her hidden magical abilities to navigate the constraints of a suburban life that demands she remain perfectly ordinary.
The Magic School Bus
Bruce Degen · Series · 1994
Explores: Science Education, Teamwork, Curiosity.
The bond between a teacher and her students in this series reflects the supportive connection Matilda shared with Miss Honey, proving that education and curiosity are the ultimate tools for empowerment.
Arrested Development
Mitchell Hurwitz · Series · 2003
Shares a thread with Matilda: Dark Comedy.
This series captures the chaotic, dark humor of dealing with an impossible family, echoing the way Matilda had to rely on her own wit to survive the absurdity of her parents.
Podcasts on the same thread
MALIKMATA
Podcast
Explores: Philippine Folklore, Filipino Culture, Mythical Creatures.
If Matilda hit, MALIKMATA shares the thread.
CREATIVO
Podcast
Explores: creativity, personal stories, self-expression.
If Matilda hit, CREATIVO shares the thread.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Matilda based on a book?
Yes, the 1996 film Matilda is based on the 1988 children's novel written by Roald Dahl. The story follows the intelligent Matilda Wormwood as she navigates a difficult home life and a cruel headmistress while discovering her own special gift.
What order should I watch the Matilda movies in?
You can watch the 1996 film Matilda and the 2022 musical version, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, in any order. Both films are adaptations of the same original 1988 book, focusing on the same central character and her struggle against the unruly adults in her life.
Is Matilda the Musical the same story as the 1996 movie?
Both the 1996 movie and Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical are adaptations of the 1988 book. While they are different productions, both center on Matilda Wormwood, her discovery of her special gift, and her efforts to outwit the sadistic headmistress and her neglectful parents.
How long is the 1996 movie Matilda?
The 1996 film adaptation of Matilda, directed by Danny DeVito, has a runtime of approximately 98 minutes. The film depicts the story of Matilda Wormwood, an intelligent girl who uses her special gift to deal with her parents and her school's cruel headmistress.