If you loved
Matilda
Danny DeVito · Film · 1996
If you loved Matilda, you will find these stories capture the satisfying thrill of brilliant underdogs outsmarting the absurdly cruel adults around them.
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, this story follows a child who escapes a life of neglect and mistreatment to discover a world where his unique intelligence and hidden potential finally matter.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Roald Dahl · Book · 1998
Explores: Underdog, Resourcefulness, Family Loyalty.
You will recognize the spirit of Matilda in this tale of a clever protagonist who uses his resourcefulness to systematically outwit the mean-spirited authority figures determined to destroy his family.
Captain Underpants
Dav Pilkey · Book · 1997
Explores: Friendship, School Life, Pranks.
This story mirrors the delightful chaos of Matilda as two children use their influence to turn the tables on a miserable, authoritarian figure who desperately needs to be put in place.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
J.K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
Just as Matilda finds magic as an escape from her stifling home life, this book features an overlooked child who discovers a hidden world that rewards his resilience and innate brilliance.
Series on the same thread
Malcolm in the Middle
Linwood Boomer · Series · 2000
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Gifted Child, Middle Class Life.
If you appreciated the struggle of the gifted protagonist in Matilda, you will enjoy this look at a highly intelligent teenager attempting to navigate life with his frustratingly dysfunctional family.
Bewitched
Sol Saks · Series · 1964
Explores: Secret Identity, Inter-generational Conflict, Concealed Powers.
This show shares the core appeal of Matilda by centering on a character who possesses secret, supernatural abilities that allow her to navigate the societal pressures of suburban life.
Arrested Development
Mitchell Hurwitz · Series · 2003
Shares a thread with Matilda: Dark Comedy.
Fans of the dark comedy in Matilda will appreciate this sharp look at a dysfunctional family dynamic where one sensible person must constantly manage the chaos created by others.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
Lauren Faust · Series · 2010
Explores: Friendship, Magic, Teamwork.
The themes of empowerment and friendship that made Matilda so memorable are central to this story, where a gifted individual learns to use her unique talents to support her community.
Podcasts on the same thread
Everything 90s Podcast
Everything Nostalgia - By Shaleena · Podcast · 2026
This podcast explores the specific cultural touchstones of the decade that gave us Matilda, offering a nostalgic look back at the stories and media that defined that era of childhood.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: mental health awareness, female friendship, coping mechanisms.
Those who enjoyed the dark, witty tone of Matilda will find common ground in this podcast, which uses humor and conversational storytelling to address difficult topics and reclaim personal power.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is the 1996 Matilda movie based on the 1988 book?
Yes, the 1996 film Matilda is an adaptation of the 1988 children's book written by Roald Dahl. The movie follows the story of Matilda Wormwood, an intelligent girl who discovers she has special gifts to use against the cruel adults in her life.
What is the difference between the 1996 Matilda and the 2022 musical version?
Both the 1996 film and Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical released in 2022 are adaptations of the same 1988 source material. While they share the core plot of Matilda Wormwood outwitting her parents and her headmistress, the 2022 version incorporates musical elements into the story.
Should I read the book Matilda before watching the movies?
Reading the 1988 book Matilda before watching the 1996 movie or the 2022 musical is a personal preference. All three versions center on Matilda Wormwood and her journey to overcome the cruelty of her parents and her headmistress using her special gifts.
Does Matilda have any sequels?
There are no official sequels to the 1996 Matilda movie or the 2022 musical adaptation. The story concludes with Matilda Wormwood utilizing her special gifts to outwit the unruly adults around her and finding a supportive community with her teacher and friends.