What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedRoald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Matthew Warchus · Film · 2022
If you loved Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, start with Matilda (Roald Dahl, 1988) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical across media.
If you loved Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, you likely crave stories about resilient outsiders who defy expectations to rewrite their destinies.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Matilda
Danny DeVito · Film · 1996
Books on the same thread
Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
Roald Dahl · Book · 2002
Explores: Fairy Tale Retellings, Dark Humor, Subverted Expectations.
Just as Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical finds empowerment in subverting adult authority, these poems delight in twisting classic fairy tales to challenge your expectations of a happy ending.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Roald Dahl · Book · 1998
Explores: Underdog, Resourcefulness, Family Loyalty.
Fans of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical will recognize the same spirit of resourcefulness and underdog triumph as Mr. Fox outsmarts his adversaries to protect his family and home.
Wicked
Gregory Maguire · Book
Explores: moral ambiguity, social outcast, perspective shift.
Like the misunderstood protagonist in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, Elphaba’s journey captures the struggle of an ostracized individual fighting against a corrupt system to define her own moral path.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
If the orphan finding her power in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical resonated with you, you will appreciate Harry Potter’s journey from neglect to discovering his true, magical potential.
Series on the same thread
Wednesday
Miles Millar · Series · 2022
Explores: Outsider Perspective, Coming-of-Age, Murder Investigation.
Wednesday Addams shares the sharp, sarcastic brilliance of the lead in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, navigating a school for the gifted while investigating mysteries with her unique perspective.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Amy Sherman-Palladino · Series · 2017
Explores: Self-Discovery, Female Empowerment, Breaking Societal Norms.
Much like the protagonist of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, Midge Maisel must overcome sudden adversity and break societal norms to pursue her dreams and discover her hidden talent.
Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical: Underdog Story.
The optimism and underdog narrative that defined Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical are mirrored here as Ted Lasso wins over a cynical environment through kindness and unwavering personal belief.
The Queen's Gambit
Scott Frank · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical: Underdog Story.
The young girl finding her voice in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical shares a similar path with Beth Harmon, who uses her extraordinary intellect to transcend a difficult childhood.
Podcasts on the same thread
Initiative Sasmit
Podcast
Explores: Positive stories, Uplifting content, Happy songs.
If you enjoyed the musical numbers and uplifting themes of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, these stories and songs provide a similar focus on positive content for young listeners.
Class Clown
Here Comes Trouble · Podcast
Shares a thread with Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical: overcoming adversity.
The rule-breaking spirit of the child prodigy in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical finds a real-world counterpart in these interviews with successful people who overcame their own childhood chaos.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical based on the 1988 book?
Yes, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is a 2022 film adaptation based on the original 1988 book titled Matilda. It follows the story of an extraordinary young girl who discovers her superpower and finds the courage to change her own destiny and help those around her.
How does Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical compare to the 1996 movie?
Both the 1996 movie and Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical are adaptations of the 1988 book. While the 1996 version is a direct film adaptation, the 2022 production specifically adapts the stage musical version of the story, focusing on the protagonist using her powers to stand up for what is right.
What order should I watch Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical and the 1996 film?
There is no required viewing order for these adaptations. You can watch Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical and the 1996 film in any sequence, as both are independent retellings of the same 1988 book. Each provides a unique perspective on the main character taking charge of her own destiny.
Should I read the 1988 book before watching Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical?
You do not need to read the 1988 book to understand the plot of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. The film provides a complete story about a young girl discovering her powers and standing up for what is right, making it accessible to viewers who are new to the source material.