Where to start withMatilda
3 versions · originally a book, 1988
Themes: Child Prodigy, Abuse of Power, Underdog, Justice, Telekinesis.
Start with Matilda (Danny DeVito, 1996) — the film. Matilda exists in 3 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1988; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Matilda is a defiant celebration of a brilliant, neglected girl who uses her extraordinary intellect to overcome oppressive authority figures.
✦ Most fans start here
Matilda (1996)
The original novel
Matilda
Roald Dahl · Book · 1988
The 1988 book offers the purest look at Roald Dahl’s dark wit and irony, providing a foundation of tenderness and rebellion that defines the core character of Matilda Wormwood.
1996 film
✦ Start hereMatilda
Danny DeVito · Film · 1996
The 1996 movie delivers a beloved, iconic visual interpretation. It captures the whimsical, sadistic tension between Matilda and her headmistress through a distinct aesthetic that remains the definitive cinematic adaptation.
2022 film
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Matthew Warchus · Film · 2022
The 2022 movie musical translates the narrative into a grand, stylized spectacle. It focuses on the themes of destiny and collective courage, offering a high-energy, modern take on the classic story.
Common questions
Is the 1996 Matilda movie based on the 1988 book?
Yes, the 1996 Matilda movie is a direct adaptation of the 1988 book written by Roald Dahl. While the film makes certain changes to the setting and character portrayals, it follows the core narrative established in the original source material.
Should I read the Matilda book before watching Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical?
Reading the 1988 book Matilda provides important context for the characters and plot. Watching Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical afterward allows you to see how the story is reimagined through song and dance while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original literary work.
What is the release order of the Matilda adaptations?
The original book Matilda was published in 1988. This was followed by the 1996 movie adaptation. Most recently, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical was released as a movie in 2022, serving as the latest screen adaptation of the story.
How does Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical differ from the 1996 Matilda movie?
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is a musical adaptation that incorporates songs and choreography into the narrative. The 1996 Matilda movie is a non-musical feature film. Both versions are based on the same 1988 book and explore the life of the titular character.