Where to start withOliver Twist

4 versions · originally a film, 2005

Themes: Childhood poverty, Exploitation, Good vs. Evil, Redemption, The Underdog.

Start with Oliver! (1968) — the film. Oliver Twist exists in 4 versions across media, beginning as a film in 2005; each is ranked below by what it does best.

The enduring saga of Oliver Twist explores the harsh struggle for survival among London's vulnerable orphans and opportunistic criminals.

✦ Most fans start here

Oliver! (1968)

Oliver Twist

The original movie

Oliver Twist

Roman Polanski · Film · 2005

Roman Polanski’s 2005 Oliver Twist offers a gritty, straightforward cinematic interpretation of Dickens' classic, providing a somber, visually grounded experience for viewers seeking a traditional, non-musical take on the orphan's journey.

Oliver!

1968 film

✦ Start here

Oliver!

Film · 1968

Oliver! (1968) is a vibrant, celebrated musical adaptation that captures the energy of the workhouse and the criminal underworld, perfectly suited for audiences who appreciate classic cinema, choreography, and iconic storytelling.

Oliver & Company

1988 film

Oliver & Company

Film · 1988

Oliver & Company (1988) reimagines the narrative through an animated lens, featuring a feline protagonist and canine companions, making it an accessible, lighthearted entry point for younger viewers and animation fans.

The Artful Dodger

Inspired by

The Artful Dodger

David Maher · Series · 2023

The Artful Dodger (2023) serves as a mature, character-driven spin-off focusing on Jack Dawkins’ evolution into a surgeon, ideal for viewers interested in historical subversion, medical drama, and complex moral redemption.

Common questions

Is Oliver Twist (2005) the same story as Oliver! (1968)?

Both the 2005 movie Oliver Twist and the 1968 movie Oliver! are adaptations of the same original Charles Dickens novel. While they share the core narrative of an orphan in Victorian London, the 1968 version is a musical, whereas the 2005 film is a dramatic adaptation.

Does Oliver & Company (1988) follow the plot of Oliver Twist?

Oliver & Company is a loose animated adaptation of Oliver Twist. It reimagines the story in modern-day New York City, featuring a kitten as the main character. While it draws inspiration from the original Dickens characters, it changes the setting and tone significantly from the 2005 Oliver Twist film.

Should I watch The Artful Dodger (2023) after Oliver Twist?

The Artful Dodger serves as a sequel series to the events involving the famous character from Oliver Twist. If you are interested in seeing what happens to the pickpocket character after his time with Oliver, this television series explores his adult life in the Australian colonies.

How do I watch the various adaptations of Oliver Twist in order?

There is no official chronological order for these titles because they are separate adaptations of the same source material. You can watch the 1968 Oliver! or the 2005 Oliver Twist independently. The Artful Dodger is the only title that functions as a narrative follow-up to the original story.

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