Matilda

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2:22

Matilda

PG

1996

1h 33m

Kids & Family

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

25 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

This film adaptation of a Roald Dahl work tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a gifted girl forced to put up with a crude, distant father (Danny DeVito) and mother (Rhea Perlman). Worse, Agatha Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), the evil principal at Matilda's school, is a terrifyingly strict bully. However, when Matilda realizes she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to defend her friends from Trunchbull's wrath and fight back against her unkind parents.

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Critics Consensus

Danny DeVito-directed version of Matilda is odd, charming, and while the movie diverges from Roald Dahl, it nonetheless captures the book's spirit.

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Susan Wloszczyna

USA Today

With her sweet-sad face, Mara Wilson is a perfect Matilda.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Matilda doesn't condescend to children, it doesn't sentimentalize, and as a result it feels heartfelt and sincere. It's funny, too.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Jessica Gonzales

Geek Vibes Nation

The film effortlessly balances the darker edges of life with the lighter ones, making the important messages it contains more accessible and palatable to a younger audience. It is practically bursting at the seams with heart.

Jul 17, 2025

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Carrie for the kiddies.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 16, 2023

Full Review

Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

... DeVito has managed to create a film that delighted audiences in ‘96 that will do the same for another generation in ‘23.

Sep 12, 2023

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A funny kid flick.

Rated: B

Jun 21, 2023

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JasonS

It was a lovely overcoming the odds type of film. Very nice ending. It’s worth a watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/10/24

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Janet D

Delightful movie. Kids will love it!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/10/25

Full Review

Arron V

in my top 10 favorite movies of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

Full Review

Blu B

All Time Classic. It's a shame this wasn't well received in 96'. It's difficult looking back to really understand why but sometimes gems like this fall through the cracks. It's a shame because man it would've been amazing too see what DeVito could do more of behind the camera. This is easily is crowning acheivement as a director. Fantastic direction in this. I love all the wide shots, how we see things from the view of a child, and how it changes as Matilda stands up for what's right representing her arc. Just first rate all around. Amazing cinematography and incredible practical effects that hold up remarkably well. Matilda is easily the best thing about this and is so charming, quirky, likeable, and good person beyond her years. Miss Honey is awesome too. Everyone else is really good too. This is basically if someone literally took the idea of Carrie and made it into a fantasy family comedy. It weaves effortlessly between being comedic, wholesome, and scary at times too. Just enough where it should'nt terrify little ones. DeVitos narration is excellent too and gives it more of a fairy tale feel as well. Wholesome, charming, and very original this is something everyone should give a watch once.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/25

Full Review

Danna R

I think it’s a movie with a very powerful lesson, because even though a child may be small and young, that doesn’t mean they aren’t strong, wise, or able to take care of themselves. I also believe it teaches parents to pay more attention to their children Danna reina 1001

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

Full Review

BlueTop World b

My most favourite movie ever

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/18/25

Full Review

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Danny DeVito

Director

Mara Wilson

Matilda Wormwood

Danny DeVito

Harry Wormwood

Rhea Perlman

Zinnia Wormwood

Embeth Davidtz

Jennifer "Jenny" Honey

Pam Ferris

Agatha Trunchbull

Matilda: Official Clip - They Named Her Matilda

1:29

Matilda: Official Clip - Pigtail Hammer Throw

3:00

Matilda: Official Clip - And the Trunchbull Was Gone

2:59

Matilda: Official Clip - I Will Get You, Agatha

2:52

Matilda: Official Clip - I'm Smart, You're Dumb

2:58

Matilda: Official Clip - It's a Newt

3:00

Matilda: Official Clip - A Loving Family

3:32

Matilda: Official Clip - Escape from Trunchbull

3:14

Matilda: Official Clip - Little Bitty Pretty One

2:36

Matilda: Official Clip - Bruce vs. Chocolate Cake

4:07

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Matilda: Trailer 1

2:22

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Synopsis

This film adaptation of a Roald Dahl work tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a gifted girl forced to put up with a crude, distant father (Danny DeVito) and mother (Rhea Perlman). Worse, Agatha Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), the evil principal at Matilda's school, is a terrifyingly strict bully. However, when Matilda realizes she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to defend her friends from Trunchbull's wrath and fight back against her unkind parents.

Director: Danny DeVito
Producer: Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher
Screenwriter: Roald Dahl, Nicholas Kazan, Robin Swicord
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, Columbia Tristar, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Jersey Films, TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $33.1M
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Surround

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