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

01/01/2000

3/4

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

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

01/01/2000

3/4

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

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Jessica Gonzales

Geek Vibes Nation

Jul 17

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.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

09/16/2023

3/4

Carrie for the kiddies.

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Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

09/12/2023

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

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

06/21/2023

B

A funny kid flick.

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07/10/2024

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

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Daniel D

@Daniel800 1d

Um clássico infantil!

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Married2ThePlot P

@marriedtotheplot Dec 8

I just watched this with my kids and it was so amazing to see their eyes light up, full of wonder and magic! They loved it and I loved it as a child! It was entertaining even now as an adult.

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Miguel C

@Miguel3110 Dec 6

Com um elenco famoso e ótimo, personagens carismáticos e inteligentes e uma história envolvente, Matilda logo se torna uma aventura incrível para todas as idades.

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Maksim S

@MaksimusMovies Nov 28

Matilda becomes a disturbingly effective tale of a child battling a world ruled by monstrous adults. The film’s cheerful colours only deepen the unease, turning every scene into something slightly uncanny. Miss Trunchbull is a genuine horror villain—towering, sadistic, and atmosphere-warping in every appearance. Matilda’s telekinesis, instead of feeling whimsical, plays like a quiet haunting: objects moving with eerie calm, hinting at power born from neglect and fear. What elevates it is the contrast between darkness and hope. Matilda’s final victory feels like a classic horror triumph, where the smallest, quietest character outlasts the monster. Strange, unsettling, and unexpectedly powerful—Matilda works shockingly well as a child-centered horror tale.

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Eliana S

Nov 25

I’ve watched this 50 times

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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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