Matilda

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2:22

Matilda

PG

Released Aug 2, 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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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

Hollis Chacona

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 4.5/5

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Susan Wloszczyna

USA Today

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

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

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

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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

Full Review

Jillian F

another childhood movie of mine that i would always watch but lowkey got sick of the plot eventually

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/08/25

Full Review

Aidric S

They used the song "Send Me On My Way," twice in the movie. Once, in the beginning while Matilda is making herself pancakes for breakfast, and again, in the end, during the montage with Matilda and Ms. Honey playing together. It disgusts me.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

Full Review

Audience Member

I first watched this movie in preschool and barely remembered it so I now wanted to rewatch it as an adult. This is a very creative and unique movie that is very good for kids, particularly for younger girls. Pam Ferris gives and incredible performance and Danny Devito as the director gave the movie a different and artistic flavor as well. This movie teaches pretty decent values to children overall, and who would’ve thought that a hiding and running sequence throughout a big home could’ve been shot, edited, and executed so tense yet so rich with entertainment?! Sure some parts of the movie are silly and ridiculous, but it can’t beat out its charm!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/23/25

Full Review

Tony V

This is quite a heartwarming film/movie about an adolescent girl who was given birth by a family who wasn’t great and didn’t take her to start school, but once they did, she was taken to a school whose headmaster was a cruel, grumpy woman who physically punished children since there were no laws against it. But the ending is very fulfilling, with Mrs. Honey becoming Matilda's parent/caretaker through adoption, as well as the school's new headmaster.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/25

Full Review

Enne W

Matilda is hands-down one of the best family movies of all time. It has good lessons, great characters, and even better writing and direction. It was my favourite movie as a child, and it will forever have a special place in my heart.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/03/25

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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