Matilda

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2:22

Matilda

PG

1996

1h 33m

Kids & Family

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

99 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

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

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Judy Gerstel

Toronto Star

22h

4/5

The real stars of the movie are the undiluted sensibility of Dahl, the wit and wisdom of the screenwriters and director, and the glorious creativity of the designers.

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Deborah Peterson

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

22h

It is not a movie for the overprotective or the faint of heart. Kids won't be scared off, though.

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David Hunter

The Hollywood Reporter

22h

Davidtz is terrific as the mousy but courageous Miss Honey, while Kiami Davael, Kira Sencer Hesser, Jimmy Karz and Jaqueline Steiger are the standouts among Matilda's schoolmates.

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Darryl Sterdan

Winnipeg Sun

21h

4/5

Take the whole family from grandparents to grandchildren, sit back, and enjoy one of the most fun family films of the year.

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Bob Strauss

Los Angeles Daily News

21h

DeVito has created a skewed fairy tale for our time that has an underlying heart of gold.

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Michael D. Reid

Victoria Times Colonist (B.C., Canada)

21h

3/5

It's Carrie for kids!

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Danielle

Mar 23

Such a comfort movie!! I love the flash back cinema!!!

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Matthew G

Mar 22

Movies from the 90s were truly better excellent acting and great stunts

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JasonS

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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Mana L

@RT17751047 10h

An adorable classic no remake could ever replace

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Noel L

@RT15930389 Jul 13

This is one of those movies that's impossible to hate

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M A

@RT25218740 Jun 21

I am shocked the audience gave Matilda an average 73%. This is the comfort movie I still watch as a 31 year old! The acting is incredible, and the character development is fantastic. The morality in the storyline and the classic lines that true fans would still use to this day, makes Matilda a winner 5/5.

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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