Matilda

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2:22

Matilda

PG

1996

1h 33m

Kids & Family

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

80 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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Jami Bernard

New York Daily News

8h

For tormented little geniuses like Matilda, whose revenge fantasies are so persistent, I recommend Carrie.

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Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

8h

4/5

The villains are perfectly cast for a children's movie in that they're cruel but not credible.

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John Anderson

Los Angeles Times

8h

...lashed together with baling wire, chewing gum, chocolate icing...

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Shawn Levy

Oregonian

8h

Filled with brash jokes and cute without being cloying, it's yet another fine children's film in a decade that's been remarkably rich in them.

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

8h

This is Dahl at his most neo-Dickensian, with the little heroine using her telekinetic powers in the cause of literacy and humane values.

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Henry Cabot Beck

Newark Star-Ledger

8h

The problem with Matilda is that in order to be faithful to the story, DeVito needs more canvas than his story can comfortably fit onto.

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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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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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Joshua G

@RT51382686 Apr 12

A great movie full of hilarious and fun parts. It starts with a little super child prodigy that loves to read. Then she goes to a school with a lovely teacher but a terrifying principle. She then discovers that she could move things with her mind. A great movie that everyone should that is why I rate this movie 3.5.

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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