Roald Dahl in Cinema

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration98 mins

Matilda(1996)

Adaptation of the popular Roald Dahl book about a girl with sunny self-reliance and special powers who attends a school with a bullying headmistress.

This beloved classic sees Dahl’s story transported to a US setting, but the characters are just as delightful, outrageous and sincere as their original literary versions. The film explores themes of kindness, bullying and learning, all with a little sprinkling of magic. The film is perfect for instilling a love of reading and curiosity.

Cert

Age group8–16

Duration117 mins

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical(2022)

A determined young girl with a love of reading sets out to overcome the difficulties in her life with the aid of an inspirational teacher.

As the title suggests, this adaptation incorporates the songs and choreography from the stage production created by musical comedian Tim Minchin, in which Matilda’s vivid imagination is infectious. The glorious wordplay in the lyrics pay tribute to Roald Dahl’s language, while the new acrobats storyline introduces younger audiences to the concept of narrative devices.

Cert

Age group8–16

Duration85 mins

Fantastic Mr. Fox(2009)

Stop-motion animation version of Roald Dahl's woodland tale that combines a beautiful old-fashioned aesthetic with Wes Anderson's trademark dialogue.

This stop-motion animation from Wes Anderson appeals to all ages. An all-star cast provide the voices for the residents of Squab farm, as, led by the cunning Mr. Fox they set about giving farmers Boggus, Bunce and Bean their just desserts. Perfect for introducing young people to notions of heroes and villains, celebrating difference and exploring Dahl’s playful language.

Cert

Age group5–15

Duration95 mins

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory(1971)

Visually brilliant 1971 Roald Dahl adaptation about a little boy who wins a tour of the maddest sweet factory in the world!

The much-loved story of Charlie Bucket, who wins a golden opportunity to take a tour of the greatest – and most mysterious – chocolate factory in the world has a suitably eccentric musical adaptation here. The film has developed a cult following, with Gene Wilder’s performance as Willy Wonka arguably never bettered. As continuingly delightful as an Everlasting Gobstopper.

Cert

Age group5–12

Duration79 mins

James and the Giant Peach(1996)

Stuck with his evil aunts, James creates a magical, enormous peach. Befriending the charming insects inside, he attempts an escape.

The strange story of James escaping from his hated aunts inside an enormous, magical peach was exquisitely brought to screen using a mixture of live action and stop-motion adaptation. A classic adventure story, about learning to overcome your fears.

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration87 mins

The Witches(1990)

A brilliantly creepy Roald Dahl adaptation about a 9 year-old orphan who has a run in with some witches during a holiday with his grandmother.

Celebrated director Nicholas Roeg was the perfect choice to bring Dahl’s creepy story of an orphan boy stumbling across a witches convention in the hotel he is staying in with his grandmother. Heaps of fun, but also genuinely scary at times, you may want to turn yourself into a mouse and scurry away at times, but don’t, because this adaptation is one of the best!

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration117 mins

The BFG(2016)

A lonely orphan girl is whisked away to Giant Country where she encounters a Big Friendly Giant. But that’s just the start of her adventures.

Based on what was reportedly the author’s own personal favourite of his stories, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of The BFG uses a mixture of live-action and performance-capture to bring the lovable giant to life. The film is remarkably faithful to the original book, with a heartfelt message about learning to stand up for yourself and not judging people by their appearance.

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration110 mins

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory(2005)

Roald Dahl's classic confectionary tale comes to life in this entrancing film from Tim Burton.

This lavish, colourful adaptation from Tim Burton – who was drawn to the story for its understanding that “children can be adults” - uses all of its vast budget to put Dahl’s extraordinary imagination on screen like never before. With Johnny Depp front-and-centre as Willy Wonka, this musical extravaganza is as much fun as swimming in chocolate.

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration116 mins

Wonka(2023)

The eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka looks to make a name for himself in the competitive world of confectionary in this musical origin story.

The enigmatic chocolatier in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ has reached such legendary status across the generations as to inspire a spin-off story that delves into his past, from his humble beginnings to his core values. With familiar characters such as the bizarre Oompa Loompas, this colourful and quirky interpretation stays true to the spirit of Roald Dahl’s stories.

Cert

Age group5–16

Duration146 mins

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang(1968)

An unsuccessful inventor rescues an old car which acquires magic properties.

Roald Dahl served as screenwriter on one of the most endearing children’s films of all time. Based around a struggling inventor rescuing an old car which acquires magical properties, the film fits in with the true golden age of Hollywood family musicals. Just watch out for the chilling Child-catcher, who is still sure to give audiences of all ages nightmares!