Matilda | Rotten Tomatoes

Matilda

PG

Now Playing

1h 33m

Kids & Family

Comedy

List

92%

Tomatometer

25 Reviews

73%

Audience Score

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.

Read More

Read Less

Now in Theaters

Now Playing

Buy Tickets

In Theaters

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Rent Matilda on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

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.

Read Critics Reviews

James Berardinelli

ReelViews

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

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

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

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A funny kid flick.

Rated: B

Jun 21, 2023

Full Review

Read all reviews

Arid S

A film I remember from my childhood, I love Matilda, she really did what she needed to do and she is a proud young lady!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/22/24

Full Review

Ariel V

One of the best family films.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/02/24

Full Review

Vanessa D

Matilda is a very nostalgic and perfect children's movie. I consider one of Ronald Dahl's greatest works and the director Danny DeVito did an amazing job of directing this movie for the audience. And I don't just mean children, I mean people of all ages. So all together, a very good film. Bravo!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/24

Full Review

Kaleb R

I loved this movie so much this is so epicc

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/11/24

Full Review

Trafalgar L

Caught me completely off guard. The story is much like Roald Dahl's childrens novel, but it modernizes the story without changing too much. A girl with neglectful parents and a brutal headmistress develops telekinesis and finds solace in the comfort of her teacher and peers. While it may seem like a story about a little girl who develops extraordinary powers, it's much deeper it's about dealing with abuse and it pays off when Matilda and Miss Honey are both able to escape from their own struggles. Also, has positive messages and encourages reading.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/13/24

Full Review

Emily P

I saw this movie 24 years ago for the first time when I was 6 years old and I didn't think I would like it. Right when Danny Devito said; "Was it magic or Coincidence she didn't know. It's said that we humans only use a tiny portion of our brains Matilda may not have discovered her own great strength of mind were it not for the events that began on the very next day." So I was wrong to think I wouldn't have loved the movie because I did the cast was perfect loved Mara Wilson as Matilda and Pam Ferris as Miss. Trunchbull was pure genius. I did see the 2022 movie but I think because this is the version I grew up with it will always be my Matilda.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/12/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Danny DeVito

Director

Mara Wilson

Matilda Wormwood

Danny DeVito

Harry Wormwood

Rhea Perlman

Zinnia Wormwood

Embeth Davidtz

Jennifer "Jenny" Honey

Pam Ferris

Agatha Trunchbull

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

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

View more videos

55%

41%

Monkey Trouble

38%

54%

Short Circuit 2

17%

41%

Dunston Checks In

16%

24%

Dudley Do-Right

TRAILER

for Dudley Do-Right

26%

32%

Richie Rich

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Danny DeVito’s 10 Best Movies

"Superman Returns" Gets More Online Reactions

Cuaron & del Toro to Do Dahl’s "Witches"

View more photos

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

Most Popular at Home Now