Matilda | Rotten Tomatoes

Matilda

PG

Now Playing

1 hr. 33 min.

Kids & Family

Comedy

List

92%

25 Reviews

Tomatometer

73%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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

Jasmine M

With its brilliant blend of fantasy, humor, and heartfelt storyline, I found the movie Matilda to be heartwarming and intriguing, as it captivated me from start to finish. One of the movie's standout elements is its exceptional casting. Mara Wilson shines in her role as Matilda, effortlessly portraying the character's intelligence and determination. Meanwhile, Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito made me want to reach on screen and grab them both by the neck for their unforgettable performances as Matilda's hateful and neglectful parents. Each actor brought depth and authenticity to their role, making their characters feel genuine and keeping their viewers engaged. A big strength in this movie is Matilda's ability to successfully tackle important themes such as the power of education, resilience, and the importance of standing up against injustice. Because of this, Matilda is an inspiring role model for audiences of all ages, making this movie a perfect movie night pick for the family. Despite its many strengths, I found the film could have further explored certain characters and storylines. Although the focus remains largely on Matilda, some of the supporting characters, such as Matilda's classmates, could have been given more depth and development. While the movie is 1 hour and 38 minutes long, I would not have minded watching a bit longer if it meant an additional scene including positive character development for Miss Trunchbull's role.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/08/24

Full Review

Jennifer B

What a sweet movie! I'd forgotten what the 80s were like, so the cartoonish violence had me raising an eyebrow at first. But once I settled into the time, it was really fun. No one got hurt, and everyone got what they deserved. It's really for children — I guess they hadn't started making movies for kids that included winks to the grownups. But I found it entertaining, nevertheless. 5 stars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/24

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

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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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James Berardinelli

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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

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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

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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
Executive Producer: Martin Bregman, Michael Peyser
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
Sound Mix: Surround

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