Matilda

Play trailer

2:22

Matilda

PG

1996

1h 33m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

105 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.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

Mike Clark

USA Today

Aug 3, 2026

2/4

Danny DeVito's movie of Roald Dahl's children's horror family is less frightening than it is coarse and overblown.

Go to Full Review

Jane Horwitz

Washington Post

Aug 3, 2026

Terrific acting, a sharp, perceptive script and whimsical design make this a corker both children and adults can enjoy.

Go to Full Review

Judy Gerstel

Toronto Star

Jul 29, 2026

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.

Go to Full Review

Gissane Sophia

Lady Geeks Media

Oct 15, 2026

5/5

Matilda is rare in that it’s genuinely so sensational still that for someone like me, the chance to review it 30 years later feels like a specific kind of gift I can’t put into words.

Go to Full Review

David Elliott

Copley News Service

Aug 5, 2026

3/4

It's a little laborious in tone, but the effects are not overdone, and not only girls will thrill to Matilda's brisk, rallying pluck.

Go to Full Review

Holly McClure

Orange County Register

Aug 5, 2026

C+

The problem with "Matilda" is that DeVito went overboard with verbal abuse and cruelty to children.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Danielle

Mar 23, 2026

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

See more

Matthew G

Mar 22, 2026

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

See more

JasonS

Jul 10, 2024

It was a lovely overcoming the odds type of film. Very nice ending. It’s worth a watch.

See more

Preston H

@RT48754294 3 days ago

Classic film, funny scenes.

See more

Tom F

@RT55173143 Oct 7, 2026

A weird and problematic story about the importance of kindness, it left me with positive feelings.

See more

Rose B

@awwrosenz Sep 27, 2026

Grew up watching this movie. A classic but heart-warming story 😁

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST 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

Matilda: Official Clip - They Named Her Matilda

1:29

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - Pigtail Hammer Throw

3:00

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - And the Trunchbull Was Gone

2:59

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - I Will Get You, Agatha

2:52

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - I'm Smart, You're Dumb

2:58

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - It's a Newt

3:00

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - A Loving Family

3:32

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - Escape from Trunchbull

3:14

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - Little Bitty Pretty One

2:36

Now Playing

Matilda: Official Clip - Bruce vs. Chocolate Cake

4:07

Now Playing

View more videos

Monkey Trouble

58%

40%

Monkey Trouble

Watchlist

Short Circuit 2

43%

54%

Short Circuit 2

Watchlist

Dunston Checks In

17%

41%

Dunston Checks In

Watchlist

Dudley Do-Right

16%

24%

Dudley Do-Right

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Dudley Do-Right

Richie Rich

27%

32%

Richie Rich

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Matilda: Trailer 1

2:22

Now Playing

View more videos

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

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings