As far as book-to-movie adaptations go, children’s book author Roald Dahl needs no introduction. The man who’s been called “one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century” gave us classics that featured unique storytelling and conjured the most bizarre mental imagery. A fun fact about Dahl is that he served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. The author was responsible for inculcating the reading habits of countless young children, touching their minds with his out-of-the-box ideas. In September 2021, Netflix paid big money to buy the Dahl Story Company — 31 years after he died of cancer at 74 years old — making him Forbes’ Highest Paid Dead Celebrity of 2021.
Based on Dahl’s novel of the same name, The Twits is an upcoming Netflix animated comedy set to release in 2025. Directed by Phil Johnston, the movie boasts a star cast that includes critically acclaimed actors Natalie Portman, Emilia Clarke, Margo Martindale, and Johnny Vegas. The film’s animation is being done by Jellyfish Pictures, the studio behind How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming. A first-look image was released by Netflix in September 2023. While fans eagerly await the release of the highly-anticipated movie, let’s take a look at five other movies that are must-watch adaptions of Dahl’s books.
1. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (2005)
Although there have been countless adaptations of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the 2005 musical fantasy film directed by Tim Burton is the most beloved. Both the book and the movie have soared in popularity with young audiences because, evidently, there’s nothing kids love more than sweet treats! The film follows the story of impoverished Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore), who finds a golden ticket along with four other children and wins a tour of the Wonka Factory.
The infinitely talented Johnny Depp stars as Willy Wonka and Deep Roy as the Oompa-Loompa — performing each character individually rather than opting for digital duplication. In supporting roles, the cast includes David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, Missi Pyle, and James Fox. What’s particularly impressive about the movie is that Burton set out to use sets and practical effects rather than resorting to VFX to create the environments in the film. The dedication to finer details alone warrants a watch of this beloved classic. And be sure to keep chocolate bars on hand because, boy, will this movie get those cravings kicking in!
Watch Charlie and The Chocolate Factory on Netflix
2. Matilda (1996)
Roald Dahl movie adaptations sure have a lot of food references, with the Matilda chocolate cake becoming a viral sensation on social media lately. Matilda is a fantasy comedy based on Dahl’s 1988 novel of the same name, directed by the renowned director Danny DeVito, who also narrates and stars in the film. The story centers around child prodigy Matilda (Mara Wilson), whose brilliance enables her to develop psychokinetic abilities. She uses her powers to teach her despicable family and terrorizing school principal some well-deserved lessons.
The film also had Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris in supporting roles. Matilda was released in the United States on August 2, 1996. Although it wasn’t a commercial success at the time of its release, the movie is a sleeper hit that gained popularity over the years and is now a staple children’s movie.
3. The Witches (2020)
A more recent rendition of Dahl’s work, The Witches, is a dark fantasy comedy starring Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci, and Kristin Chenoweth. It is the second film adaptation of Dahl’s book of the same name. The film was privy to mixed reviews and was unexpectedly roped into controversy shortly after its release owing to the perpetuation of bias towards people with ectrodactyly and other limb disabilities.
Hathaway and Warner Bros. issued official statements apologizing for their lack of awareness and the unintentional message that came across as a result. The movie was also criticized for straying away from the original novel, but it definitely hit the notes by emanating the creepy aura of the book. The performances and cinematography are redeeming factors that warrant a watch of this 2020 film.
4. The BFG (2016)
Directed and co-produced by the legendary Steven Spielberg, The BFG is a fantasy-adventure film that stars Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall, Rafe Spall, and Bill Hader. It revolves around an orphaned ten-year-old, Sophie, who forms an unlikely friendship with a Big Friendly Giant and embarks on a journey to Giant Country in an attempt to halt man-eating giants from invading the human world. The film marked Barnhill’s debut and was also the last film penned by screenwriter Melissa Mathison before she kicked the bucket in 2015. The BFG is a glorious interpretation of the unique visual imagery that Dahl is renowned for, tossed in a deadly combination of Spielberg and Disney, making it a must-watch.
5. James and The Giant Peach (1996)
Last on this list is a sweet classic for all film buffs who enjoy old-school animation and indulge in nostalgia. Produced by Tim Burton and Denise Di Novi, James and the Giant Peach is a musical animated fantasy film directed by Henry Selick. A unique take on Dahl’s novel of the same name, the film is a blend of live-action and stop-motion animation.
The live-action cast included Paul Terry as James, Miriam Margolyes, and Joanna Lumley as his vain aunts, and Pete Postlethwaite as the Magic Man. The voice-actor cast boasted prominent actors like Simon Callow and Susan Sarandon. Although the film failed at the box office, its unusual and unique viewing experience makes it a critically acclaimed and endearing watch. Also, find out if stop-motion mainstay Laika is finally breaking out into the mainstream.
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