Matilda (1996)
Danny DeVito's enchanting adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic tale of a brilliant girl who discovers her extraordinary telekinetic gift.
Matilda - Movie Information
- Original Title: Matilda
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Danny DeVito
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 2, 1996 (United States - PG), December 19, 1996 (United Kingdom - PG), March 19, 1997 (Germany - 6), April 9, 1997 (France - U), December 18, 1996 (Australia - PG), January 24, 1997 (Brazil - L), February 27, 1997 (Italy), December 17, 1996 (Spain - 7), August 9, 1997 (South Korea - All)
- Alternative Titles: ماتيلدا (SA), متیلدا (IR), マチルダは小さな大天才 (JP), Matilda (BR), Matilda sei mitica (IT)
- Production Companies: Jersey Films, TriStar Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Matilda - Plot
Matilda Wormwood is an exquisite and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia, don't agree. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a sadistic headmistress. As she becomes fed up with the constant cruelty, she discovers she has a special gift that she just might be able to use to outwit the unruly adults around her.
Matilda - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Matilda's magical world come to life:
Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.
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Matilda - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Danny DeVito
Main Cast
- Mara Wilson
- Danny DeVito
- Rhea Perlman
- Embeth Davidtz
- Pam Ferris
- Paul Reubens
- Tracey Walter
- Jean Speegle Howard
- Brian Levinson
- Sara Magdalin
Writers
- Nicholas Kazan
- Robin Swicord
Producers
- Danny DeVito
- Liccy Dahl
- Stacey Sher
- Michael Shamberg
Matilda - FAQs
Where can you stream Matilda (1996)?
Matilda (1996) is available to stream on Netflix. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. Availability may vary by region.
Is Matilda based on a true story?
No, Matilda is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the beloved 1988 children's novel by British author Roald Dahl. The story of a telekinetic girl with neglectful parents and a tyrannical headmistress is entirely fictional, though Dahl drew on themes of childhood powerlessness and resilience.
Who plays Matilda in the 1996 film?
Mara Wilson plays the title role of Matilda Wormwood. The cast also includes Danny DeVito as her scheming father Harry Wormwood, Rhea Perlman as her indifferent mother Zinnia, Embeth Davidtz as the kind Miss Honey, and Pam Ferris as the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull.
What is Matilda (1996) about?
Matilda follows an extraordinarily bright young girl raised by neglectful, dishonest parents who show no interest in her gifts. When she finally starts school, she finds a caring teacher in Miss Honey but must also contend with the fearsome headmistress Miss Trunchbull — until she discovers she possesses telekinetic powers.
Did Matilda win any awards?
Matilda received several award nominations upon release, including a Saturn Award nomination for Best Fantasy Film. Mara Wilson's performance was widely praised by critics. The film has since earned a devoted cult following and is frequently cited as one of the finest family films of the 1990s.
What is the age rating for Matilda?
Matilda is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested. The film contains some scenes of child mistreatment and comedic peril that may be intense for very young viewers, but it remains a family-friendly watch overall.
How long is the 1996 Matilda film?
Matilda has a runtime of 98 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. Its brisk pacing keeps the story engaging for children and adults alike, balancing laugh-out-loud comedy with genuinely moving emotional moments throughout.
Who directed Matilda and did he act in it?
Matilda was directed by Danny DeVito, who also stars as Matilda's crooked father Harry Wormwood and provides the film's warm, wry narration. DeVito produced the film alongside Liccy Dahl, Stacey Sher, and Michael Shamberg through his production company Jersey Films.
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