The 7 Best Roald Dahl Books Turned Into Movies
Roald Dahl believed that “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” From his writing, which included at least 20 books for kids and even more works for adults, it’s clear that Dahl not only believed, but was able to capture a sense of magic on each and every page he penned. From The Minpins to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he created worlds that dove deep into a colorful world of imagination — a world that’s perfect for kids, as well as kids at heart. Luckily, many of his epic tales have been converted into feature films. Although we love all of his stories, we’ve ranked seven of our favorite Roald Dahl films from worst to best. You know, for when you’re looking for something to stream and are in the mood to confront witches or wishing you had telekinetic powers.
©Warner Bros/courtesy Everett Co1/8The Witches
More wicked than the Witch of the West and more sinister than the sweets-loving enchantress who traps Hansel and Gretel, the witches in Roald Dahl’s classic will send shivers up your spine. Although the book is a classic that all kids should read, the movie falls a bit flat nowadays. The ‘90s makeup and special effects are pretty cheesy, even for a children’s story. Anjelica Huston is uh-maz-ing as the Grand High Witch, however, and even now her performance will have you wondering if there really is a secret society of children-hating sorceresses out there…
©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection2/8Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Let’s face it: this Tim Burton flick is less magic and whimsy and more psychedelic colors and overly bleached teeth. This adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is dark—like Tim Burton went on a writers’ retreat in a haunted house and wrote about his technicolor nightmare, dark. And just remember, if you ever see a room full of hardworking squirrels, don’t think they’re cute…they’re vicious. Veruca Salt had to learn the hard way.
©Fox Searchlight/Courtesy Everett Collection3/8Fantastic Mr. Fox
This movie is straight-up adorable. With quirky colors and catchy music, this stop-motion film is the type of gold people expect Wes Anderson to create. Not only are there ultra cute animals voiced by some mega stars (Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Owen Wilson, and Bill Murray), but a fast-paced plot that will have kids, and kids at heart, laughing and gripping on to the edge of their seat to see what fantastic Mr. Fox will do next.
©Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection4/8James and the Giant Peach
It’s the classic tale of boy-loses-parents, boy-moves-in-with-wicked-aunts, and then boy-magically-goes sailing-around-the-world-in-a-massive-peach-with-human-sized-bugs. Pretty much a tale as old as time. Although the story itself is pretty far-fetched, it explores sentiments that anyone can relate to — ideas about the importance of family and what it means to belong somewhere. Tim Burton once again takes audiences for a wild ride, but his distinct style fused with stop motion animation is mind-blowingly awesome.
DAVID L WOLPER PRODUCTIONS / Ronald Grant Archive / Mary Evans5/8Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
No matter how old you are, watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory will give you a boost of inventiveness. It’s a film all about creativity and whimsy, and will make you wonder if regular chocolate factories mix their chocolate by waterfall (seems doubtful). The story follows young and hopeful Charlie Bucket as he navigates his way through Mr. Wonka’s colorful factory along with four other kids. Although all of them were lucky enough to find golden tickets in their candy bars, they won’t all be lucky enough to make it out of the factory unscathed.
©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection6/8The BFG
Young Sophie is just trying to catch some shut-eye when the BFG happens upon her and sweeps her away to Giant Country. There, she learns all about the mysterious giant’s job — sending pleasant dreams to children. But she also discovers there are child-hating giants responsible for nightmares, which is obviously very uncool. Sophie and the BFG team up to take the evil giants down—and even rope the Queen of England in during the process. Although the movie is brand spanking new, this Roald Dahl classic will send you off to bed with sweet dreams of snozzcumbers and whizpopping.
Ronald Grant Archive / Mary Evans7/8Matilda
Matilda is the type of feel-good movie you watch with your best friend on a rainy day. Centered around a special little girl who uses her telekinetic powers to stand up to those who mean to do her harm, including the school’s biggest bully, the Trunchbull, and her parents. Anyone who has ever fallen in love with books will relate to Matilda’s voracious reading habits, and you’ll think back on the special teachers you had when you watch a scene with Miss Honey in it. Warning: After viewing, you will have “Little Bitty Pretty One” stuck in your head for weeks, but it’ll be so, so worth it.
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