Matilda (1996)
Kernel Score: 79% · 4,739 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Released: 1996-08-02
Runtime: 98 minutes
Is Matilda worth watching?
Worth watching. A cheerful, slightly twisted children's film about a clever girl and her awful grown-ups. It stays close to Roald Dahl's spirit and still feels fun for kids.
Watch it if you
- want a fun family fantasy
- like Roald Dahl-style stories
- enjoy a clever kid beating bad adults
Skip it if you
- want something grown-up
- dislike cartoonish villains
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Matilda
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Matilda Wormwood is an brilliant and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia, fail to see that fact. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a terrifying, 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 parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that Matilda is a PG family fantasy-comedy about a gifted girl outwitting a cruel headmistress and neglectful parents.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a sadistic, cruel headmistress and depictions of parental neglect and mild peril, played partly for comedy.
- Language: A little — Contains some crass comedy per the keywords but nothing severe indicated.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Matilda
If you liked Matilda, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) — 86%: Another Dahl-flavoured story with a mischievous edge
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Witty fairy tale for children and adults alike
- Mary Poppins (1964) — 85%: Classic magical family film with a kind heroine
- Hocus Pocus (1993) — 80%: Spooky-silly family adventure
- Christopher Robin (2018) — 81%: Gentle fantasy with warmth for families
- Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) — 79%: Sweet family comedy with a big heart
Director
Cast
- Mara Wilson as Matilda Wormwood
- Danny DeVito as Harry Wormwood / Narrator (voice)
- Rhea Perlman as Zinnia Wormwood
- Embeth Davidtz as Miss Honey
- Pam Ferris as Agatha Trunchbull
- Paul Reubens as FBI Agent
- Tracey Walter as FBI Agent
- Jean Speegle Howard as Miss Phelps
- Brian Levinson as Michael Wormwood
- Sara Magdalin as Four-Year-Old Matilda
Matilda FAQ
Is Matilda worth watching?
Worth watching. A cheerful, slightly twisted children's film about a clever girl and her awful grown-ups. It stays close to Roald Dahl's spirit and still feels fun for kids.
Where can I watch Matilda?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Matilda OK for kids?
Matilda is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that Matilda is a PG family fantasy-comedy about a gifted girl outwitting a cruel headmistress and neglectful parents.
What movies are like Matilda?
If you liked Matilda, try Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, The Princess Bride, Mary Poppins and Hocus Pocus.