7 Roald Dahl movie adaptations to watch after The Twits | Films | Entertainment
The Twits: Official trailer
The Twits, an animated comedy film inspired by Roald Dahl’s 1980 children’s novel of the same name, is now available on Netflix.
The film boasts a star-studded voice cast including Margo Martindale, Emilia Clarke and Alan Tudyk.
In this adaptation, Mr and Mrs Twit own the world’s most revolting and perilous amusement park: Twitlandia.
When the Twits seize control of their town, two courageous children endeavour to rescue the city.
The Twits is just one of many Roald Dahl movie adaptations, with several others available for streaming.
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The BFG (Mark Rylance) takes a stroll with Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) (Image: Entertainment One UK)
The BFG – 2016
One such favourite is The BFG from 2016, which can be watched on Prime Video.
This fantasy adventure, based on Roald Dahl’s 1982 novel, was directed by Steven Spielberg and features Mark Rylance as the title character and Ruby Barnhill as Sophie, an orphan who befriends The BFG.
Despite mixed reviews, Justin Chang of Los Angeles Times praised Rylance’s performance as a “brilliant amalgam of performance-capture technology and peerless screen presence.”
Matilda is a 90s classic (Image: TRISTAR PICTURES)
Matilda – 1996
Another classic is Matilda from 1996, available to watch on Netflix.
Co-produced and directed by Danny DeVito, it’s based on Dahl’s 1988 novel and stars Mara Wilson as the title character, alongside DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz and Pam Ferris.
The story follows a child prodigy who develops psychokinetic abilities to survive her disreputable family.
The film received positive reviews from critics.
The Witches – 1990
Angelica Huston in The Witches (1990) (Image: WARNER BROS)
The dark fantasy film, available to watch with a NOW subscription, is based on the 1983 novel of the same name.
The plot revolves around evil witches who disguise themselves as ordinary women to ensnare children and transform them into mice.
This was the final film project that executive producer Jim Henson worked on before his untimely death.
Roald Dahl reportedly disliked the film and criticised its ending for deviating from the original book.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar – 2023
Benedict Cumberbatch plays the title character (Image: NETFLIX)
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is a fantasy short film based on the 1977 short story of the same name and is available on Netflix.
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the titular character in what is the first of a four-part series of shorts adapted from Dahl’s short stories, including The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison.
Henry Sugar is the alias of a bachelor who uses his inheritance to fund his gambling habits.
Ralph Fiennes portrays Roald Dahl in the film.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – 2005
Johnny Depp in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Image: WARNER BROS)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, released in 2005, is available to watch with a NOW subscription and is the second adaptation of the Willy Wonka tales.
Directed by Tim Burton, this musical fantasy film is based on the 1964 novel of the same name.
Johnny Depp stars as Willy Wonka and Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket.
In an effort to honour the book’s emphasis on texture, Burton primarily used built sets and practical effects rather than computer-generated backgrounds.
Esio Trot – 2015
Esio Trot is streaming for free (Image: BBC)
Esio Trot, a comedy drama TV film based on the 1990 novel, is available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer.
The film tells the story of a retired bachelor who finds love with his widowed neighbour, who keeps a tortoise for company following her husband’s demise.
Dustin Hoffman and Judi Dench headline the cast.
Danny, the Champion of the World – 1989
Danny, the Champion of the World (Image: Portobello Productions)
Available for rent on Prime Video, this film is an adaptation of the 1975 novel and features Jeremy Irons as William Smith, alongside his real-life son, Samuel, in the titular role of Danny.
The father-son duo concoct a scheme to thwart a local businessman’s plans to purchase their land by poaching his game pheasants.
The Twits is on Netflix