Roald Day Dahl is on September 13th! Here are Tutor Doctor’s top 5 picks for Roald Dahl books with film adaptations.
5. James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Younger children will especially enjoy this animated musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic, James and the Giant Peach. James manages to grow a giant peach using magical “crocodile tongues” – only to discover that the peach’s pit is inhabited by lovable insect friends! James and the Giant Peach is one of Roald Dahl’s more fantastical novels, and the movie is a visually stunning adventure for the whole family.
4. The Witches (1990)
The Witches is a fantasy adventure surrounding evil witches. More specifically, a secret society of witches that exist around the globe and just happen to hate children. English witches are known to be the most evil, and the Grand High Witch has devised a plan to turn all of the children into mice! Although the plot sounds a bit dark, The Witches is a gripping adventure and the 1990 film adaptation is critically acclaimed. Fans of the film may also want to check out the newer 2020 remake as well!
3. Matilda (1996)
Matilda is one of the most popular Roald Dahl books, perhaps due to its intriguing cast of memorable characters. Matilda is a highly intelligent overachiever whose talents go largely unnoticed by her inattentive parents. This causes Matilda to develop a supernatural ability: the power to move objects with her mind! The 1996 film adaptation does a wonderful job of bringing Roald Dahl’s unforgettable characters to life, from the delightful Miss Honey to the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull.
2. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a Roald Dahl classic story about a cunning fox who steals food from farmers to feed the other animals – all while avoiding his own capture. Mr. Fox’s crafty methods of consistently outsmarting the farmers are a joy to watch, and the 2009 adaptation has a nostalgic stop-motion animation style that kids will love. Directed by Academy Award winner Wes Anderson, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a whimsical adventure that certainly makes our top three!
1. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Sometimes the classics are still the best! Based on the similarly-titled novel of the same name (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), this classic film about the eccentric chocolatier has enthralled generations of viewers. With its fantastical set pieces and world-famous musical numbers, it’s hard to top the 1971 original! We also recommend checking out the 2005 adaptation for an alternative perspective.
