TL;DR
- Matilda by Roald Dahl (Book): The OG masterpiece. It’s about "kid power," reading, and standing up to bullies. Essential reading for ages 8+.
- Matilda (1996 Movie): The Danny DeVito/Mara Wilson classic. It’s nostalgic, slightly campy, and still holds up as the definitive live-action version for many.
- Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022 Movie): High-energy, visually stunning, and features a bop-filled soundtrack. It’s a bit more intense and "modern" than the ‘96 version.
- The Controversy: In 2023, Puffin Books edited Dahl’s works to remove "offensive" language (like the word "fat"). We’ll break down whether you should hunt for an old copy or embrace the new ones.
If your kid is currently obsessed with Roblox or watching MrBeast on repeat, Matilda might seem like a "vintage" recommendation. But here’s the thing: Matilda Wormwood is the original "disruptor." Long before kids were "quiet quitting" or calling things "Ohio" (which, for the uninitiated, basically means weird or cringe), Matilda was using her brain—and some light telekinesis—to take down a toxic system.
Whether it’s the neglectful Wormwood parents or the nightmare-fuel Headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda is the patron saint of every kid who feels like the adults in the room have no idea what they’re doing.
Why Kids Love It
Kids are obsessed with justice. They spend their whole lives being told what to do by people who are significantly larger than them. Matilda flips the script. It’s a "little person" power fantasy where being smart is a literal superpower.
Plus, Roald Dahl understood something that a lot of modern children’s authors are too scared to touch: kids love a villain who is actually scary. Miss Trunchbull doesn't need a "redemption arc." She doesn't have a tragic backstory involving a lost puppy. She’s just a beast who throws kids by their pigtails, and that makes her eventual defeat incredibly satisfying.
You might have seen the headlines a couple of years ago. Puffin Books and the Roald Dahl Story Company hired "sensitivity readers" to comb through the classics and make hundreds of changes.
In Matilda, this meant:
- Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is no longer "fat"—he’s "enormous."
- Mrs. Trunchbull is no longer a "most formidable female" but a "most formidable woman."
- References to authors like Rudyard Kipling were swapped for Jane Austen (to avoid colonialist overtones).
The Screenwise Take: It’s a bit of a mess. On one hand, Dahl was notoriously "edgy" (and had some pretty documented problematic views in real life). On the other hand, sanitizing his prose takes away some of the "bite" that makes his writing unique. If you buy a new copy today, it likely has these edits. If you want the "raw" Dahl experience, hit up a used bookstore or the "Classic Collection" that Puffin released after the backlash.
Ask our chatbot about the differences between the original and edited Dahl books
Which Version Should Your Family Watch?
We’re living in a Matilda multiverse right now. Here’s how to choose:
Matilda (1996 Movie)
Ages: 6+ This version is cozy but chaotic. It moves the setting to America, which actually works well. Mara Wilson is the GOAT Matilda—she’s quiet, observant, and deeply relatable. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman as the parents are cartoonishly mean in a way that feels safe for younger kids. It’s a "core memory" movie for most Millennials, and it still holds up for Gen Alpha.
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022)
Ages: 8+ This Netflix adaptation of the Broadway show is a different beast. It’s stylized, fast-paced, and the music is incredible (thanks to Tim Minchin). However, it is darker. The Trunchbull (played by Emma Thompson in prosthetics) is more menacing, and the "Chokey" (the spiked closet for punishing kids) feels much more real. The song "Revolting Children" is an absolute banger, but the overall vibe might be a bit "too much" for sensitive 5 or 6-year-olds.
Age-Appropriate Guidance
Roald Dahl didn't write for "gentle parents." His books are full of child neglect, verbal abuse, and physical threats.
- Ages 5-7: Stick to the 1996 movie or read the book aloud, skipping over the more intense insults if you feel the need.
- Ages 8-10: This is the sweet spot. They can handle the "mean" humor of the book and will appreciate the rebellion in the musical.
- Ages 11+: This is a great time to talk about the "edits" controversy. It’s a perfect entry point into talking about censorship, evolving social norms, and how we treat "difficult" creators.
Check out our guide on other Roald Dahl books for various ages
What Parents Should Know: The "Mean" Factor
If you’re used to the ultra-sanitized, "everyone is a friend" vibe of modern shows like Bluey, Matilda can be a shock to the system.
The Wormwoods call Matilda "a scab," "a liar," and "ignorant." The Trunchbull calls children "maggots." This isn't "brain rot" content—it’s actually very well-written—but it does require some context.
How to Talk About It:
- "Do we talk like that?" Ask your kids why they think the Wormwoods are so mean. It’s easy for kids to see that the parents are the "bad guys" because of how they speak.
- The "Power of Yet." Matilda is a great example of growth mindset. She doesn't know how to use her powers or read big books at first, but she works at it.
- Media Literacy. Talk about the difference between the book and the movies. Why did the musical add the story about the acrobat and the escapologist? (Hint: It’s to give Matilda more emotional depth).
The Bottom Line
Matilda is a must-have for any family library. Despite the weirdness of the recent edits and the "mean" humor, it remains one of the best stories ever told about the power of a child’s mind.
If you’re looking for a weekend plan, read the book first, then do a double-feature of the 1996 movie and the 2022 musical. It’s a great way to show your kids how the same story can be told in totally different ways.
Next Steps
- Read the book: Grab a copy of Matilda.
- Explore more Dahl: If they loved the vibe, move on to The BFG or The Witches (which is way scarier, be warned).
- Get the soundtrack: Put on the Matilda the Musical soundtrack (it's technically on Spotify/Apple, but you can find the lyric videos on YouTube) for your next car ride.
Learn more about navigating "scary" themes in children's literature