Happy Roald Dahl Day!
On the 100th anniversary of author Roald Dahl’s birth, numerous kids will have trotted to school dressed as an Oompa Loompa, Willy Wonka, or perhaps the BFG. To celebrate with them (and the mums who made their costumes!), here’s our list of some of the best movie versions of Dahl’s stories for you to watch with the kids – click on each title to go to the Movies4Kids review, and enjoy the clips below:
Steven Spielberg’s effects-filled version of Dahl’s tale of the Big Friendly Giant, with Mark Rylance terrific in the starring role. The movie will be out on DVD at the end of the year, but should still be on general release at some cinemas.
The BFG (1989)
A lovely animated version of Dahl’s story, with David Jason providing the voice of the Big Friendly Giant and Amanda Root as Sophie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2oTMyblwwg
A stop-motion animated comedy featuring the voices of George Clooney, Bill Murray, Meryl Streep and Michael Gambon.
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory
Made in 1971 with Gene Wilder as chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka, this version was disowned by Dahl because he felt there was too much emphasis on Willy and not enough on young Charlie.
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
Dahl’s most famous book has been adapted twice (see Willy Wonka, above) and this version has director Tim Burton reteaming with his Edward Scissorhands leading man Johnny Depp for a darker version of the story.
A superb stop-motion animated movie featuring Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon and David Thewlis as some of the creatures James meets inside the giant peach.
Nicolas Roeg directed this adventure that stars Angelica Huston as the leader of a group of witches meeting in a seaside town. Rowan Atkinson, Brenda Blethyn and Jane Horrocks also star.
Danny The Champion Of The World
Jeremy Irons stars with his son Samuel in this lovely movie adaptation of Dahl’s novel made in 1989, originally for TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=256xN_zo9nw
This adorable comedy stars Mara Wilson as young bookworm Matilda and Danny DeVito (who also directed) and Rhea Perlman as her nasty parents.
Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay – adapted from Ian Fleming’s novel – for this beloved classic that features one of the scariest characters (the child catcher) ever to appear in a family movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rLJMzUJf34
*An older version of this article previously appeared at movies4kids.co.uk in 2015.