Few family films have captured childhood magic quite like Matilda. Directed by Danny DeVito and based on Roald Dahl’s beloved 1988 novel, the 1996 classic follows a brilliant young girl who discovers extraordinary telekinetic powers while standing up to neglectful parents and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull. Nearly three decades later, its perfect blend of heart, fantasy, humor, and unforgettable villains continues to win over new generations of viewers.

If Matilda’s magical powers, fearless spirit, and triumph over impossible odds left you wanting more, here are 5 movies you might not want to miss.

If there is one movie that mirrors Matilda more than most fans realize, it is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the third installment in the Wizarding World follows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) as he returns to Hogwarts while the notorious Sirius Black escapes Azkaban Prison. Alongside Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), and new mentor Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), Harry uncovers a truth that changes everything he thought he knew about his past.

The similarities to Matilda go far beyond magic. Both Harry and Matilda grow up in homes where they’re treated as outsiders by cruel guardians before discovering extraordinary abilities that surface during moments of intense emotion. Even better, Pam Ferris appears in both films, terrifying audiences as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda and the equally unforgettable Aunt Marge in Prisoner of Azkaban, currently available on Netflix. 

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But not every magical child needs a wand, sometimes, a golden ticket is all it takes to change a life forever.

Long before Matilda became a family favorite, another Roald Dahl story enchanted audiences with its whimsical imagination. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder as the eccentric chocolatier and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy whose life changes after finding one of five coveted Golden Tickets that grant access to Wonka’s mysterious factory. Inside awaits a dreamlike world filled with chocolate rivers, Oompa Loompas, and life-changing lessons.

The connection between these two classics runs much deeper than sharing the same author. Both celebrate kind, intelligent children who remain hopeful despite growing up in difficult circumstances, while selfish adults and spoiled kids ultimately face the consequences of their actions. Just as Matilda finds a loving home with Miss Honey, Charlie’s honesty earns him something even greater, a future beyond anything he ever imagined. 

If mind over magic fascinated you in Matilda, the next pick proves that the greatest superpower isn’t strength; it’s believing in what your mind can achieve.

At first glance, a galaxy far, far away may seem worlds apart from Matilda. But beneath the lightsabers and starships lies one of the strongest connections on this list. Directed by Irvin Kershner, The Empire Strikes Back follows Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) as the Rebel Alliance suffers devastating losses while Darth Vader relentlessly hunts the remaining heroes. On the remote planet Dagobah, Luke begins rigorous training under Jedi Master Yoda (Frank Oz), learning to unlock the true power of the Force before facing his greatest enemy.

What makes this film such a perfect companion to Matilda is its emphasis on the power of the mind. Just as Matilda painstakingly learns to move objects through concentration and determination, Luke spends hours mastering telekinesis, eventually lifting his X-Wing from a swamp using nothing but focus. Both stories also pair their gifted young heroes with gentle mentors, Miss Honey and Yoda, who encourage them to embrace abilities others fail to understand. It’s proof that true strength has never been about muscles, but about believing in yourself when no one else does.

Of course, Roald Dahl’s imagination was not limited to magical children, sometimes, his darkest stories created villains even more terrifying than Miss Trunchbull herself.

Roald Dahl’s signature blend of fantasy and nightmare reaches another unforgettable peak in The Witches. Directed by Nicolas Roeg, the film stars Anjelica Huston as the terrifying Grand High Witch, alongside Jasen Fisher as young Luke, a boy who accidentally discovers a secret gathering of witches plotting to transform every child in England into mice. Even after becoming one himself, Luke refuses to surrender, using his wit and courage to stop the sinister plan before it’s too late.

Fans who loved Matilda‘s delightfully wicked tone will feel right at home here. Like Miss Trunchbull, the Grand High Witch despises children with almost cartoonishly terrifying intensity, creating the kind of unforgettable villain only Roald Dahl could imagine. Both films perfectly balance creepy moments with laugh-out-loud humor, while proving that even the smallest child can outsmart seemingly unstoppable adults. It is classic Dahl storytelling at its most imaginative, bizarre, and brilliantly entertaining.

But if Matilda left you smiling because kindness ultimately won, this final recommendation delivers that same comforting feeling through one of cinema’s most lovable little heroes.

Few family films capture warmth and optimism quite like Stuart Little. Directed by Rob Minkoff, the adventure follows Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox), a polite, courageous white mouse adopted by the loving Little family. Although George initially struggles to accept his unusual new brother, Stuart slowly earns everyone’s trust while overcoming jealous alley cats, fake relatives, and countless obstacles standing between him and the family he truly belongs with.

While Stuart’s world could not look more different from Matilda’s, both stories revolve around children searching for a place where they’re genuinely loved and accepted. Just as Miss Honey becomes the caring adult Matilda desperately needs, the Little family gives Stuart the unconditional support that helps him flourish. Their journeys are filled with challenges, but both ultimately remind audiences that family isn’t defined by appearances; it is built through kindness, courage, and unconditional love.

Whether its magical powers, unforgettable villains, or resilient children finding the family they deserve, these films capture the same heartfelt magic that has made Matilda a timeless favorite for generations.

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Which of these Matilda-like movies is your favorite, or is there another magical family classic you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments.