The 1996 movie Matilda just hit Netflix, and it’s certainly worth the rewatch, especially because it will inspire audiences to watch its modern counterpart. Matilda is one of many movies adapted from the writings of author, Roald Dahl. While the 1996 movie follows a young girl with telekinesis, his other stories have an equally strange bend. Some of the most popular Roald Dahl movie adaptations include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, and The Witches. Despite Matilda being brought to life on-screen in 1996, Dahl’s stories have a way of being adapted repeatedly in new and exciting ways.

Dahl’s books are not only highly adaptable, but are often successful as well. Matilda was a box office flop, earning only $47 million on a budget of $36 million, yet audiences loved the film. It has a 92% critics’ score and a 73% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. In many ways, Matilda is a childhood classic. Seeing a young protagonist with incredible power is satisfying to watch, both as a child and an adult. Even so many years past its release date, Matilda continues to be a story that’s dear to many hearts, no matter what form it comes in.

The OG Matilda Hitting Netflix Is A Reminder To Watch Matilda The Musical

Matilda Is Also Great In Musical Form

Now that Matilda is on Netflix, it is not only a great watch, but it will also spur audiences to go watch the newer adaptation of the Roald Dahl story, 2022’s Matilda the Musical. After the 1996 movie, Matilda saw two more adaptations: a Broadway musical in 2010 and a movie version of the Broadway musical in 2022. Matilda the Musical premiered to great success and has since become another great way to enjoy Dahl’s story. Though the original Matilda is a classic, it doesn’t hurt to see how the musical puts a delightful spin on the familiar tale.

Matilda the Musical has been very well-received. In fact, its Rotten Tomatoes scores are almost identical to those of the 1996 movie. Matilda the Musical has a 93% critics’ score and a 72% audience score. Furthermore, Matilda the Musical became the fourth-highest-grossing family film in the UK during the year of its release. In many ways, Matilda and Matilda the Musical are similar. They both have strong casts, engaging visuals, and the same magical story. Some viewers may be wary of a musical movie, but the talent of the children’s cast makes it all worth it.

The Original Matilda vs. Matilda The Musical Movie: Which Is Better?

Both Are Good For Different Reasons

Whether audiences prefer the original Matilda or the Matilda the Musical is a matter of personal opinion. Both movies are amazing, depending on what the viewer is looking for. For those seeking out a smaller, nostalgic film, 1996’s Matilda is certainly the way to go. However, those who enjoy the more flashy spectacle of a film will definitely prefer Matilda the Musical. Regardless, both films tell the same Matilda story, and therefore, it is entertaining no matter what way it is watched.