With “Wonka” hitting theaters, an origin story for the mysterious magical chocolatier Willy Wonka, one can’t help but think of Roald Dahl, the British writer who penned “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in 1964.
Dahl’s work has long captured the imaginations and hearts of children, with his books that are fantastical, quirky and dark enough to evoke the more challenging emotions of childhood. His work has also inspired some of our best filmmakers to put their stamp on his worlds, so here’s a selection of some of the best Roald Dahl adaptations to stream, in anticipation of “Wonka.”
First up, is of course, the other two Wonka movies: “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971), directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder in the title role, and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005), directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp as Wonka. Two very different takes on the character and world, though some things remain the same: Oompa Loompas, Wonka’s top hat and cane, and the magical mischief throughout. Stream both on Max or rent elsewhere.
Another one of Dahl’s beloved novels has also received two film adaptations: “Matilda.” Most recently, Matthew Warchus took on “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical,” the movie adaptation of the Tony-winning stage musical that was adapted from Dahl’s 1988 novel “Matilda,” with songs by Tim Minchin. This inventive and energetic film premiered on Netflix in December 2022, with Emma Thompson memorably playing the sadistic schoolmarm Mrs. Trunchbull, and Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough taking on the roles of Mr. And Mrs. Wormwood, the horrible parents of the brilliant Matilda (Alisha Weir). Beautifully choreographed and shot, “Matilda the Musical” is not to be missed. Stream it on Netflix.
