Global Courant
Roald Dahl’s books have been capturing the hearts of children – and adults – for generations. His imaginative stories have made way for many popular films.
You may not even know that a handful of your favorite films emerged from Dahl’s stories. Some of Dahl’s live-action and animated films include the ever-popular “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
These six films are inspired by the characters and plots of British author Dahl.
Roald Dahl wrote many books that were made into popular films. (Ronald Dumont/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
24 ANIMATION FILMS MADE FOR CHILDREN THAT YOU CAN ENJOY AS AN ADULT: FROM OLD CLASSICS TO NEW EDITIONS
1. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
The book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was released in 1964. This book about a chocolate maker named Willy Wonka, who invites a group of children to his mysterious factory, was made into a movie shortly after the book’s publication.
The first film based on this story, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”, was released in 1971 starring actor and comedian Gene Wilder as the chocolate maker.
A second film based on the Dahl book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” was released in 2005. This time, Golden Globe winner Johnny Depp stepped into the role.
Many debate who played Wonka best: Gene Wilder (pictured) or Johnny Depp. (Silver Screen Collection)
In 2023, “Wonka” was released starring American-French actor Timothée Chalamet. This film is inspired by the Wonka character created by Dahl, but tells a unique story that differs from the other films and the original book. This film serves as a prequel to the original story and delves into the backstory of how Wonka came to be.
A LOOK AT THE 3 ‘CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ FILMS MADE SINCE THE 1964 BOOK BY ROALD DAHL
2. “James and the Giant Peach”
The movie “James and the Giant Peach” was released in 1996 and is based on the 1961 book written by Dahl.
This Disney adaptation of the story was directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton and Denise Di Novi.
This story follows a young orphan who lives with his two horrible aunts. James befriends new insect friends living in a giant peach and embarks on a new adventure. The film was a success and received an Academy Award for Best Music, Original Musical or Comedy Score.
3. “Matilda”
The magical story of “Matilda” is the story of a highly intelligent young girl who discovers that she has the power to move things with her mind.
“Matilda” was published in 1988 and the film followed in 1996. Cast members included Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson and more.
In 2010, this story became a musical, which appeared on stage for the first time in England. In 2013, the show opened on Broadway. A film adaptation of the musical was released in 2022.
Danny Devito directed and starred in the 1996 film ‘Matilda’. (Getty Images)
11 MOVIE ADAPTATIONS OF BEST-SELLING BOOKS
4. “The BFG”
In “The BFG”, a young orphan named Sophie is plucked from her bed by a giant in the middle of the night. She only knows the creatures as those that eat humans, but soon realizes that this giant is different from others. This particular creature is a gentle giant.
The book was released in 1982 and Steven Spielberg directed Disney’s adaptation of the book entitled “The BFG” in 2016. Mark Rylance plays the giant and Ruby Barnhill plays Sophie.
Mark Rylance plays the giant, and Ruby Barnhill plays Sophie in ‘The BFG’. (Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
5. “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” was published in 1970 and was made into an animated film in 2009.
This film features a star-studded cast, with George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and Willem Dafoe all voicing the characters in the film.
This photo was nominated for two Oscars; Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score and Best Animated Feature of the Year.
6. “The Witches”
“The Witches” is a 1983 novel by Dahl. Although this dark fantasy story is made for a child audience, young children may be frightened by this story. It is more suitable for people who are in late primary school and early secondary school.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
So far, two films have been made based on this book. The first was released in 1990 and the second in 2020.
In the first version, Anjelica Huston plays the Grand High Witch. Other actors in the 1990 film include Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher, Rowan Atkinson, Bill Paterson and Brenda Blethyn.
In the most recent version, Anne Hathaway portrays the Grand High Witch. The cast of the 2020 film also includes Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci and Chris Rock.
Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital.
