Top 10 Best Movies Based on Roald Dahl Books

Top of the list of the best Roald Dahl adaptations is Matilda. It's about a brilliant girl stuck in a family that doesn't appreciate her unique gifts. At school she's inspired by her teacher, Miss Honey, but terrorized by the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. When Matilda discovers she has telekinetic powers, she uses them to stand up for those who can't and to create a better life for herself. A timeless gem among children's films.

One of Dahl's most iconic stories takes us into the world of Willy Wonka. Charlie, a boy from a poor family, finds a golden ticket and is invited with other children into Wonka's magical chocolate factory. Inside await countless wonders and dangers. As the children fall prey to their vices one by one, Charlie proves to be the true heir of the factory.

In this stop-motion classic we meet James, a boy living with his cruel aunts after his parents' death. Fate smiles on him when a mysterious man gives him a magic potion that, spilled on a peach tree, grows a gigantic peach. Inside, James finds life-sized insects who become his friends, and together they set off on an epic adventure floating across the Atlantic.

Mr. Fox, voiced by George Clooney, is a cunning fox who keeps stealing food from three nasty farmers. When the farmers decide to eliminate Mr. Fox and his family, he has to rally the animals of the forest for a grand counterattack. Wes Anderson's stop-motion animation is a visual feast full of humor and adventure.

The Big Friendly Giant tells the story of Sophie, who is snatched from her orphanage one night by the BFG. In the land of giants she discovers his job is to collect pleasant dreams and give them to children. But when evil giants plot to eat children, Sophie and the BFG join forces. This beloved classic came to life as an animated film in 1989, and a new version directed by Steven Spielberg followed in 2016.

The Witches is a frightening children's horror film based on the book of the same name. Young Luke stumbles upon a witches' convention and their dark plan to turn all children into mice. When the witches find out, he becomes their first victim. But Luke fights back with the help of his grandmother.

In this heartwarming story set in 1950s England, young Danny and his father William live in a caravan next to their garage. Businessman Victor Hazell has big plans, but needs William's land to realize them. Danny and his father come up with a plan to stop him. An inspiring story about courage and perseverance.

Based on the short story 'Beware of the Dog', 36 Hours is a gripping American film in which military officer Jefferson Pike wakes up in a hospital and discovers that nothing is what it seems. A compelling story full of suspense and surprises.

Four Rooms is an anthology film with four stories set in four different rooms of the same hotel. One of them, based on Dahl's short story 'Man from the South', follows a famous director who gets into trouble through a dangerous bet. A dark comedy typical of Dahl's writing style.

Esio Trot is a TV film based on Dahl's 1990 book. Mr. Hoppy, a shy older gentleman, has been secretly in love with his downstairs neighbor Mrs. Silver for years. She's worried because her tortoise isn't growing, so Mr. Hoppy gives her a 'spell' and secretly keeps swapping the tortoise for a bigger one. Starring Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman, it aired as part of BBC One's Christmas schedule in 2014.