Roald Dahl (13 September 1916 – 23 November 1990) is one of the most extraordinary children’s authors of the 20th century. After serving in the British Royal Air Force in WWII as a fighter, Dahl started writing stories. His stories are best remembered for whimsical imagery, dark comedy, and warm messages. His books have seen many adaptations over the years. He was known to be critical of the adaptations. However, most of them won the hearts of both critics and audiences. Now to celebrate his anniversary as well as the upcoming release of Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet, here are the top 7 Roald Dahl book adaptations so far.
7. The Witches (2020)
After the demise of his parents, a young boy goes to his grandma’s place to live. After meeting a woman who attempts to tempt him with a snake, his grandmother reveals to him that witches exist in this world and they want to murder children. When they go to stay at a hotel, they choose the one where the Grand High Witch and her committee are staying.
6. James and the Giant Peach (1996)
After the demise of his parents, James has to live with his cruel aunts who treat him like a servant. One day, a magic man offers him a bag full of magic crocodile tongues and James spills them all over the garden. This causes the peach tree to grow a giant peach and several bugs to develop human-like behaviors.
5. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Even though the first adaptation of Charlie and Chocolate was not a major hit, it was still praised for its music and extraordinary performance by Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. At present, it is viewed as one of the classic fantasy movies. Roald Dahl didn’t like the film. He didn’t like Willy Wonka’s name in the title as the story is about Charlie.
4. The BFG (2016)
Sophie is an orphaned girl, one day she sees a giant with a suitcase and trumpet walking down the street, from her window. The giant fears that the girl will tell someone about him so he abducts her and takes her to Giant Country. Then he explains that he is not a man-eater, rather he creates dreams for humans.
3. Matilda (1996)
Matilda Wormwood being neglected by her parents, turns to books. Her parents agree to send her to Crunchem Hall school where she befriends Miss Honey. However, the school’s principal detests children to the point of locking them inside a closet full of nails and smoke. Director Danny DeVito utilizes several close-ups and wide angles to portray the messed-up world especially when viewed from a child’s viewpoint. Pam Ferris’ Miss Trunchbull is one of the most iconic villain characters in a children’s film.
2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Charlie Bucket is a kind and hard-working boy who can’t afford a chocolate bar. One day local candy maker, Willy Wonka announces that he’s released five golden tickets in his bars. Anyone who manages to find them will get a tour of the chocolate factory and also win a lifetime of chocolate supply. Tim Burton’s adaptation uses more details from the books as well as the original songs.
1. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
When Mr. Fox’s wife gets he is compelled to give up his life as a farm burglar. However, he soon finds himself enticed after moving to a house located between three wicked farmers – Boggis, Bunce, and Beans. The farmers unite and threaten the Fox family and other animals who aid them. The voice cast of the film includes big names like Meryl Streep, George Clooney, and Willem Dafoe.
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