Roald Dahl is celebrated as one of the greatest children's authors and storytellers for his many contributions to the fantasy genre. Throughout his life, Dahl sold over 250 million copies of his works worldwide. Dahl became a well-known writer in the 1940s during his time as fighter pilot in World War II.
Like many critically acclaimed authors, Dahl had several of his books adapted into films. The earliest was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which he didn't particularly enjoy due to it focusing more on Willy Wonka and not on Charlie. Coincidentally, his most recent adaptation is the upcoming film Wonka, with Timothée Chalamet as Wonka himself.
9 The Witches Is A Dahl Disappointment (5.3)
Dahl's worst-rated adaptation is the most recently released titled The Witches, a 2020 film directed by Robert Zemeckis, known for his Back to the Future series. The Witches also stars Anne Hathaway as Grand High Witch and is the second film adaptation of Dahl's eponymous 1983 novel.
Chris Rock narrates The Witches which receives many mixed reviews from critics. While viewers enjoyed Hathaway's performance, many prefer Nicolas Roeg's 1990 film adaptation of Dahl's novel.
8 The BFG Is Spielberg's First Disney Film (6.4)
The 2016 film, The BFG, is based on Dahl's 1982 novel with the same title. Steven Spielberg directs the film, which marks his first movie venture with Walt Disney Studios. The BFG was previously adapted for the British animated television eponymous film in 1989. The story focuses on a 10-year-old orphan named Sophie, who encounters a giant who earns the nickname "Big Friendly Giant." Sophie and the amiable giant set off on a quest to prevent the evil giants, who eat humans, from invading Sophie's world.
7 People Have Mixed Opinions On Depp's Role As Willy Wonka (6.6)
Roald Dahl fans can't help but wonder if he would have enjoyed the 2006 adaptation based on his 1964 novel over the 1971 adaptation. It's possible — Warner Bros. gave the Dahl estate total artistic control over the film in 1991.
With regards to the Gene Wilder film, Dahl had signed his rights over. Johnny Depp takes on the role of Willy Wonka and many have mixed reviews about his performance. However, one thing's for certain, the film had many visually appealing art styles, like many of Tim Burton's films.
6 The BFG Animated TV Special Ranks Higher Than A Spielberg Film (6.7)
The 1989 animated television film for The BFG ranks higher than Spielberg's 2016 film, according to IMDb. The film is dedicated to experienced animator George Jackson who previously worked on the animation for Watership Down and The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe.
The BFG also features Ballard Berkeley in his final film role as the voice of Head from the Army. The film follows the similar story of Sophie, who meets The BFG when he blows dreams into children's bedrooms with a trumpet.
5 James & The Giant Peach Is Done By Nightmare Before Christmas Director (6.7)
The 1996 film James and the Giant Peach is based on Dahl's eponymous 1961 novel. Henry Selick directs this musical fantasy film; Selick is best known for directing the cult classics The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline.
James and the Giant Peach combines the art styles of live-action and stop-motion and features dominant names in the film industry, like Richard Dreyfuss and Susan Sarandon. The film is set in the 1950s and focuses on the crazy life of James Henry Trotter who makes friends with insects named Ms. Spider, Mr. Grasshopper, and many more bugs.
4 The Witches' First Film Adaptation Was Produced By Muppets Creator (6.9)
The first time Dahl's The Witches novel was adapted for the big screen was the eponymous 1990 film. Many fans prefer this version over the 2020 film with Anne Hathaway. Jim Henson produced the film, widely recognized as the creator of The Muppets for Lorimar Film Entertainment before their merger with Warner Bros. in 1993. The familiar face behind Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson stars as Mr. Stringer, the owner/manager of the seaside hotel. The film boasts a 93 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3 Matilda Is A Cult Classic Film Among Dahl Fans (6.9)
Matilda is a 1996 fantasy/comedy film based on Dahl's 1988 novel with the same title. It is a favorite among many Dahl fans due to its many memorable scenes and quotes. Mara Wilson plays six-year-old Matilda Wormwood who is a child genius and has mysterious psychokinetic powers.
Danny DeVito co-produces, directs, and stars as Matilda's abusive father, who finally agrees to send Matilda to school after he sells a car to the evil Mrs. Trunchbull, who runs the school. Matilda develops a rapport with her teacher, Miss Honey, who later adopts her.
2 Dahl Despised Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (7.8)
Roald Dahl practically disowned the 1971 version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The story focuses on the life of impoverished Charlie Buckett who finds a Golden Ticket in a Wonka Bar which allows him to take a personal tour of the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
Dahl had several criticisms of the film, including the focusing more on Willy Wonka than Charlie and casting Gene Wilder. Despite the author's criticisms, the film performed well and received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Original Score.
1 Fantastic Mr. Fox Barely Made Back Its Budget (7.9)
The best Roald Dahl film adaptation, according to IMDb, is the 2009 stop-motion animated film Fanastic Mr. Fox. The film is based on Dahl's 1970 novel with the same title. Wes Anderson, also known for The Grand Budapest Hotel, directs the film along with several star-studded cast members like George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and more. Despite being the highest rate on IMDb, Fantastic Mr. Fox barely made back its film budget at the box office. While it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, the film lost to Pixar's Up.