Matilda is a 1996 family comedy movie based on the novel of the same name by British author Roald Dahl. It stars Mara Wilson as Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with extraordinary powers who is neglected by her parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman).
Matilda must use her powers to defeat her cruel school principal, Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), and help her teacher, Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), find a happier life. The movie follows Matilda as she discovers her special powers. She uses her telekinetic powers to gain revenge on her parents and her school principal.
The movie also follows her relationship with her teacher, Miss Honey, who is the only person who truly understands and appreciates Matilda’s special gifts. The movie is a delightful romp through childhood, and its message of standing up for yourself and believing in yourself resonates with audiences of all ages.
It features a stellar cast, and Danny DeVito’s portrayal of the Wormwood family patriarch, Harry, is particularly memorable. The movie is full of heart, humor, and wit, and it is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good family comedy.
Here are eight best family comedy movies like Matilda you can watch online now.
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1. The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)
The Kid Who Would Be King is a 2019 fantasy-adventure film directed by Joe Cornish and starring Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Denise Gough, Rebecca Ferguson, and Patrick Stewart. The film follows the story of Alex, a 12-year-old British schoolboy, who discovers the legendary sword Excalibur.
With the help of his friends, Merlin and the knights of the Round Table, Alex must take up the mantle of King Arthur and save the world from the evil enchantress Morgana. The Kid Who Would Be King is a fun and exciting film for the whole family.
It is full of action, adventure, and laughs. The acting is top-notch, especially from Serkis and Stewart. The visual effects and set design are also excellent. Overall, The Kid Who Would Be King is an enjoyable and entertaining film that is sure to please both children and adults alike.
It is a great film for a family night in, and is sure to become a classic.
2. Angus (1995)
Angus is a 1995 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Patrick Read Johnson and written by Jill Gordon. The film stars Charlie Talbert, George C. Scott, and Kathy Bates, and follows the story of a teen struggling to fit in at his high school.
The film follows Angus Bethune (Talbert), an overweight, socially awkward teen who is constantly bullied for his size and lack of social skills. Angus is desperate to fit in and be accepted, so he decides to enlist the help of his grandmother (Bates) to make him more popular. With her help, Angus embarks on a journey to become a popular and respected student, but ultimately discovers that true friendship and acceptance are not so easily achieved.
The film was a modest success at the box office, earning $14.6 million against a budget of $13 million. It was generally well-received by critics and audiences alike, with many praising Talbert’s performance as Angus. The film was nominated for several awards, including a Young Artist Award for Best Family Feature Film, and was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. Angus was also well-received by film critics, with one reviewer calling it “a funny, touching, and heartwarming film that succeeds in conveying its message of the importance of being true to yourself”.
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
The 2010 film Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a family comedy based on the book series of the same name. The film follows Greg Heffley, an awkward middle school student, as he navigates the ups and downs of growing up.
Greg is struggling to fit in at school, and his attempts to do so often backfire. He is constantly getting into trouble with his teachers and classmates, and his parents don’t understand why. He finds solace in his journal, in which he jots down his thoughts and feelings. As the story progresses, Greg learns to accept himself and the people around him.
The film features an all-star cast, including Zachary Gordon as Greg, Rachel Harris as his mom, and Steve Zahn as his dad. The movie also features Robert Capron, Rachael Harris, Devon Bostick, and Chloë Grace Moretz.
The film was a commercial success and was praised for its humor and heartwarming storyline. It spawned two sequels, and a television series based on the books is currently in production. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a delightful and humorous family film that is sure to entertain viewers of all ages.
4. The Goonies (1985)
The Goonies is a 1985 American adventure comedy film directed by Richard Donner and written by Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg. The film follows a group of kids who live in the small town of Astoria, Oregon. They discover an old treasure map and set out on a quest to find the long-lost fortune of One-Eyed Willie, a legendary 17th-century pirate. The Goonies is a classic family film, full of adventure and comedy.
The Goonies features an all-star cast, including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton, Jonathan Ke Quan, Jeff Cohen, and Kerri Green. Together, these kids form a ragtag group of adventurers, each with their own unique skills and abilities. The adventure leads them through treacherous caves, underground tunnels, and a mysterious pirate ship. Along the way, they face off against a family of criminals, the Fratellis, who are also in search of the hidden treasure.
The Goonies is an exciting and thrilling adventure for the whole family. With its mix of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments, it’s sure to be a classic for years to come. The film is also known for its memorable soundtrack, featuring classic rock hits from the likes of Cyndi Lauper, The Go-Go’s, and The Bangles. The Goonies is an essential part of pop culture, with its quotable lines and iconic scenes. For anyone looking for a fun and exciting adventure, look no further than The Goonies.
5. Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone is a 1990 American comedy film written and produced by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus. It stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a precocious eight-year-old boy who is mistakenly left behind when his family flies to Paris for the Christmas holidays. Kevin initially relishes being home alone, but soon has to contend with two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) who are planning to rob his house.
The film was a massive commercial success, grossing $476.7 million at the box office, making it the highest-grossing live-action comedy film of all time in the United States and Canada. The success of the film led to two sequels, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Home Alone 3, as well as video game adaptations and a stage musical.
The film has been praised for its humor and Culkin’s performance, and has become a Christmas classic. It has also been credited with launching the career of Culkin, who has gone on to star in several other films and television series.
6. Spy Kids (2001)
Spy Kids is a 2001 American spy action-adventure comedy film written and directed by Robert Rodriguez, produced by Elizabeth Avellan, and starring Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alan Cumming, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, Robert Patrick, Tony Shalhoub, Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, and Mike Judge.
The film follows the adventures of two Cortez children who become involved in their parents’ espionage. In trying to save their parents, the children also save the world from a mad scientist’s robot army.
The film was a commercial success, earning over $147 million worldwide, and it was followed by three sequels, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002), Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003) and Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (2011). It was also nominated for the 2001 Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film.
The film is set in Austin, Texas and the main characters are Carmen and Juni Cortez, two siblings who become involved in their parents’ espionage activities. Their parents are secret agents, and the children are left to their own devices when their parents are called away to a new mission. The two children then set out to save their parents and unravel the mystery behind the mad scientist’s robot army.
Spy Kids is a fun and exciting movie with lots of action and adventure. It is a great family film, and it has a great message about family and friendship. The movie is full of humor, but it also has a serious side. It also shows how important it is for children to believe in themselves and to never give up.
7. Wonder (2017)
Wonder is a 2017 American drama film based on the 2012 novel of the same name by R. J. Palacio. The film stars Jacob Tremblay as Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old boy with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a genetic disorder causing facial deformities. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play his parents, Isabel and Nate Pullman.
The film follows Auggie as he navigates his way through the fifth grade at a private school, with the help and support of his family and friends. The film is a heartwarming story of family and friendship, and how Auggie’s courage and resilience allow him to overcome the challenges that come with his disability. It follows Auggie’s journey to find acceptance and understanding, and how he learns to embrace his differences and to be himself.
The film is well-acted, with strong performances from the cast, particularly from Tremblay, who is able to convey Auggie’s emotions and struggles with heartbreaking sincerity. The story is uplifting and inspiring, and the film is ultimately a celebration of the power of love and acceptance.
8. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a 1971 musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. The film is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The film tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a young boy from a humble family who is one of five lucky children to win a golden ticket to tour the mysterious and magical chocolate factory of the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka. Along the way, Charlie and the other children encounter a variety of eccentric characters, as well as a host of incredible, imaginative inventions.
Throughout the tour, Willy Wonka tests the children’s character with a series of increasingly difficult tasks. The film has become a classic, and is widely beloved by fans of all ages. It is praised for its imaginative visuals, catchy musical numbers, and memorable performances, particularly Wilder’s performance as the eccentric and enigmatic Willy Wonka.
The film has been referenced and parodied in countless other works of pop culture, and its influence can be seen in many modern films. The film has been remade twice, first in 2005 as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and then in 2020 as an animated film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
