10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Wonka (2023)

Description: This classic shares with Wonka (2023) a journey into a colorful, magical world that contrasts with a duller reality. Both feature protagonists seeking something magical (Oz/Wonka's factory) and encountering eccentric characters along the way. The films use vibrant color palettes and share themes of self-discovery and the power of belief.

Fact: The Wicked Witch's green makeup was copper-based and toxic. Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man but had to quit due to an allergic reaction to the makeup. The ruby slippers were silver in the original book.

Description: Mary Poppins shares with Wonka (2023) a magical protagonist who brings wonder and transformation to ordinary lives. Both feature musical numbers, fantastical sequences, and themes about the power of imagination. The films create magical worlds within realistic settings (London streets in Mary Poppins, the city in Wonka) and blend live-action with animated elements.

Fact: Julie Andrews won an Oscar for her debut film performance. The penguin dance sequence combined live-action with animation, groundbreaking for its time. P.L. Travers, the author of the original books, famously disliked the Disney adaptation.

Description: Like Wonka (2023), this musical fantasy features an eccentric inventor (similar to Wonka's chocolate maker) who creates magical technology (the flying car). Both films blend reality with fantasy, feature memorable musical numbers, and have a whimsical, slightly surreal tone. The films share a British sensibility and themes of imagination triumphing over dull reality.

Fact: Based on a story by Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond. The car was actually built and could drive (though not fly). The Child Catcher character was so terrifying it was often cut from TV broadcasts.

Description: As the first film adaptation of Roald Dahl's book, this is the direct predecessor to Wonka (2023). Both explore the mysterious chocolate factory and its eccentric owner, though Wonka (2023) serves as an origin story. The films share musical numbers, surreal factory sequences, and themes about imagination and morality. Gene Wilder's iconic performance set the standard for the character.

Fact: Gene Wilder insisted on his famous somersault entrance, believing it would establish Wonka's unpredictable nature. The Oompa Loompas were played by the same actor multiplied through effects. Roald Dahl disliked this adaptation, leading him to refuse film rights for his other books.

Description: Like Wonka (2023), Matilda is based on a Roald Dahl story and shares his signature blend of dark humor, childhood wonder, and triumph over adversity. Both films feature gifted child protagonists navigating oppressive adult worlds, with elements of magic and whimsy. The visual style and tone capture Dahl's unique storytelling approach.

Fact: Danny DeVito directed and narrated the film while also playing Matilda's father. Mara Wilson (Matilda) had to wear fake teeth for the role. The chocolate cake scene was filmed with real cake, and actor Pam Ferris (Miss Trunchbull) actually ate it all in one take.

Description: This film is directly related to Wonka (2023) as it is based on the same source material by Roald Dahl. Both films explore the whimsical and magical world of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, filled with fantastical elements, vibrant visuals, and themes of imagination and wonder. Tim Burton's direction adds a unique gothic twist to the story, similar to how Wonka (2023) offers a fresh take on the character's origins.

Fact: Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka was inspired by a combination of children's TV show hosts and reclusive billionaires. The chocolate river scene used real chocolate, which spoiled quickly under the hot studio lights. This was the second film adaptation of Roald Dahl's book, the first being Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in

Description: Similar to Wonka (2023), The Greatest Showman is a musical that celebrates creativity, imagination, and the power of dreams. Both films feature charismatic protagonists who build fantastical worlds (Wonka's chocolate factory and Barnum's circus) and face challenges in realizing their visions. The films share a vibrant visual style, uplifting tone, and themes of perseverance and wonder.

Fact: Hugh Jackman trained for a year to perform the intricate musical numbers. The film was inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum but takes significant creative liberties. It features original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also worked on La La Land.

Description: Another Roald Dahl adaptation like Wonka (2023), The BFG shares themes of friendship between a child and a magical being. Both films create fantastical worlds with unique aesthetics (Giant Country/Wonka's factory) and blend wonder with darker elements. Steven Spielberg's direction brings a similar sense of childlike awe to the story as Wonka (2023) aims to achieve.

Fact: Mark Rylance performed via motion capture while interacting with live-action child actor Ruby Barnhill. The film uses a mix of practical effects and CGI for the giants. This was Spielberg's first Disney film as a director.

Description: This film shares with Wonka (2023) a heartwarming story about kindness triumphing in a whimsical world. Both feature protagonists who spread joy and optimism, with vibrant production design and a mix of humor and emotional depth. The films create magical, slightly surreal versions of real-world settings (London in Paddington, the chocolate factory in Wonka).

Fact: Hugh Grant's villainous performance was widely praised as a career highlight. The film features a stunning pop-up book sequence created by hand. It holds a rare 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Description: This sequel maintains the magical qualities of the original that parallel Wonka (2023), with Emily Blunt's Mary Poppins being a similarly enigmatic, magical figure like young Wonka. Both films feature elaborate musical numbers, vibrant production design, and themes of maintaining childlike wonder in adulthood. The films share a nostalgic yet fresh approach to beloved characters.

Fact: Dick Van Dyke, now in his 90s, made a cameo appearance. Lin-Manuel Miranda prepared for his role by studying Dick Van Dyke's cockney accent from the original. The animated sequence was created using traditional hand-drawn animation, a rarity in modern films.