Roald Dahl Film Adaptations: Ranked From Worst To Best

5. Danny, The Champion Of The World

A little more low key than some of his more fantastical adventures, Dahl's Danny has more relation to the autobiographical stories of the author's memoir Boy. Rather than flesh eating giants or everlasting sweets, Danny, the Champion of the World is a simple story of a boy and his father. Living in a gypsy wagon and poaching pheasants from the mean spirited local farmer are the main extent of Danny and his dad's adventures, but the book remains treasured by many fans. This 1989 film from critic-turned-director Gavin Millar captures the simple, affecting charm of Dahl's book and its core father-son dynamic. Unusual in being set in the novel's period rather than updating it to a modern setting, Millar's film offers a mid-1950s rural England that is full of nostalgic charm. Pairing star Jeremy Irons with his real life son Sam as Danny and his dad is a strong casting choice that completely sells the close bond that the characters are supposed to have. The only real flaw with the film is a lack of much by way of tension or edge, or any of the novelist's signature dark side. But for a faithful take on Dahl at his most cosy this is definitely worth watching.