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I grew up watching Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory a lot.

From the scenes of the inside of the illustrious chocolate factory to the cutaways to folks winning golden tickets, the movie caught hold of my imagination from an early age.

Although intimidating and somewhat scary, there’s something magical about Willy Wonka that captures you from the moment he comes in view of the camera — finishing his grand entrance with an iconic somersault. As a child, Willy Wonka represents the adult who has the power to make your wildest dreams come true, with the chocolate factory as an incubator.

Watching Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory After Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I watched Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder after watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp. To me, they both go in slightly different directions in flavor — with the old classic, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory being my favorite.

There’s something slightly more suspenseful and alluring about the classic version of the film that grabs me, and I feel it’s cast masterfully. The added benefit to this version is the fact that Roald Dahl himself wrote the screenplay, adding to its power.

Stuck In Your Imagination Forever

The moment the cast sees the inside of the chocolate factory, and when the colorful room of candy is unveiled, the mind gasps. For many, this scene is seared in memory as the children and adults scurry around, stuffing their faces with all things edible.

All in all, the film takes you to a heartbreaking yet lifting place. A place where a boy seeks to find his place in the world, chasing age-appropriate dreams, while facing an insurmountable, distressing adult world. With a heart pure and true, Charlie finds himself deserving of the gifts bestowed on karma principles — teaching all children the value of living justly.

What’s your favorite Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory moment?