The original novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by Author L. Frank Baum was first published in 1900, had thirteen direct sequels, and many more books and spin-off works that followed in the decades to come. In 1939, a little movie musical called “The Wizard of Oz” debuted and has achieved status as one of the great Hollywood movie landmarks. Between the success of the film, and the large collection of source material to pull from, it makes the world of Oz easy pickings for movies and spin-off material.
What
I love most about the Oz film adaptations is that each movie stands on its own,
with its own continuity. As a longtime fan of both the classic movie and books,
I wanted to stop and rank every Oz related movie I’ve seen and express my
feelings on them. First, I’ll rank the theatrical movies I’ve seen from my most
favorite Oz movie to my least favorite, and then as a bonus, I’ll lightly
mention some TV specials I’ve seen. Again, there are far more Oz movies and
specials than the ones I’ve listed, these are just the ones I’ve seen.
#1 “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
No sense beating around the bush, because while the 1939 picture wasn’t the first Oz adaption to hit the silver screen … it’s the reason I’m connected to the source material. This wasn’t a one-to-one copy of the book either, as it had a number of alterations, but in my view, the changes were made in service for a great movie. Farm girl Dorothy is tired of her mundane line on the farm at Kansas, and is suddenly whisked away to the magical world of Oz. Along the journey, she makes friends with a good Witch of the North, a Scarecrow in need of a Brain, a Tin-Man in need of a Heart, and a Lion in need of courage.
Together, they set off on a journey to find what they’re missing, all while combating the Wicked Witch of the West. Speaking of whom, The Wicked Witch is just as awesome as ever, with her unforgettable image and menacing personality, she’s remained one of the all-time great family-feature villains. Of course, I love the characters in this movie.
Judy Garlands leading portrayal of Dorothy remains both a lovable and enduring screen presence, and the remaining characters are all just as appealing as they represent distinct virtues, like knowledge, courage and compaction. Both the narrative and message are simple, but it sticks with me, and everything else just puts me in a very comforting mood.
When it comes to my favorite movies of all time, I’ve never been able to single out a personal favorite above all else … as I feel it ruins the magic to put them on some kind of pedestal. With that said … I do feel that no other movie is more important to me than the 1939 musical “The Wizard of Oz”. As far back as I can remember, it was watching this movie as a little kid that made me love movies in general. In fact, even though I was very little, I can still remember the scene when Dorothy walks out her front door, into the land of Oz, we get that beautiful tracking shot of the set-design … and I’m confident, it was right there, stirring in the sub conscience of my mind … my love for the escapist nature of film took shape.
Beyond the memorable characters, the film is just a spectacle to look at. The painted backgrounds have so much charm and the set designs are absolutely beautiful. Combine that with a very rich story, and it remains a timeless gem that’s just as great for every new generation.
#2 “Wicked” (2024)
What started as a spin-off novel took on a life all its own as a hit Broadway play. It’s safe to say that “Wicked” has become the second most successful Oz adaption since the classic 1939 movie, and the 2024 movie "Wicked" by extent is the only other Oz film to be nominated for Best Picture. I’ve been a long-time fan of the show, along with its rousing soundtrack, and for decades I was waiting for it to come to life in a big motion picture event. The wait was worth it, the 2024 picture delivered on my expectations, and was just a pleasant escape at the cinema.
This time around, we follow the young Glinda and Elphaba when they were best friends in school, and before they took on their titles of Witches North and West. With its immersive production designs and banger song numbers, this fantasy musical was already set to fly … but the lively performances and touching connections are what make it sour! For my money … this movie musical adaption gave me everything I wanted … then it gave me more and reminded me why the land of Oz is one of the greatest fantasy worlds to escape to on the silver screen.
The music
looked and sounded extraordinary, the performances made every character come to
life, and the production design on display … holly cow … one of the
best-looking productions I’ve seen in a while. Needless to say, this is one of
the best offerings from the Marvelous World of Oz in decades and is an easy second favorite Oz movie behind the first classic colored picture.
#3 “Return to Oz” (1985)
While I’ll always view the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” as a cinematic gem that no family should be without … there’s one other Oz film that I find severely underrated. The 1985 picture “Return to Oz” combines the two immediate book sequels into one picture and acts more like a sequel to the novel then the first movie … although Dorothy’s slippers are still Ruby Red as opposed to Silver. As the title suggests, Dorothy returns to Oz, but now she’s on a mission to restore the magical world after it’s been laid to ruin by two new villains called The Nome King and Princess Mombi.
Whereas the original was a family musical, this one is a family horror film, so it's going to be an acquired taste for certain viewers. It’s chalk full of scary imagery, and contains some intense moments, but I feel it balanced out with a cast of wonderful new characters and a heartfelt lead. The Nome King is also one of my favorite Fantasy movie villains, who along with a striking image is wonderfully portrayed by Nicol Williamson. On a side note, The Nome King was the main reoccurring villain in the books, and while his depiction is very different in the film, it's still cool to have him present in an Oz movie.
While no one can match Judy Garlands iconography, child actress Fairuza Balk is exceptionally lovable in her own right, as she gives this scary movie a heart and is how I picture Dorothy when I read the books. Some of the new characters like Jack Pumpkin Head, Tick-Tock the Robot and Dorothy's talking Chicken I feel are just as lovable as the original characters. It's also one of the rare films to feature Queen Ozma, who was one of the main characters of the books, and the person the land was initially named after before the Wizard arrived. There’s also a lot of creativity in this film, brilliant set designs and some fascinating stop motion animation. With so many puppets, impressive effects and giant sets, the film wins me over on a technical level just like the first, but with a different personality.
It
may feel down beat when compared to the classic, but if you view it simply as
a standalone, fantasy adventure from the 1980’s, then you may find it to be a
fun, dark, and thrilling ride. Also, weather you get into the darker tone of “Return
to Oz” or not, it’s still the most book-accurate live-action Oz movie yet. It’s
certainly not as good as the 1939 classic, but it’s a great fantasy adventure all on
its own, and one of my favorites to come from the 1980's.
#4 “Wicked: For Good” (2025)
The second act of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked” is frequently cited as the weaker half … but that’s when a movie has the chance to change things … for good! Like with the stage show, this second half has too many tie-ins with the original Oz story, and it felt just as gimmicky here. The tone is also less consistent than its predecessor and leaves some characters with unresolved narrative threads.
While this second movie adaptation didn’t soar as high as its predecessor, and struggles with a jarring tone, it still packs the spark, the exhilarating music, the colorful iconography and heartfelt performances that the world of Oz deserves. Also, I loved the addition of new
songs, which felt right at home with this musical. It wasn't until this film I realized we've never gotten a song version of the phrase "No Place Like Home". Even if it wasn’t perfect, I
felt it delivered an ending that was honestly more satisfying than the original
stage play. All around, a worthy conclusion to one of the best stage musicals
to movie adaptations I’ve seen in a while.
#5 “Oz the Great and Powerful” (2013)
Under the direction of Sami Rami, we get a prequel picture showing us how the titular young Magician called Oz arrived in the land he shares the same name with, and how he became enemies of the Wicked Witch sisters. James Franco portrayed to titular Oz with varying results, as half his performance was charming, while the other half was a little too animated for the characters own good.
Also, while other Oz movies can be categorized as musicals, or horror, or comedy, this film is a straightforward walkabout in a fantasy setting, which is welcomed, but average in its presentation. Needless to say, the film has garnered mixed to dismissive feelings from viewers, and personally, I think it’s okay.
At least half the cast is good, Rachel Weise is a worthy villain, and Joey King as the little China Girl is one of my absolute favorite Oz characters. Everything else is hit and miss, with occasional moments that really work, and other sequences and ideas that fall flat. For me, this brick road certainly stumbles with some tonal issues, and a horribly miscast Mila Kunis as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Regardless, the land of Oz is still a reliably colorful fantasy setting to escape to. Sam Rami’s direction and a unique collection of characters also help give this outing an engaging personality all its own. There’s nothing remarkable about the film, but I don’t mind having it as a little ad-on to the cinematic offerings of Oz.
#6 “The Wiz” (1978)
Before “Wicked” took center stage on Broadway, “The Wiz” was the first big breakout musical success to spin-off from “The Wonderful World of Oz”. While I like the stage show, and enjoy the soundtrack, the 1978 movie adaptation never quiet won me over. There’s a very talented cast present, with Diana Ross, Richard Pryor and Michael Jackson clearly giving their all … but the movie surrounding these talents lacks the same spark and energy of the stage show.
Visually, I can see the money put into the production, yet it’s not very appealing, with muted colors, stiff cinematography and cluttered sets. It’s not a completely terrible musical by any means, as it has it’s shining moments … but for me, it’s never been on par with its initial stage show or it’s cinematic counterparts. Regardless of my feelings, this film has garnered a strong cult following … so it did something right for a number of viewers.
#7 “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return” (2013)
Adapted from the 1989 book “Dorothy of Oz”, we once again see Dorothy whisked off on another adventure to save the land of Oz, this time from an evil Jester, who follows in the blood line of the Wicked Witch of the West. While there had been a number of animated Oz movies prior, this was the first theatrical release to utilize a CGI animation design … although, not on par with many of its peers. It also featured a noteworthy voice cast of talented actors, including Patrick Stewart, Martin Short, Bernadette Peters, Kelsey Grammer and Dan Aykroyd.
As far as animated movies
for kids are concerned, “Dorothy’s Return” is … unremarkable … but
harmless. It’s perfectly serviceable fluff for very little kids, with passable
animation and some charm on display, but there’s obviously better animated
movies to pick over this too. I’d say it’s only for determined viewers, or very little kids.
#8 "The Wizard of Oz" (1982)
As stated above, the 1939 movie is a motion picture classic, although it doesn't follow the original book perfectly. That's where the 1982 anime comes in, as it's another re-telling of the story, but sticks closer to the original text. It still has some alterations, and missing moments, but fans of the book should give this one a chance, if only to see a more faithful recreation of the source material.
The animation on display isn't the sharpest, but the presentation is stronger and more wholesome than most other animated Oz pictures. For me, it was a safe one and done experience, but of the animated Oz offerings I've seen, this is one was passable ... so take that for what it's worth.
#9 “Journey Back to Oz” (1974)
Here it is, one of the very first efforts at a theatrically released animated Oz picture. Once again, it’s another sequel story, with Dorothy returning to the land of Oz, this time on a mission to stop the new Bad Witch Mombi from taking over.
In the plus column, this film has a fine voice cast, including Mickey Rooney as the Scarecrow, Ethel Merman as the Bad Witch Mombi, and even Margaret Hamilton (the original Wicked Witch of the West) provided the voice of Aunt Em. Most notable of all is Liza Minnelli, the daughter of Judy Garland, voiced Dorothy in this picture and she not only captured the spirit of her mother’s performance, but her singing voice isn’t half bad either.
Everything else from the awkwardly animated characters, too the instantly forgettable songs, and the slow, disjointed pacing, makes this Oz outing barely more than a novelty item. Some of the backgrounds look nice, and it’s cool to see sequel characters like Pumpkinhead and Mombi, but the original trio of friend’s barley have anything to do, and the narrative of Dorothy saving Oz has been done better in other films. Not terrible, but I’d only recommend this film to hardcore Oz fans.
#10 “The Wizard of Oz” (1925)
Predating the 1939 movie classic were a number of Silent Films which adapted the world of Oz to the silver screen. Some shorts were even attempted from the books original author L. Frank Baum. However, the one with the distinction of being the first full-length film version of Oz is this silent picture from 1925, and boy … is this ever a curious Oz adaption. Despite featuring an opening with a little girl asking her grandfather to read the actual book of “The Wizard of Oz”, we’re given a very different story from the original text, and the presentation is more of an art-house comedy.
In this version, farm girl Dorothy discovers she’s the long-lost Princess of the Land of Oz and is used as a patsy by the evil Prime Minister Kruel in a scheme to take over the kingdom. Dorothy’s fellow farmhands also venture to Oz, and disguise themselves as a scarecrow, Tin-man and Lion. Through many slapstick chases and sword fights, Dorothy gets her happily ever after by marrying Price Kynd. I have no confirmation on this, but I’d like to think the farmhands discussing themselves helped inspire the dual performances in the 1939 movie.
The
film was directed by Larry Semon, who also stars as the Scarecrow, and it’s
clear he used the setting of Oz as a backdrop for a slapstick fantasy more than
anything else. Everything runs on cartoon logic, the plot is paper thin, and
it’s really just a series of goofy mayhem. While the film can be credited as an
achievement for its time, even a steppingstone for what was to come later, it
really hasn’t aged well. If you’re fond of old silent films, you may find some
appeal here, but otherwise … just stick with any other version.
BONUS
Wizard of OZ Specials I’ve seen:
“Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz” (2011)
At first glance, it feels like the most random parring for an animated crossover … except its actually part of a series in which the titular cartoon stars Tom and Jerry are placed in classic literary and movie adaptions. For this feature, our leading cat and mouse find themselves in a cartoon recreation of the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz”, and we see them comedically journey through the familiar narrative, with added chasses and slapstick all along the way.
Needless to say, I wouldn’t recommend
this to any purest “Wizard of Oz” fan … but I would recommend it to fans
of Tom and Jerry, as the film properly utilizes their comedic strengths for an
appealing little watch. It’s not one of their absolute funniest offerings, but I’d
say it’s one of their better contemporary films.
"Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz" (2016)
Because one cartoon crossover wasn't enough, we got a sequel, but this time around, it's the Oz characters who get more attention, while Tom and Jerry are more like set decorations. As such, it's not as funny a Tom and Jerry cartoon as the first crossover, but it makes for a half-way passable animated Oz sequel. In fact, on the low bar I've set these animated Oz sequel stories, I'd say this is the best one ... which means slightly better than the previously mentioned “Journey Back to Oz” from 1974, or “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return” from 2013, but still not as great as the live action "Return to Oz" from 1985.
On that note, this special marks the return of The Nome King, who closer resembles the character from the books, and is suitably voiced by the always charismatic Jason Alexander. This special also features some lesser-known Oz characters from the books, including the Jitterbug and the Mouse Queen.
It also has the novelty of seeing the established Oz characters visit Kansas for a moment, which is certainly different from other versions. While this isn't any kind of masterpiece, and has its share of annoying detours, I'd still recommend as a single viewing experience for any long time Oz fan, just to see if it's something you'd enjoy.
“The Muppets Wizard of Oz” (2005)
When it comes to the famous Muppet characters, I’ve personally never called myself a die-hard fan, nor have I really seen any of the shows, but I have seen most of the movies, and I do still have my reserved fondness for them. For me, I prefer viewing the Muppets as a group of thespians, who’d play various well-known characters, but brought to life through their own distinct personalities. Whether it be “Treasure Island”, or “A Christmas Carol”, I always seem to enjoy the Muppets most when they’re in the roles of classic characters from other established stories or franchises.
“The Wizard of Oz” seemed tailor-made for them to tackle in a colorful, and humorous outing. Heck, they could’ve easily shared a perfect crossover song … an “Over the Rainbow Connection” if you will. Somehow … the rainbow failed to connect these two properties in a special way. There is amusement in seeing how the individual Muppets are all casted as the classic characters, especially Miss Piggy, who plays all four of the residential Witches of Oz. Also, unlike the previously mentioned Tom and Jerry crossover, this Muppet special sticks to “The Wonderful World of Oz” book, as opposed to the classic 1939 movie, which I found a very admirable direction.
That’s about where the positivity stops. Ashanti is a good looking, but irritating Dorothy, whose only motivation is being a singer … needless to say, her character is very one-note. Most of the jokes aren’t very funny, the visual presentation ranges from cheap to ugly looking, and its choppy pacing make its 101-minute run time feel even longer. Needless to say, it’s one trip to Oz that can easily be skipped.
That concludes my list, and it makes me wonder what might be next for the wonderful world of Oz. Personally, I feel there's still a large treasure trove of source material to pull from, with thirteen original books that have barley been touched, and various other book spinoffs that can be molded into something special. Either way, while we'll always have the classic movie and books, I'm open for more Oz material, whether they be theatrical, musical, animated, or even special novelty items. When it comes to enchanted worlds to escape too ... there's simply no place like the Land of Oz.
Thanks for reading, share your feelings on your favorite Oz outings …
and continue to enjoy the movies and specials you Love!
