Best Wizard of Oz Movies (November 2025)

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Since you’re excited for the upcoming movie Wicked: For Good, we’ve put together a list of the best Wizard of Oz films to enjoy while you wait!

What are the best Wizard of Oz movies?

The enchanting world of Oz has delighted people for almost 100 years. Many versions of Frank L. Baum’s original Oz story have been created over the years – everything from stage musicals to even a Muppet movie (which, unfortunately, isn’t very good!). It’s a shame to see that potential unrealized, but with so many choices, it can be hard to know where to begin exploring.

Our top choice is the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. The rest of our recommendations include both lesser-known gems and one very famous title you’ll definitely recognize.

Wicked (2024)

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel and the beloved Broadway musical that debuted in 2005, Wicked tells the story behind the witches of Oz, revealing the origins of the so-called Wicked Witch of the West. The film, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, captures the energy of the musical’s first half. Audiences are praising the performances of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero.

The incredible success of Wicked – earning over $700 million globally – proves just how dedicated its fans are and how much people love a good musical. It leaves no doubt about the power of a well-made show.

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The Wiz (1978)

Before the popular musical Wicked, The Wiz was a groundbreaking movie musical known for its incredible cast. Featuring iconic performers like Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson, the film reimagined the classic story with a vibrant soundtrack blending R&B, soul, funk, and gospel. Directed by Sidney Lumet and featuring music by Charlie Smalls and Luther Vandross, The Wiz – set in New York City – explored themes of freedom and empowerment that deeply connected with viewers.

The original Broadway show demonstrated that stories featuring Black characters and perspectives could be both creatively strong and financially successful, and the 1978 film continued that trend. While some aspects of the film haven’t held up over time, it remains an important and influential work in the history of movie musicals and Black representation in Hollywood.

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Return to Oz (1985)

The beloved movie The Wizard of Oz concludes with Dorothy safely home, but imagine if she’d tried to tell her family about her fantastical journey? They likely wouldn’t have believed her! That’s the starting point for Return to Oz, an unofficial sequel. While The Wizard of Oz was whimsical and bright, Return to Oz offers a much darker and spookier vision of Frank L. Baum’s Oz. Released in 1985 and directed by Walter Murch, the film begins with Dorothy being sent to a mental institution. She eventually escapes and returns to Oz, only to discover the Emerald City destroyed and her friends nowhere to be found. With the aid of some unusual and sometimes unsettling new companions, Dorothy embarks on a quest to restore order.

Compared to the bright and colorful original, Return to Oz takes a much darker, stranger path. Though it didn’t do well when it first came out and reviews were mixed, it’s now a beloved film for many. It deserves credit for its unique sets, impressive creature effects, and willingness to reimagine the classic story.

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The Wizard of Oz (1982)

While the classic MGM film is the most famous and has become a cultural icon, the anime adaptation directed by Fumihiko Takayama actually follows the original book more closely. The anime maintains separate characters for Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, and the Good Witch of the North, unlike the film which combines them. The Wizard also appears in various forms, instead of just the iconic floating head seen in the movie.

The movie is pretty much what you’d expect – a classic 1980s children’s film. It has a surreal, dreamlike quality that might not appeal to everyone, but it’s packed with nostalgia and stays true to the original story.

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Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013)

Following the popularity of the Broadway show ‘Wicked’, Hollywood began exploring stories that redeemed famous villains – giving them a chance to tell their side of the story. This led to movies like ‘Cruella’, ‘Maleficent’, and ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’. However, ‘Oz’ doesn’t often get mentioned, likely because it’s generally considered just okay.

Sam Raimi’s Oz the Great and Powerful tells the story of how Oscar Diggs (James Franco) became the famous Wizard of Oz. A traveling magician and trickster, Oscar is unexpectedly transported to the vibrant land of Oz, where he meets various witches, uncovers hidden abilities, and evolves into the legendary figure we know – though with a few more layers to his personality. While the film isn’t perfect, it’s a visual treat, boasting stunning direction from Raimi, beautiful cinematography by Peter Deming, impressive special effects led by Scott Stokdyk, and strong performances from Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, and Rachel Weisz.

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How we picked the best Wizard of Oz movies

We chose movies based on how well they were received by both audiences and critics, whether they offered a unique take on the story, or how faithfully they followed the original book by Frank L. Baum. While none quite match the iconic 1939 film, each one adds something special to the enduring story of Oz.

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2025-11-18 03:08