The Best Movies Based On The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz

Key Takeaways

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
has been adapted into numerous books, movies, and graphic novels.
Some adaptations alter the original story but remain faithful to the creativity of Frank L. Baum.
Films like
The Muppet’s Wizard of Oz
and
Oz The Great And Powerful
offer unique takes on the classic tale.

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the captivating world of Oz, I must say that the journey through these magical lands is nothing short of enchanting! From the whimsical charm of Dorothy’s first adventure in The Wizard of Oz to the darker, more fantastical Return To Oz, each film offers a unique perspective on this beloved fantasy realm.

“Toto, I’m getting the sense we’re no longer in Kansas – that line comes from one of the most cherished dark fantasies ever written, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In total, there are 14 books in the original series authored by Frank L. Baum, while numerous spinoffs and short stories from various authors have expanded an already vast collection.

The collection primarily consists of books and comic books based on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Many movie versions tend to omit parts or draw from other sources due to the complex nature of translating this material into live-action. Frank L. Baum, a prolific and mysterious author, is best served by adaptations that are imaginative, bold, and true to his unusual and captivating characters.

6 The Muppet’s Wizard Of Oz

IMDb Rating: 5.1

The Best Movies Based On The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz

Directed By: Kirk R. Thatcher
Starring: Ashanti, Jeffrey Tambor, Quentin Tarantino, Queen Latifah
Release Year: April 27th, 2005

In keeping with the charm of this cherished series, “The Muppet’s Wizard of Oz” is a musical comedy filled with witty references and jokes that will delight those who remember Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. During their encounter with the Wizard, Kermit, assuming the role of the Scarecrow, inquires if he is a relative to Frank Oz, the co-creator of The Muppets, and the genius behind Miss Piggy and Star Wars’ Yoda.

Absolutely, the dark fantasy elements have been swapped out for a delightful sense of nostalgia reminiscent of a past era, characterized by celebrities like Ashanti, Quentin Tarantino, and Queen Latifah. In this new adaptation, Ashanti takes on the role of Dorothy, who is no longer a girl from the Kansas Dust Bowl but rather an aspiring singer residing in a trailer park instead.

5 The Wiz

IMDb Rating: 5.6

Directed By: Sidney Lumet
Starring: Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor
Release Year: October 24, 1978

Originally a Broadway musical, ‘The Wiz’ has been presented on stage and screen at different points in time, with the latest being a TV show in 2015. This movie adaptation was made in the late 70s, an era characterized by disco music and “Blacksploitation” films, starring notable figures such as Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

The narrative shifts from Kansas, instead opening in an apartment within Harlem. Here, Dorothy Gale resides with her aunt and uncle, sharing a festive Thanksgiving meal together. However, when she pursues Toto into a snowstorm, she is mysteriously transported to the enchanted land of Oz, which turns out to be a distorted version of New York City that she must rejuvenate. Intriguingly, Dorothy finds herself in a dystopian Oz that needs her restoration.

4 20th Century Oz

IMDb Rating: 5.7

Directed By: Chris Löfvén
Starring: Joy Dunstan, Bruce Spence, Gary Waddell, Robin Ramsay
Release Year: July 29, 1976

Titled “Oz – A Rock ‘n’ Roll Road Movie” or just “Oz”, the name alludes to both Australia, often referred to by its nickname, and the enchanting land from stories. This film is set in the vast southern continent and serves as a humorous take on the original movie. In this version, Dorothy transforms into a groupie, and instead of following the Yellow Brick Road, she dons her ruby slippers to chase after her beloved band, Wally and the Falcons.

Following a turbulent night culminating in a car crash involving their tour bus, Dorothy regains consciousness after suffering a head injury and discovers herself in a mystical realm. This film could be perceived as a lively gathering, yet it remains a trustworthy portrayal of the original tale where the entire journey is initially believed to have stemmed from a feverish slumber. The kindly fairy figure in this instance is the stylish Glin, who bestows Dorothy with ruby slippers to attend one final performance, but she must confront the open road to reach her destination.

3 Oz The Great And Powerful

IMDb Rating: 6.3

Directed By: Sam Raimi
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams
Release Year: March 8, 2013

This story isn’t based on a single book, but rather serves as a prequel to the 1939 film, offering a perspective from the Wizard himself. In Kansas, our protagonist Oscar Diggs was a typical con artist when a storm carried his hot air balloon to the land of Oz. Upon his arrival, a young sorceress named Theodora believes that he is the prophesied wizard destined to overpower the Wicked Witch.

Oscar is only human, and takes advantage of his newfound powers, including the magic of an old-fashioned love triangle with three witches, but things get out of hand very quickly. With the help of Glinda the Good Wizard, Oscar eventually manages to defeat the Witches and become the ruler of Oz, setting the stage for The Wizard of Oz.

2 Return To Oz

IMDb Rating: 6.7

Directed By: Walter Murch
Starring: Fairuza Balk, Emma Ridley, Brian Henson, Michael Sundin
Release Year: 1985

Among all adaptations stemming from the original book, Return To Oz stands alone as the sole direct sequel to the 1939 film. It draws characters and settings predominantly from books such as The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz. This sequel retains the dark fantasy atmosphere, furthermore incorporating elements of horror and drama, with a chilling opening act set in an antiquated sanatorium, featuring a harrowing electroshock therapy scene.

Dorothy returns to Oz after escaping from the clutches of a doctor treating her for “nightmares” and finds herself in the magical land with her pet chicken, Billina. When they return to the Emerald City, however, they find it in ruins, controlled by a witch named Mombi and guarded by a thuggish pack of her minions called the Wheelers. Dorothy collects the usual motley crew of friends, but this time it’s Jack Pumpkinhead, a robot named Tik Tok, and a “gump,” a green, moose-like animal native to Oz, who is also a couch.

1 The Wizard Of Oz

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Directed By: Victor Fleming
Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton
Release Year: August 25, 1939

Back then, people were genuinely amazed by Technicolor when it first arrived, just as contemporary viewers might find it hard to grasp now. The transformation from black-and-white Kansas to vibrant Oz in the original film was nothing short of mind-blowing for its time. For instance, Dorothy’s iconic “ruby slippers” were actually silver in the book, but they were painted red in the movie for a more striking effect, and they have remained that color ever since. There are numerous stories surrounding the making of this film, many of which are jaw-dropping accounts from early Hollywood that seem unbelievable by today’s standards.

This movie, with its catchy tunes, impressive special effects, and stellar cast, was among the first major box office hits, often referred to as blockbusters. It was also one of the pioneering fantasy films to receive substantial financial backing and studio support, a factor reflected in its elaborate sets and costumes. Part of the reason why the influence of “The Wizard of Oz” remains significant 85 years after it debuted is due to this support.

2024-10-06 01:35