Over the rainbow: Ranking 10 Wizard of Oz movies from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - December 6th 2024, 14:00 GMT+1

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For this list, we’ve rounded up all the movies set in the Wizard of Oz universe – even if they’re not all about Dorothy or the Wizard himself. Because, hey, Oz is a big, magical place with plenty of room for quirky tales and wild interpretations.

Think a movie is ranked in the wrong spot? Or maybe you know of another Oz-inspired gem that deserves a place on this list? Don’t be shy – drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s debate like we’re in a Munchkin town hall! 🌈

Cropped The Wizard of Oz 1925 — 10. The Wizard of Oz (1925)

Ah, the silent film era, where slapstick reigned supreme, and plot coherence was optional. This *Wizard of Oz* takes a baffling detour from the source material, turning the whimsical tale into a convoluted farce. Dorothy (played by Dorothy Dwan) isn’t a Kansas farm girl but a secret princess. Her companions? Just farmhands in disguise, including a clownish Scarecrow played by Semon himself. It’s more slapstick comedy than magical fantasy, complete with cringe-worthy stereotypes that haven’t aged well. While historically interesting, it’s a strange trip down the yellow brick road that feels like it’s missing half the bricks. | © Chadwick Pictures

Cropped Legends of Oz Dorothys Return 2013 — 9. Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return (2013)

What do you get when you mix budget CGI, forgettable songs, and a predictable plot? A movie that’s far from legendary. *Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return* struggles to justify its existence, with Dorothy (Lea Michele) meeting a host of new, uninspired companions and battling a cookie-cutter villain, The Jester (Martin Short). Despite its star-studded cast (Dan Aykroyd, Kelsey Grammer, and Jim Belushi), it feels like a rushed cash grab rather than a heartfelt homage. Some colorful visuals and a decent villain save it from being a total disaster, but it’s a far cry from capturing the magic of Oz. | © Clarius Entertainment

Cropped Oz The Great and Powerful 2013 — 8. Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013)

Sam Raimi’s prequel to *The Wizard of Oz* aims for spectacle but stumbles over its uneven tone and clunky storytelling. James Franco plays Oscar Diggs, a carnival conman who becomes the Wizard, but his performance lacks the charm or gravitas to carry the role. The film dazzles visually, with vibrant effects and a compelling China Doll (Joey King). However, its half-baked references to the 1939 classic and overly long runtime drag it down. It’s a decent popcorn flick but feels more like a sideshow than the main event. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Journey Back to Oz 1972 — 7. Journey Back to Oz (1972)

An animated sequel featuring Liza Minnelli as Dorothy should have been a home run, but *Journey Back to Oz* feels like it’s stuck on repeat. The animation is lovely for its time, and the cast, including Mickey Rooney and Ethel Merman, is impressive. However, the songs are forgettable, the pacing drags, and the story struggles to keep viewers engaged. Its heart is in the right place, but it lacks the spark needed to truly shine. A charming effort, but one that’s largely forgotten for good reason. | © Filmation

Cropped The Muppets Wizard of Oz 2005 — 6. The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (2005)

Who thought making Dorothy an aspiring pop star was a good idea? This Muppet take on *The Wizard of Oz* tries to bring its trademark humor to Oz but lands with a thud. Ashanti’s Dorothy is oddly unlikable, and the film is riddled with awkward modern references and an unnecessary Quentin Tarantino cameo. The Muppets are always delightful, but even they can’t save this uninspired adaptation. It’s a rare misstep for the iconic puppets, better left forgotten in the attic of pop culture. | © The Jim Henson Company/Disney

Cropped The Wizard of Oz 1982 — 5. The Wizard of Oz (1982)

This anime retelling sticks closer to Baum’s original book, which is refreshing for Oz enthusiasts. Dorothy’s journey feels more urgent as Oz is presented as a real place, not a dream. The unique animation style and faithful adaptation make it a hidden gem for fans seeking a different perspective. However, its short runtime leaves little room for character development, and its quiet release means it’s often overlooked. A lovely curiosity, though, for anyone wanting a more literal take on Baum’s world. | © Toho

Cropped The Wiz 1978 — 4. The Wiz (1978)

Ease on down the road in this funk-filled, soulful retelling of Oz! With Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, *The Wiz* reinvents the classic tale with a modern, urban twist. The music is catchy, and the creative production design shines, but its slow pacing and uneven performances hold it back. It’s a cult favorite for good reason, but its grungy aesthetic might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Still, it’s a refreshing reimagining that’s worth a watch for its boldness alone. | © Universal Pictures/Motown Productions

Cropped Wicked — 3. Wicked (2024)

Jon M. Chu’s *Wicked* takes audiences to the vibrant and politically fraught world of Oz long before Dorothy dropped in. This prequel delves into the unlikely friendship and eventual rivalry between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), with stunning performances and spellbinding visuals. The lavish production design, combined with a reimagined score from the Broadway hit, brings this beloved musical to dazzling life on screen. However, the split into two films leaves the first installment feeling incomplete, and some moments drag under the weight of franchise expectations. Despite its imperfections, *Wicked* is a visual feast and a worthy addition to Oz’s cinematic legacy. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Return to Oz 1985 — 2. Return to Oz (1985)

*Return to Oz* swaps out the cheerful Technicolor of the 1939 film for a darker, gothic take on Baum’s universe. Fairuza Balk’s Dorothy is younger and more haunted, setting the tone for a creepier journey that includes the terrifying Wheelers, a malevolent Nome King, and Princess Mombi with her interchangeable heads. While the visuals are imaginative and faithful to Baum’s original stories, the film’s unsettling tone can be off-putting, especially for younger viewers expecting more whimsy. Still, its cult following praises its bravery in showing a different, more perilous side of Oz. Love it or fear it, this isn’t your grandma’s yellow brick road. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped The Wizard of Oz 1939 — 1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

There’s no place like *The Wizard of Oz*. Victor Fleming’s adaptation is a shimmering jewel in cinema history, a film that’s been enchanting audiences for over 80 years. Judy Garland’s heartfelt performance as Dorothy anchors the movie, supported by unforgettable characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. The seamless transition from sepia-toned Kansas to the dazzling Technicolor of Oz remains a marvel, and the iconic songs like “Over the Rainbow” are forever etched in pop culture. Sure, some of its elements feel dated by modern standards, but the magic remains timeless. A classic that refuses to lose its luster. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

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Since Dorothy first landed in the magical land of Oz in L. Frank Baum's beloved 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, her adventures have been reimagined countless times on screen. From groundbreaking classics to bold reinterpretations (and a few questionable detours), filmmakers have brought their unique visions of Oz’s yellow brick road to life.

This list dives into 10 Wizard of Oz-inspired movies, examining their highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the 1939 classic or curious about the darker, zanier, or even animated corners of Oz’s cinematic history, we’ve ranked these films from the missteps that failed to click their heels to the shining emerald gems you can’t miss. Grab your ruby slippers – it's time for a whirlwind trip down memory lane!