There’s no place like home… especially when that home is the land of Oz. Over the years, Hollywood has been obsessed with adapting The Wizard of Oz in every possible way.
Some efforts are pure cinematic magic, while others make you want to click your heels together and escape.
To help you navigate this technicolor tornado of movies, we’ve ranked Oz films from “why does this exist?” to “iconic masterpiece.”
10. The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (2005)
Rating: Dumpster-bound
What happens when you mix the beloved Muppets with the world of Oz? A fever dream of awkward musical numbers, bad CGI, and a painfully miscast Ashanti as Dorothy.
Even Miss Piggy couldn’t save this one, despite playing all four witches. It’s the kind of movie that makes you think, “Was this a dare?”
Highlight: Pepe the Prawn as Toto is… something.
9. The Wizard of Oz (1925)
Rating: Silent disaster
This early silent film version of Oz is less about Dorothy’s whimsical journey and more about… slapstick comedy?
With plot points that barely resemble the original story, this movie feels like someone skimmed the book and just improvised. Also, Dorothy is an adult woman, and Toto is now a cow. Yes, you read that right.
Highlight: The special effects are “special” in the same way a homemade science project is special.
8. Journey Back to Oz (1972)
Rating: Somewhere underwhelming
This animated sequel features Liza Minnelli as Dorothy (because why not cast Judy Garland’s daughter?).
While the animation is charming in a vintage way, the story is clunky, and the songs feel like leftovers from a Broadway audition tape. It’s fine, but it’s not “I’ll watch it again” fine.
Highlight: Ethel Merman voices a singing witch, which is as weird and wonderful as it sounds.
7. Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return (2013)
Rating: Glittery mediocrity
This animated sequel somehow ropes in big names like Lea Michele, Dan Aykroyd, and Kelsey Grammer, but the result feels like a straight-to-DVD knockoff.
The plot involves Dorothy fighting a jester who wants to destroy Oz with bad jokes (kind of like this movie). It’s pretty to look at, but that’s about it.
Highlight: The animated environments are nice… if you mute the dialogue.
6. Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013)
Rating: Flashy but forgettable
This prequel to The Wizard of Oz explores how the Wizard came to power in Oz.
James Franco stars as the Wizard, and while the visuals are stunning, the movie’s tone can’t decide if it’s whimsical or just plain weird. Think of it as the Wicked knockoff you didn’t ask for.
Highlight: Michelle Williams as Glinda is a beacon of light in an otherwise murky plot.
5. The Wizard of Oz (1982)
Rating: Nostalgic oddity
This Japanese animated version of The Wizard of Oz is surprisingly faithful to the original book and features some charming (if slightly bizarre) character designs.
It’s a delightful watch if you’re in the mood for something quirky and nostalgic.
Highlight: The Scarecrow has a face only a mother could love, but somehow it works.
4. Return to Oz (1985)
Rating: Nightmare fuel with a side of genius
This cult classic is part sequel, part horror movie, and all kinds of weird.
Dorothy (now played by Fairuza Balk) is sent to a mental institution before escaping back to Oz, which has been taken over by creepy Wheelers and a witch who collects heads.
It’s not exactly kid-friendly, but it’s a bold and haunting take on the Oz mythos.
Highlight: Tik-Tok the robot is both adorable and deeply unsettling.
3. The Wiz (1978)
Rating: Funky and fabulous
This Motown-inspired retelling of Oz stars Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, complete with a funky soundtrack and stunning visuals.
It’s bold, it’s colorful, and it’s unapologetically unique. Some critics didn’t get it at the time, but it’s since become a cult favorite.
Highlight: The Emerald City fashion sequence is an absolute vibe.
2. Wicked (2024)
Rating: Defying gravity
Yes, the highly anticipated Wicked movie hasn’t even been released yet, but let’s be real: it’s already a masterpiece in our hearts.
With Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, this two-part adaptation of the hit musical promises to deliver all the drama, magic, and green-tinted fabulousness we could ever want.
Highlight: Idina Menzel’s legacy lives on through every high note Cynthia Erivo will surely nail.
1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Rating: Over the rainbow perfection
Was there ever any doubt? The 1939 classic starring Judy Garland is the gold standard of Oz movies.
From the unforgettable songs to the groundbreaking use of Technicolor, this film is pure magic from start to finish.
It’s the movie that made us all believe in the power of ruby slippers and the importance of having a heart, a brain, and courage.
Highlight: All of it. This movie is untouchable.