With “Wicked: For Good” playing in theaters, now is a good time to watch some other Oz movies. So, which movies should you watch? Do you want something that stays true to the original book, or something that takes liberties to tell an all-new story? Well, let’s take a look at some movies that stay faithful, and other movies that put their own spin on the tale. Here are five Oz movies that are must-watches.
5 Oz Movies That You Should Watch
1. “Wicked”
Of course, before you see “Wicked: For Good,” you have to watch the first movie. In addition to its insanely gorgeous and catchy soundtrack, the movie features a new twist on the familiar Oz story. What if the Wicked Witch of the West was scorned her entire life for having green skin? The story might be more relevant now than it was when the stage musical first came out. It delivers a powerful message, and Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande give amazing performances.
2. “The Wizard of Oz”
If you somehow haven’t seen the 1939 classic, now you can see what all the fuss is about. What more is there to say about this film that hasn’t been said a million times? Songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard” have become embedded in our culture. The effects are fascinating for the time period, and the moment where the movie goes from sepia to full Technicolor glory will always be iconic.
3. “Return to Oz”
Do you like your Oz movies dark? Then here’s a movie for you. Serving as a sequel to the familiar story, this movie takes characters and elements from the later Oz books. It gets downright terrifying at times, such as when the villain tries on the different heads from her old victims, but at the same time, it maintains that Oz charm. It might not be for squeamish kids, but it’s an underrated gem.
4. “The Wiz”
There’s no shortage of Oz movies that are musicals. If “Over the Rainbow” and “Defying Gravity” aren’t to your musical tastes, try the toe-tapping soundtrack of “The Wiz.” You might not automatically think of Michael Jackson when you think of the Scarecrow, but once you see this movie, you’ll think it was a brilliant casting idea. Also, “Ease On Down the Road” might be one of the catchiest Oz songs of all time.
5. “Oz: The Great and Powerful”
This is a weird one, but it’s still worth watching. This backstory for the Wizard is a bit uneven in its storytelling, but the visuals and James Franco’s lovable performance make it a fun time. It pays homage to the 1939 movie in a number of ways, right down to portraying the real world in black and white and Oz in color. It may not have the nuance and depth that “Wicked” has, but it’s a fun Oz prequel.
Go Watch Some Oz Movies!
The world of Oz is vast, diverse, and detailed, and it lends itself to endless retellings. Oz movies reflect that potential. No matter what you choose to watch, you’re bound to get some enjoyment out of the Oz charm. Also, don’t forget to read the books. You can get a look at where Oz originally came from.
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