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The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz

We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!

1939102 minPGMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Victor Fleming
Starring
Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr

Young Dorothy finds herself in a magical world where she makes friends with a lion, a scarecrow and a tin man as they make their way along the yellow brick road to talk with the Wizard and ask for the things they miss most in their lives. The Wicked Witch of the West is the only thing that could stop them.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Wizard of Oz?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Wizard of Oz streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Wizard of Oz?

The Wizard of Oz earns 13 badges, led by Top 1% of the 1930s and Stood the test of time.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Wizard of Oz worth watching?

The Wizard of Oz's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 1.5M ratings across 6 sources. 85% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

97th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 1930s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)95th

80 /100

96th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 1930s

Critics 92 · Audience 79

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

85% liked it

95th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 1930s
85% rated it 7–1015% rated it 1–6

Critics 98% · Audience 89%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

2 Oscars won · 3 Oscar noms · 14 wins / 13 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Music, Original Score
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Music, Original Song

99th percentile

1.5M ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 1930s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 20% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$2.8M
Opening weekend$5.4M
Domestic gross$25M
Worldwide gross$26M

Returned 9.2× its budget — 75th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a landmark of Technicolor fantasy with iconic songs, characters, and a feel-good journey to a dreamlike world.

Fans praised

  • timeless sepia-to-color transition
  • Judy Garland's sincere, vulnerable Dorothy
  • unforgettable songs and visual wonder

Detractors panned

  • exaggerated, grating vaudeville-style acting
  • simplistic, predictable plot with saccharine morals
  • munchkin sequences and repetitive songs feel tedious

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive95

Iconic score and songs like 'Over the Rainbow'; detractors find songs annoying

Cinematography95

Stunning sepia-to-color transition, lavish Technicolor landscapes

AtmosphereDivisive95

Enchanting, immersive fantasy world; detractors see it as creepy/artificial

OriginalityDivisive95

Groundbreaking Technicolor fantasy world; detractors call it derivative of Disney

ActingDivisive90

Garland's transcendent warmth vs exaggerated, hammy performances

CharactersDivisive85

Iconic Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion; detractors find them shallow

Effects and spectacleDivisive80

Impressive practical tornado and optical effects; detractors see dated sets

Plot and storyDivisive70

Simple but resonant journey; detractors see holes and predictability

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 12 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Wizard of Oz like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulThrillingMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmAdventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its fantastical story and heartfelt emotions completely straight, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film shifts from melancholic Kansas to joyful and thrilling Oz, with darker threats in the middle act before a warm resolution.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure: Dorothy's life in Kansas, her journey through Oz, and the resolution back home.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's reaffirmation that home and love are already with you leaves a warm, comforting optimism.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Quest
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% (this title) · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Journey home: The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

Why this archetypeDorothy's journey to the Emerald City to seek the Wizard's help in returning home is the central spine; along the way she and her friends confront the Wicked Witch, which provides the monster element.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsSelf-worth · 7% of filmsHope · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeDorothy's journey is driven by her longing for home and family, and her companions each seek a quality they feel they lack, while hope sustains them through danger.
StanceThe film celebrates the primacy of home and family, affirming that love and belonging are the true treasure.

The world

Early 20th centuryRuralAlternate dimensionFantasy
Orchestral classicalPopForeground music · original score · Harold Arlen
SettingKansas farm and the magical Land of Oz
MusicIconic songs like 'Over the Rainbow' and 'We're Off to See the Wizard' are deeply woven into the narrative.

Content guide

Is The Wizard of Oz okay for kids?

PG

The Wizard of Oz is rated PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at minimal (9/100), language at minimal (5/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (8/100) and frightening material at moderate (40/100). Overall it is heavier than 25% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 21 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Belgium14
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceK
  • HungaryKN
  • ItalyT
  • KZК
  • MexicoB-15
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Norway12
  • PortugalM/3
  • South AfricaPG
  • SwedenBtl
  • THG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 7% of all filmsHeavier than 25% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 34%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 12%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 8%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 15%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 59%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 59% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Wizard of Oz have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Wizard of Oz?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Judy Garland
as Dorothy
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Ray Bolger
as Hunk
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jack Haley
as Hickory
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Bert Lahr
as Zeke
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Frank Morgan
as Professor Marvel
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Margaret Hamilton
as Miss Gulch
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Billie Burke
as Glinda
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Clara Blandick
as Auntie Em
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Charley Grapewin
as Uncle Henry
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Pat Walshe
as Nikko
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Wizard of Oz?

Movies like The Wizard of Oz include The Wiz (1978), Spellbound (2024) and Cinderella (1950). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in a fictional world, and most are musicals.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its world: fairy tale. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Wizard of Oz?

405 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: magic user. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.