The Wizard of Oz Movies: Release Order

Other Watch Orders:
1939 - 20256 Films10h 37m3.7 Average

The Wizard of Oz has inspired many feature film adaptations, each offering its own unique interpretation of L. Frank Baum's magical world. Rather than forming a connected franchise, these films represent different creative visions of the same source material, from MGM's Technicolor classic to urban retellings, dark sequels, and musical prequels.

This release order watch list includes the most significant theatrical adaptations, spanning multiple decades and styles. You'll encounter different timelines, reboots, and alternate mythologies that each establish their own rules for the Land of Oz, making this less of a traditional franchise and more of a showcase of how one story can be endlessly reimagined.

There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.

1
The Wizard of Oz poster

The Wizard of Oz

19391h 42m4.5
Director: Victor Fleming
Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley

When young Dorothy is swept away to a magical land, she embarks on a journey along the yellow brick road with three unlikely companions—a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion—to find the Wizard of Oz who might help her return home.

AdventureFantasyFamily
2
The Wiz poster

The Wiz

19782h 14m3.2
Director: Sidney Lumet
Cast: Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King

A shy kindergarten teacher named Dorothy is magically transported to the land of Oz and must find her way home in this vibrant musical adaptation of the classic tale.

MusicFantasyAdventure
3
Return to Oz poster

Return to Oz

19851h 49m3.8
Director: Walter Murch
Cast: Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie, Matt Clark

When Dorothy returns to the magical land of Oz, she discovers it has been devastated and must embark on a perilous journey to restore the kingdom with the help of new companions.

AdventureFamilyFantasy
4
Oz the Great and Powerful poster

Oz the Great and Powerful

20132h 10m3.2
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff

A small-time circus magician is transported from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz, where he must fulfill a prophecy to become the great wizard and save the kingdom from evil.

FantasyAdventureFamily
5
Wicked poster

Wicked

20242h 42m4
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey

In the land of Oz, misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba and popular aristocrat Glinda form an unlikely friendship at Shiz University. Their bond is tested as they begin to fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

DramaRomanceFantasy
6
Wicked: For Good poster

Wicked: For Good

2025
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode

In the concluding chapter of the Wicked saga, Glinda and Elphaba must reunite as an angry mob threatens the Wicked Witch. Their friendship becomes crucial as they face their final challenge together, determining the fate of all of Oz.

FantasyRomanceMusic