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The Wizard of Oz

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Even decades later, one of the best family films ever made.

Themes in this movie include:   family relationships, friendship, growing up, loss
updated 09.21.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    A simple reminder that we can always find our way home, and that with a little help, we can overcome our fears.
  • Messages:

    Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow work together to overcome many challenges and face their fears to reach the Wizard of Oz. Their friendship allows them to act selflessly and courageously.
  • Role models:

    Dorothy is a fine example of courage under fire, as she embarks on a potentially dangerous quest to find the Wizard of Oz, aided by new friends. She agrees not to surrender the ruby slippers once Glinda convinces her their magical powers would be dangerous in the hands of the Wicked Witch, and she ultimately defeats the Wicked Witch.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    The Wicked Witch of the West is quite creepy and menacing, as are her scary henchmonkeys. Very young children may be frightened during the twister scene.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Nothing objectionable, although Dorothy does call Ms. Gulch "a wicked witch."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Wizard of Oz

Parents need to know that the 1939 fantasy contains several scenes that may be scary for very young children, almost all of which involve the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West and her band of creepy flying monkeys. Most parents who've seen the movie before know that the plot includes a disastrous tornado, and an enchanted forest full of red-eyed creatures and talking trees. By today's rating standards, this Hollywood classic is downright tame, but between the twister, the mild peril, and the general menacing, murderous intentions of the witch, some pre-schoolers could be frightened.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about elements of the classic movie that 70 years later can be found in contemporary films. What other popular movies follow a main hero and his supportive friends on an important journey?
  • Discuss the way that the movie combines several genres. How does the change from black-and-white to color affect the movie's tone?
  • How does the Scarecrow demonstrate his intelligence, the Tin Man his heart, and the Lion his courage? How does each one find what they need within themselves?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about The Wizard of Oz?
  •  I think this movie is

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See all 40 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    The Best Family Film Ever Made

    The movie teaches alot about finding your way home and its goodn to have people help you.This movie is one of the best moovies and family film ever produced.May this movie shall never be forgotten.. The Wizard Of Oz.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A GREAT 1939 CLASSIC

    This 1939 classic is one of the best family films ever made!!!! Kids will love munchkine land and the amzing charecters and so will adults!

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    REALLY GOOD

    I have this on a VHS which is now unwatchable. It scared me at the beginning (when I was 4) but now isn't scary

  4. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A Fun and Magical Trip Over the Rainbow!

    THE WIZARD OF OZ is a very well-made movie. It isn't perfect (and those Munchkins are SO annoying!), but it is fun, charming, and magical. The acting by Judy Garland is superb (her "Over the Rainbow" will bring tears to your eyes), and the film is shot in striking Technicolor. It is a great family film with no real inapropriate content. However, some of the scenes could be scary for kids. The Wicked Witch of the West is alarming (green and malicious), especially when she threatens the lives of Dorothy and her friends. However, good triumphs in the end, and all of the heroes are smart, unselfish, and courageous.

  5. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 3 and give it 5.0

    So my mother showed this to my daughter when she turned 3. She subsequently became obsessed with the film and the characters. She had a Dorothy costume and some ruby slippers she'd dress up I'm all the time. Not one thing bothered her. She loved it from the beginning in black and white all the way through to the end. By the time she was 4 it was a whole other story. You even mention the movie and she gets frightened. She will not go near it and is very adament that she does like it. Apparently it's the poor wicked witch's fault. I am sure she will watch it again when she's older and find love for it again.

  6. I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Love this classic - just a touch scary!

    My daughter first watched this movie at 4-1/2 years old. She completely loved it, and was not even scared by the flying monkeys that used to creep me out when I was a kid. She was only upset by the thought that the Witch would take Toto away from Dorothy! Love the movie and especially the music!

  7. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    cute movie

    I think wizard of oz is a great family movie for all ages and everyone should see wizard of oz

  8. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Who doesn't like this movie?

    Not every film has the critical acclaim The Wizard of Oz does. It's simply too timeless. Even though it's a 70-year-old movie now, it still looks good compared to most other films these days. Even the special effects look good now. I think the best age to see The Wizard of Oz is 5 (mainly because I was 5 when I saw it) and by that time in a kid's life, they should be able to figure out that this is just a movie. But everyone needs to see this film at least once in their life.

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title iffy for age 3 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    One of the best fantasies of all time

    You can't escape at least 10 years of your life where you DON'T hear a reference to this movie. Everything's iconic: the red shoes, the melting scene, "we're not in Kansas, anymore," everything about it is great. One of the best works of imagination on film. The flying monkeys may freak out your younger kids.

  12. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 4 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Depends on the kid

    This is my favorite movie of all time, and I started watching it at age 3. However, my 4 year old is terrified of it.

  13. I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0

    Meh.

    I don't particularly care for it, but if you're into it, fine. I am personally not a fan of Judy Garland's acting though she is a great singer.

  14. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Wonderful Timeless Children's Classic

    Wonderful movie. One of the very best of all time! No need to rush it on the age. The kids can get very scared at some parts so wait till they're a little older.

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Great!

    Great for all ages. Younger ages may lose intrest.

  16. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Go Wizard Of Oz!

    Judy Garland made this movie a sucess. And it's amazing! Rarely anything is scary or bad about it.

  17. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title iffy for age 3 and give it 0.0

    Winged Monkeys were scary AND helpful in the book

    I vividly remember how scared I was of the Winged Monkeys. However, I've been reading the story with my 3 3/4 yo and in the books the Winged Monkeys also were good to Dorothy, et al. It might be a little confusing if little kids are familiar with the book.

  18. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Arguably the Best Family Film of All Time, Certainly My Favorite

    I, as most do, have an unconditional and irrevocable love for this treat of a film. Everything about it is amazing (except for maybe the lackluster visual effects. But, it was the thirties), from the pitch-perfect acting, to the wonderful music, to the sheer joyous and altogether magical tone of the film. Yes, I know that most were traumatized as children by this film, images of the witch and her flying monkeys forever burned into their mind, but that was never an issue for me. No, I loved the film from the very first time that I saw it; and believe me, I've seen it FAR more than once. For those who enjoy the film (which includes pretty much everyone), I strongly encourage you to seek out tickets and dates for the equally magical broadway prequel "Wicked." In fact, I may have even more love for that than I do this film. And that's saying something. Also, Gregory Maguire's dark, political, (and sexual) novel, "Wicked" is a fantastic choice for more mature lovers of the film.

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Amazing timeless classic.

    Even though Im only thirteen, this movie is just amazing. I have it in color on DVD and I love it. It brings out the little kid in all of us, and it's so sad that Judy Garland died at such a young age!! She was a great singer, actress, and she was so pretty I am jealous of her looks!! lol. The movie never gets old. My favorite part is when she meets the scarecrow and when she arrives in Munchkinland. I was lucky enough to have the chance of seeing the REAL ruby slippers used in the movie a foot in front of me. This movie is great for guys, girls, women and men of all ages.

  20. Kid Reviewer Age 7
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 5.0

    Awesome and breathtaking movie

    I use to watch this with my Grandma when I was 4-years old and thought it was wonderful. Some of your kids might like it. Please buy the movie. It's great and cool. Judy garland was actully great acting in this old film movie. Sepia tone with color tone.

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