Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
One of the best family films ever made; has scary moments.
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The Wizard of Oz
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 66 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film features excellent messages and is a nostalgic classic, it also has several intense and scary scenes that may not be suitable for very young children. Many reviewers recommend it for kids 5 and older, while acknowledging the need to balance the film's whimsical elements with its darker themes, particularly the portrayal of the wicked witch and flying monkeys, which can be frightening for sensitive viewers.
- great messages
- intense scenes
- suitable for 5+
- nostalgic classic
- fearful elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 208 kid reviews
Kids say this classic movie is enjoyable for families, with relatable characters and a captivating story, although some scenes featuring the Wicked Witch and the flying monkeys might be frightening for younger viewers. While many appreciate its nostalgic charm and lessons about courage and friendship, some reviewers noted it can feel slow at times, and certain elements may seem outdated or eerie.
- family friendly
- engaging story
- slightly scary
- nostalgic charm
- relatable characters
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on L. Frank Baum's classic children's book, THE WIZARD OF OZ is a fantasy musical following Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), a Kansas farm-girl whose best friend is her beloved dog Toto. Distraught over a mean-spirited neighbor's attempt to have Toto put to sleep, Dorothy runs away with her pet. On her way back home, Dorothy is caught in a twister, which knocks her out and seems to lift the entire farmhouse into the sky. After the house crash-lands, Dorothy and Toto step out far, far away from Kansas into a technicolor land. Suddenly, a multitude of munchkins and Glinda, a lovely good witch (Billie Burke), hail the confused Dorothy as a heroine for landing on the Wicked Witch of the East ("Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead," they sing). But when the dead witch's sister, the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) arrives on the scene, she demands that Dorothy hand over her sister's pair of magical ruby slippers, which are now on Dorothy's feet. Unwilling to give up the slippers, Dorothy starts on a mysterious trip down a yellow brick road to Emerald City, where she hopes to find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz -- the only person capable of returning her home. On her journey, Dorothy befriends a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), a Tin Man (Jack Haley), and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) who desperately seek a brain, a heart, and courage, respectively. If they can reach the Wizard and outwit the vengeful Witch, all of their dreams may come true.
Is It Any Good?
Director Victor Fleming's film is a masterpiece of early cinema. Not only does The Wizard of Oz have one of the most iconic leads and one of the finest examples of the hero's journey, which has influenced every epic quest tale from Star Wars to Harry Potter, but it's also a magical combination of drama, adventure, fantasy, and musical. It's a testament to the movie's universal appeal that many decades later, The Wizard of Oz is still culturally significant -- from Halloween costumes to sing-along-shows to remixes of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Garland, who was only 16 when Oz was filmed, is sublime as Dorothy, especially when she sings. Although contemporary moviegoers may be used to precocious young "triple threats" marketed by Disney and Nickelodeon, Garland was one of the first. Her impressively mature voice soars beyond the rainbow and into viewers' hearts. Beyond Dorothy, there's the amazing trifecta of theater-trained actors (Lahr, Bolger, Haley) who played her yellow-brick-road companions. Hamilton is deliciously evil as the green-skinned witch, and Burke is memorably comforting as the beautiful good witch Glinda. Everyone should experience The Wizard of Oz multiple times in their lives; it's simply a must-see film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about elements of The Wizard of Oz that can be found in later films, including contemporary ones. What other popular movies follow a main hero and their supportive friends on an important journey?
Glinda the Good Witch says that "only bad witches are ugly." Can you really tell if someone is "good" or "bad" just by looking at them? Who else in The Wizard of Oz seems "good" or "bad" when Dorothy first meets them but turns out to be different?
How does the Scarecrow demonstrate his intelligence, the Tin Man his heart, and the Lion his courage? How does each one find what he needs within himself?
How do the characters in The Wizard of Oz demonstrate perseverance, teamwork, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
How does Dorothy learn empathy, integrity, and gratitude over the course of her journey in Oz? How does she learn to be true to herself? What is she most grateful for by the end?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 25, 1939
- On DVD or streaming : October 1, 2013
- Cast : Bert Lahr , Jack Haley , Judy Garland , Ray Bolger
- Director : Victor Fleming
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 5, 2026
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