Got Wicked fever? Six films and TV shows set in Oz to make you feel better

If you’ve heard Cynthia Erivo belt Defying Gravity and loved Ariana Grande’s comedic facial expressions, there are still several films and TV shows set in the wonderful world of Oz for you to enjoy now you’ve watched Wicked.

Wicked has been an instant hit with first-time musical viewers and long-term Wicked viewers alike despite drawing dual inspiration from both the original book and the stage musical. Though I can’t wave a major wand and take you back to view the movie for the first time, I can offer you other projects to expand your knowledge of the magical world of Oz.

1. The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz was the first on-screen adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s fantasy book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Without the powerhouse that is Judy Garland at the helm of the film, we probably wouldn’t have Wicked today.

Of course, the film follows the central character Dorothy as she is whisked away from Kansas by a terrifying tornado that we now know was the work of Wicked’s Madam Morrible. With the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly lion, and her little dog Toto, Dorothy sets out to return home and bring peace to Oz.

It’s essential viewing for any budding Wicked aficionados.

2. Oz the Great and Powerful

In 2013, Sam Raimi’s Oz the Great and Powerful attempted to offer viewers another take on the Wizard of Oz, this time from the perspective of the Wizard himself. It was meant to be a stand-in for Wicked, but sadly only has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 56 per cent.

James Franco attempts the titular role with little success, but it is held up by the combined talents of witches Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, and Rachel Weisz.

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3. Return to Oz

Return to Oz (1985) pic.twitter.com/PC2QOcZq29

— tนli໐ (@prostitulioo) November 22, 2024

Return to Oz is a 1985 dark fantasy film written and directed by Walter Murch and starring names like Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, and Jean Marsh. Unlike the first film, Return to Oz attempted to convey darker messages like Dorothy undergoing a psychiatric experiment, an evil princess with interchangeable heads, and the horrific Nome King.

Though some have argued it’s not as good as the first film, Return to Oz is still viewed as a cult classic in 2024.

4. Emerald City

If you’d rather binge a TV series, then look no further than 2017’s Emerald City starring Andor superstar Adria Arjona alongside Joely Richardson, Jordan Loughran, and Stefanie Martini. Aimed at teens and older, Emerald City is structured like a typical Netflix action show, posing Dorothy as an older and reluctant hero who is thrown through various tasks and battles.

Though the show only got one season and it sits with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 38 per cent, it is certainly worth a watch if you’re in desperate need of some more witches in your life.

5. The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz

Having a Muppets version of your TV show or film is perhaps one of the highest honours, with the Wizard of Oz receiving the honour in 2005’s The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz. The film starred Ashanti as the main character Dorothy as iconic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy were voiced by their original actors.

The musical film is as lighthearted as you’d expect from a project with Muppets, but some questioned why a Muppets project hinged on violence and sexual content so much. All in all, it makes for a good watch and the songs are not as irritating as some of the Muppets’ other tracks.

6. Once Upon a Time

Though not strictly a Wizard of Oz project, Once Upon a Time combines just about every kids’ film and Disney project into one slightly confusing yet entertaining package. Oz stood front and centre in the third season, and though Rebecca Mader’s take on the Wicked With of the West was the standout performance, you can expect other notable faces like Dorothy, Cowardly Lion, Boq, and the Wizard to appear.

As is the case with most of Once Upon a Time’s source material, don’t expect the characters to adhere to what you think their character is. Half the time, the Wicked Witch isn’t even green.

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Featured Image credit: NBC/Universal Pictures/Disney