This week we get the second half of Wicked, Wicked For Good, releasing in theaters. In honor of its release, this week’s binge looks at other Wizard of Oz films. Films appear in chronological order.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)
About: This film was quite an achievement. The way it mixes the use of color and creates the world of Oz is memorable. Judy Garland is great in the lead role. This is an iconic classic.

The Wiz (1978)
About: This is a musical take on the world of Oz. It features a mostly African American cast, including Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, and was directed by Sidney Lumet. It’s certainly unexpected but it has its charm and has endured as a cult classic.

Return to Oz (1985)
About: If you love The Wizard of Oz, well this might not be the film for you. It was made in the 1980s and finds Fairuza Balk as Dorothy. This is a very different Oz and one that might play more like a horror film, save for the fact it seems to be aimed at kids. It’s unique.

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
About: Directed by Sam Raimi and starring James Franco, this was meant to be a story about the Wizard. But it doesn’t exactly turn out as expected. It had some moments, but it ends up being kind of a forgettable film.

Wicked (2024)
About: The adaptation of the musical based on the novel. This one was a great spectacle and a great film, earning a Best Picture nomination. I really enjoyed this one and I think it’s going to make for a great sequel on Friday, too.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.