The Wiz
Seen it?1978 | 134 min | Fantasy, Family, Adventure
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
People are still talking about it and it drew serious awards attention, though it had middling reviews (42% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for fantasy fans, adventure fans and families. If you loved The Wizard of Oz or James and the Giant Peach, start here.
- The mood
- Feel-good.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 2 hr 14 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1978: an older pace and style.
Dorothy Gale, a shy kindergarten teacher, is swept away to the magic land of Oz where she embarks on a quest to return home.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
42% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.2 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 4 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$21 million worldwide on a $24 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 485K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Wizard of Oz
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James and the Giant Peach
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Mary Poppins Returns Saturday SpecialAnother musical fantasy film, and a Saturday Special.
Thelma the Unicorn Sunday Safe BetAnother musical fantasy film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Sidney Lumet
- Diana RossDorothy
- Michael JacksonScarecrow
- Nipsey RussellTinman
- Ted RossLion
- Mabel KingEvillene
- Theresa MerrittAunt Em
- Thelma CarpenterMiss One
- Lena HorneGlinda the Good
- Richard PryorThe Wiz
- Stanley GreeneUncle Henry