How to watch

The Wizard of Oz Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the The Wizard of Oz movies in order

Last updated: November 5 2026

Written by: ChronoChris

The Land of Oz has inspired more than eight decades of movies, from the 1939 Technicolor classic to the blockbuster Wicked films. Because prequels, sequels and reimaginings all sit side by side, a clear watch order makes the yellow brick road much easier to follow.

Few fantasy worlds are as instantly recognizable as L. Frank Baum's Oz. Judy Garland's Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion became cultural icons in 1939, and Hollywood has returned to the Emerald City again and again since. This guide covers the major theatrical Oz films, including Disney's dark sequel Return to Oz, Sam Raimi's prequel Oz the Great and Powerful, and the two-part Wicked adaptation that retells the Wicked Witch of the West's side of the story.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order lets you watch the evolution of Oz on screen, from classic Hollywood musical to modern spectacle.

  1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
  2. The Wiz (1978)
  3. Return to Oz (1985)
  4. Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
  5. Wicked (2024)
  6. Wicked: For Good (2025)

These films were made by different studios and are not one strict continuity, but most of them share the same basic map of Oz. That makes it possible to arrange them into a satisfying in-universe timeline, as long as you treat The Wiz as its own soulful reimagining of Dorothy's journey.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Chronologically, the story begins with the Wizard's arrival in Oz, moves through Elphaba and Glinda's school days, and only then reaches Dorothy's famous trip down the yellow brick road.

  1. Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) β€” how the Wizard came to Oz
  2. Wicked (2024) β€” Elphaba and Glinda's origins
  3. Wicked: For Good (2025) β€” overlaps with and extends past Dorothy's visit
  4. The Wizard of Oz (1939) β€” Dorothy's first adventure
  5. Return to Oz (1985) β€” Dorothy goes back to a ruined Oz
  6. The Wiz (1978) β€” a standalone reimagining

Which Order Should You Choose?

First-timers should start with the 1939 original. It's the reference point every other film plays with, and many of Wicked's best moments land harder once you know the classic. After that, the chronological order is a fun rewatch: seeing the Wizard rise, then Elphaba fall, before Dorothy arrives gives the familiar story surprising new weight. Save Return to Oz for last if you enjoy darker fairy tales.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • Alice in Wonderland Watch OrderGuide
  • The NeverEnding Story Watch OrderGuide
  • Chronicles of Narnia Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!