--- title: "The Wizard of Oz: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-wizard-of-oz/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-wizard-of-oz" critics_score: 77 critics_reviews: 10 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Wizard of Oz (1939): what the critics said Critics' score 77 from 10 reviews: 9 positive, 0 mixed, 1 negative. Most critics respond warmly to The Wizard of Oz, with praise gathering around Judy Garland’s emotional performance, the tuneful score and the elaborate sets, costumes and make-up. The reviews repeatedly credit its appeal to the way it takes childhood delight and fear seriously, while giving adults something to recognise in its feelings about home and growing up. Its strangeness and visual invention remain central to that appeal. Reservations range from dated effects to questions about pace and audience. Digital Spy finds the story less engaging as it progresses and the Munchkin numbers tiresome for adults; Sight and Sound considers the humour and outlook more suited to adults than children. The spread is wide chiefly because of one forceful dissent: The New Yorker rejects the dialogue, gags and Technicolor as clumsy and garish, finding little of the imagination that most critics celebrate. ## Time Out — Trevor Johnston Rating 5/5. 12 December 2006. The critic calls it a masterpiece of storytelling that taps into primal emotions about home, abandonment and growing up. They single out Judy Garland's performance and the score for making it timelessly affecting for adults as well as children. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-wizard-of-oz) ## Empire — Alan Morrison Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. The critic calls the film spellbinding and a dazzling musical adaptation that captures childish delights and fears with grace and imagination. They single out the hummable tunes, spectacular set design, and Judy Garland's emotional performance as Over the Rainbow for particular praise. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/wizard-oz-review/) ## Radio Times — Calum Baker Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). The review hails it as a groundbreaking Technicolor musical fantasy that set new standards, with Judy Garland's charming performance and iconic imagery like the ruby slippers and Wicked Witch standing out. It emphasises its lasting influence and popularity. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-uggsug/the-wizard-of-oz/) ## Evening Standard Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 10 April 2012. The piece describes the 1939 classic as still wonderful despite some creaking now, with ageless appeal as a children's film that adults also love. It highlights the troubled production history but concludes the film's charm remains unsurpassed. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/still-a-whiz-of-a-wiz-7391398.html) ## Little White Lies — Trevor Johnston Rating 4/4/4. 12 September 2014. The review highlights the enduring iconic status and charm of the Technicolor musical fantasy despite its age and some dated elements. It singles out the witty script and visual spectacle for praise in a re-release context. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-wizard-of-oz-1939) ## Total Film Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 15 November 2006. The review praises the digitally remastered reissue as representing old-school MGM filmmaking at its best, with stunning sets, make-up, costumes and music. It notes the familiarity from repeated viewings but affirms its enduring appeal despite aged effects. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-wizard-of-oz-review/) ## Slant Magazine — Eric Henderson Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 24 October 2005. The review notes that the film defies easy criticism and is a barmy but culturally resonant super-production. It singles out its reversal of dream/reality color schemes, matriarchal themes, and exploration of home and personal sovereignty for discussion. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-wizard-of-oz/) ## The New Yorker — Russell Maloney Fi1m's normalised score 10/100 (inferred from the text). 12 August 1939. The critic pans the film as lacking imagination, good taste, or ingenuity, citing awkward dialogue and garish Technicolor as examples of its vulgarity. He singles out the poor use of color and gags for complaint. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1939/08/19/the-wizard-of-hollywood-walt-disney) ## Sight and Sound — E.P. 1 January 1940. The critic praises the film's magnificent production values, Technicolor, tuneful songs and strong acting, especially Judy Garland as Dorothy. However, they note that its sophisticated outlook and mature humour make it appeal more to adults than children. [Read the review](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/magnificently-produced-pantomime-wizard-oz-reviewed-1940) ## The Hollywood Reporter — THR Staff 25 August 2021. The review hails the film as a milestone in motion picture history that combines artistry with broad audience appeal and is headed for spectacular success. It singles out the superb cast, inventive production, direction, and musical elements for particular praise. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-wizard-of-oz-thrs-1939-review-1235002943/) ## Eye for Film — Scott Macdonald Fi1m's normalised score 95/100 (inferred from the text). 11 December 2006. The critic calls The Wizard of Oz one of the greatest films ever made and an enduring American classic whose charm and storytelling have not diminished. They single out the joyful performances, integrated music, and the film's unfettered belief in itself for particular praise. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-wizard-of-oz-film-review-by-scott-macdonald) ## Digital Spy — Matt Glasby Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 7 September 2014. The critic views Victor Fleming's 1939 classic as a beguiling film whose strangeness, camp qualities, and committed world-building have ensured its enduring popularity, despite a story that decreases in interest as it progresses. The expressive performances, innovative sets, and subversive undertones are singled out for praise, while the lengthy Munchkin musical numbers are noted as tiresome for adult viewers. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/re-viewed/a594435/re-viewed-the-wizard-of-oz/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-wizard-of-oz.md