The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is a classic 1939 American musical fantasy film based on L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel, following young Dorothy Gale as she is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz. Accompanied by her dog Toto and new friends – the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion – Dorothy embarks on a journey along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, hoping the powerful Wizard of Oz can help her return home. Along the way, they face the threats of the Wicked Witch of the West. The film is celebrated for its groundbreaking use of Technicolor, memorable songs, and enduring themes of courage, intelligence, heart, and the importance of home, appealing to a broad audience, though some content can be intense for younger viewers.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighWhile the 1939 film does not explicitly portray LGBTQ+ characters or themes, it holds significant cultural importance within the queer community and is frequently interpreted through an LGBTQ+ lens. The term 'Friend of Dorothy' became a widely recognized code phrase for gay men, referencing Dorothy Gale's journey and her acceptance of her 'queer friends' in Oz. Actresses involved, such as Judy Garland and Billie Burke (Glinda), also contribute to its queer legacy.
The Cowardly Lion, portrayed by Bert Lahr, is widely recognized as a 'gay-coded' character, described by commentators as 'sissy,' 'flamboyant, effeminate, and self-oppressive,' due to his mannerisms and rejection of traditional masculinity. Additionally, Dorothy's journey from the 'black-and-white limitations of small-town life' in Kansas to the 'big, colorful cities filled with quirky, gender-bending characters' in Oz is a powerful allegory for the queer experience of seeking acceptance and 'found family.'
Witchcraft & Occult
HighMagic and witchcraft are central themes throughout The Wizard of Oz, depicted through characters like Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West, as well as the 'magic' of the Wizard (which is later revealed as illusion). The film presents both benevolent and malevolent uses of supernatural powers.
Glinda the Good Witch uses genuine magic, such as transporting Dorothy's house to Oz and enchanting the ruby slippers onto Dorothy's feet for protection, stating they 'must stay on until you get to the Emerald City!' The Wicked Witch of the West performs various dark spells and uses magical items, including her crystal ball to spy on Dorothy and placing a deadly sleep spell on the poppy field.
Violence
MediumThe film contains several instances of mild to medium violence, primarily stemming from the antagonistic actions of the Wicked Witch of the West and her minions. While not graphic, these scenes involve threats, magical attacks, and confrontations.
The Wicked Witch of the West repeatedly threatens Dorothy, stating 'I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!' before attempting to kill her. The Witch also throws fire at the Scarecrow, who is made of straw, posing a direct threat to his existence. Furthermore, the Wicked Witch's army of Flying Monkeys attacks Dorothy and her companions, carrying Dorothy to the Witch's castle and throwing spears at Toto.
Substance Use
MediumThe film includes a scene with implied substance use through the 'Deadly Poppy Field.' Dorothy, Toto, and the Cowardly Lion fall into a deep sleep due to the intoxicating scent of the magical poppies, a widely recognized allegory for opium.
While traveling to the Emerald City, Dorothy and her companions must cross a field of poppies. The Wicked Witch of the West casts a spell on these flowers, causing a 'deadly sleep' to overcome Dorothy, Toto, and the Cowardly Lion. They are only saved when Glinda conjures a magical snowfall to counteract the poppies' effects.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumDespite its G rating, The Wizard of Oz contains several scenes that are frequently cited as frightening or disturbing for young children, due to menacing characters, loud noises, and suspenseful situations.
The tornado scene is particularly intense, featuring Dorothy's house being violently lifted and spun in the air amidst flying debris, with Dorothy screaming in fear. The Wicked Witch of the West is a consistently scary antagonist, with her green skin, cackling laugh, and repeated threats, such as when she writes 'Surrender Dorothy' in the sky. Her Flying Monkeys are also a major source of fear, depicted as grotesque, winged creatures that abduct Dorothy and terrorize her friends.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumSome Christian perspectives identify anti-Christian themes, particularly in the film's message of self-reliance and the portrayal of the Wizard. Critics argue that the movie, influenced by author L. Frank Baum's Theosophist background, promotes a 'power within' philosophy where characters achieve their desires without divine intervention, thereby potentially undermining reliance on God.
A significant concern is the depiction of the Wizard of Oz, who initially appears as an all-powerful, god-like figure but is ultimately exposed as a 'hoax' and a 'fraud'—a mere man operating a curtain. This is interpreted by some as a metaphor for God being a deception, where characters don't need God to save them but discover 'they always had that power within.' Furthermore, the Good Witch Glinda tells Dorothy that 'you've always had the power... you just had to learn it for yourself,' reinforcing the self-sufficiency message that some Christians find at odds with biblical teachings of dependence on God.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe film contains very limited and subtle romantic suggestions, primarily implied rather than explicitly shown. There is no overt sexual content, nudity, or suggestive language.
A subtle hint of future romance is present when Dorothy, just before leaving Oz, tells the Scarecrow, 'I think I'll miss you most of all,' referencing his Kansas counterpart, Hunk, with whom a romantic relationship is implied to develop. Overall, romantic gestures are minimal and non-physical, such as hugs among friends, without any kissing or explicit displays of affection.
Profanity
LowProfanity in The Wizard of Oz is minimal and consists only of mild name-calling, consistent with a G-rated film from its era.
The primary instance of coarse language occurs when the Wizard of Oz, after being exposed as a fraud, calls Dorothy's friends 'sentimental saps,' 'brainless,' 'cowardly,' and 'heartless' during his initial attempts to dismiss their requests. There are no strong expletives or frequent use of offensive language throughout the movie.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowThe film features a brief instance of a child running away from home due to feeling misunderstood, but this act is quickly rectified, and the overarching themes emphasize positive values like loyalty and friendship.
Early in the film, Dorothy runs away from her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry's farm with Toto after her dog bites their stern neighbor, Miss Gulch, and the neighbor threatens to have Toto put down. Dorothy feels her family isn't protecting Toto adequately. However, she quickly decides to return home after a heartfelt conversation with Professor Marvel, who convinces her that her aunt is worried, before the tornado strikes.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental guidance is recommended for children under 8, and the film may not be suitable for children under 5 due to several frightening scenes and mild thematic violence. For children aged 8 and over, it is generally considered acceptable.
Additional Notes
The runtime of the 1939 film is approximately 102 minutes. There are no widely recognized extended or director's cuts that significantly alter the content. While the film is a classic, parents should be mindful of the potentially frightening elements for very young children and be prepared to discuss the thematic interpretations, particularly regarding magic and the underlying messages, from a Christian worldview.
Related Reviews
Is The Wizard of Oz right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required