16 Must-Watch Movies Similar to The Wizard of Oz

1) Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

**Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald**
In the magical world of "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," we find ourselves once again captivated by the whimsical adventures of Magizoologist Newt Scamander. Just like "The Wizard of Oz," this film takes us on a journey to a fantastical realm. While Dorothy was whisked away by a tornado to the Land of Oz, Newt takes us to the enchanting streets of Paris, France. Both movies transport us to worlds filled with witches, wizards, and wondrous creatures. However, unlike the all-powerful Wizard of Oz, Newt relies on his gentle nature and love for magical creatures to navigate through his adventures. So, if you're a fan of fantastical escapades, "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" is a must-watch, as it brings a fresh and magical twist to the genre.

Release date: November, 2018
IMDB Rating: 6.5

2) The Wiz

The Wiz is a movie that takes on an adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" and tries to capture the essence of the African-American experience. While both movies fall under the genres of Adventure, Family, Fantasy, and Musical, they have their own distinct charm. The Wizard of Oz, released in 1939, is a timeless classic that has won 13 out of its 13 nominations, while The Wiz, released in 1978, has only won 2 out of its 11 nominations. The Wizard of Oz takes us on a magical journey with Dorothy and her friends as they seek the Wizard in the Land of Oz. It mesmerizes us with its imaginative sets and breathtaking effects. On the other hand, The Wiz, despite its flaws and mixed reviews, has its own unique appeal. It transports us to a vibrant and soulful world, filled with disco, soul, and R&B.

Release date: October, 1978
IMDB Rating: 5.5

3) The 7D

The 7D is a TV series that follows the adventures of the septet: Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy, and Doc. In this show, they help Queen Delightful defend the kingdom of Jollywood from a bumbling sorcerer couple. While it may sound like a questionable idea to give the seven dwarfs their own show, The 7D proves to be one of the best Disney shows. The dwarfs' distinguishable personalities allow them to play off each other well, much like the characters in The Wizard of Oz. In fact, The 7D's humor is reminiscent of shows like Animaniacs and Tiny Toons. The presence of professional voice actors, such as Bill Farmer and Maurice LaMarche, adds to the quality of the show.

Release date: July, 2014
IMDB Rating: 5.7

4) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz in its ability to bring a beloved book to life on the big screen. As an avid reader, I was initially hesitant about how the Harry Potter movies would capture the magic of the books, but Chamber of Secrets did not disappoint. The visuals were spectacular, from the set design of Diagon Alley and the Weasley house to the enchanting Hogwarts. The acting by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson was superb, and they truly brought the characters of Harry, Ron, and Hermione to life. The movie draws you in and makes you forget that it's not real, which is quite an achievement. While Chamber of Secrets may not be for die-hard action fans or those who dislike magic and fantasy, it accurately depicts the world that until now, only our imaginations could see.

Release date: January, 2003
IMDB Rating: 7.4

5) Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz in that both films transport viewers to a magical world filled with whimsical adventures. While The Wizard of Oz takes us on a journey with Dorothy and her friends to see the Wizard and find their way back home, Howl's Moving Castle follows the story of a young woman who is cursed by a spiteful witch and must rely on a self-indulgent wizard and his walking castle to break the spell. Both movies capture the essence of magic and wonder, inviting audiences to escape reality and immerse themselves in fantastical realms. However, while The Wizard of Oz enchants with its musical numbers and vibrant sets, Howl's Moving Castle captivates with its stunning animation and emotional depth. With its poetic storytelling and powerful themes of friendship and resilience, Howl's Moving Castle is a must-watch for anyone who seeks a captivating and heartwarming cinematic experience.

Release date: September, 2005
IMDB Rating: 8.2
19 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Howl’s Moving Castle

6) ParaNorman

ParaNorman, released in 2012, is a stop-motion animation movie that bears a striking resemblance to The Wizard of Oz. While the main_movie takes us on a magical journey with Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto to the Land of Oz, ParaNorman follows the story of Norman Babcock, a misunderstood boy who can communicate with the dead. Both movies share similar key topics, such as witches and curses, which add an element of mystery and supernatural to their plots. However, ParaNorman takes a unique twist by introducing zombies and ghosts, making it a horror-infused movie suitable for children. The animation style of ParaNorman is visually stunning, just like The Wizard of Oz's imaginative sets and art direction. Both movies captivate their audience with their fantastical adventures and showcase the power of friendship and bravery.

Release date: September, 2012
IMDB Rating: 7

7) Song of the Sea

Song of the Sea is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz in its enchanting and magical storytelling. Just like Dorothy, the main character Ben embarks on an extraordinary adventure, accompanied by his little sister Saoirse, who possesses a special ability to transform into a seal. Both movies take the audience on a whimsical journey through fantastical worlds, filled with mythical creatures and captivating landscapes. While The Wizard of Oz captivates with its lavish sets and imaginative art direction, Song of the Sea enchants with its visually stunning animation style, steeped in Irish myth and folklore. The unique animation design of Song of the Sea is a triumph in its own right, showcasing the beautiful and intricate details of Celtic mythology. With its perfect balance of fantasy and real-life elements, Song of the Sea is a heartwarming tale of love and loss that will leave you in awe. So, if you enjoyed The Wizard of Oz, make sure to watch Song of the Sea for a truly mesmerizing and unforgettable experience.

Release date: May, 2015
IMDB Rating: 8

8) The Seven Ravens

The Seven Ravens, a charming film reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, tells the story of a young girl named Bohdanka who embarks on a courageous quest to save her seven brothers from a curse. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Bohdanka's journey is filled with magical elements and fantastical adventures. Both movies explore themes of family, perseverance, and the power of love. While The Wizard of Oz takes place in the enchanting Land of Oz, The Seven Ravens is set in a fairy tale world. The Seven Ravens beautifully captures the fairy tale atmosphere with lifelike ravens and a delightful heroine played by Martha Issova. The film, directed by Alice Nellis, offers a fresh take on the traditional fairy tale narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of The Wizard of Oz.

Release date: May, 2015
IMDB Rating: 7.1

9) Stardust

Release date: October, 2007
IMDB Rating: 7.6

10) The Witches

The Witches is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, but with a modern twist. Both movies take viewers on magical adventures, but while Dorothy gets caught in a tornado and transported to the Land of Oz, the young boy in The Witches has a run-in with a coven of witches and their leader. Both films explore the themes of witches and magic, but The Witches adds a comedic touch to the mix with its adventure-comedy genre. While The Wizard of Oz captivated audiences with its imaginative sets and enchanting storyline, The Witches falls short in comparison. The useful featured review for The Witches criticizes its cheesy execution and over-the-top accent by Anne Hathaway, which fails to be funny. However, if you're a fan of magical adventures and want a dose of comedy, The Witches might still be worth a watch.

Release date: May, 2021
IMDB Rating: 5.4

11) The Owl House

"The Owl House" is a delightful animated series that will transport you to the enchanting world of the Boiling Isles. Just like "The Wizard of Oz," it follows a young protagonist, Luz, who finds herself in a magical realm after an unexpected turn of events. While Dorothy had her loyal dog Toto, Luz is aided by the rebellious Eda and the pint-sized demon King. Both stories revolve around the theme of self-discovery and the desire to find a way back home. However, "The Owl House" takes a darker and more mysterious approach, infusing elements of horror and fantasy into its narrative. With its captivating storyline and well-crafted characters, this series is not only enjoyable for kids but also has a Gravity Falls-like appeal for adults. So grab a bowl of popcorn, immerse yourself in the captivating world of "The Owl House," and embark on an adventure that will leave you spellbound.

Release date: January, 2021
IMDB Rating: 8.5

12) Summer Camp Island

Release date: July, 2018
IMDB Rating: 7.8

13) Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation takes us on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure with Count Dracula and his monster friends. Dracula, feeling down from his monotonous hotel business and lack of love, is surprised by his daughter Mavis with a monster cruise. As the cruise captain Ericka catches Dracula's eye, things take a turn when the monster-hating Van Helsing family threatens the lives of all monsters aboard. Just like The Wizard of Oz, both movies transport us to magical worlds filled with unforgettable characters. While The Wizard of Oz enchants us with its imaginative sets and stunning visuals, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation captivates us with its distinctive animation style and unique creativity. The voice acting in both films is superb, with Adam Sandler shining as Dracula in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation and Judy Garland delivering a wonderful performance as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.

Release date: October, 2018
IMDB Rating: 6.3

14) A Witches' Ball

A Witches' Ball is a charming movie that will remind you of The Wizard of Oz. Just like Dorothy, the young witch in A Witches' Ball is also embarking on a magical adventure. While Dorothy had to find the Wizard to return home, the young witch has to overcome magical hurdles in order to fully embrace the witching world. Both movies capture the sense of wonder and excitement that comes with discovering a magical realm. However, there are some differences between the two films. The Wizard of Oz is a classic that has stood the test of time, with its imaginative sets and captivating performances, particularly by Judy Garland as Dorothy. On the other hand, A Witches' Ball is a more recent film that offers a lighthearted and comedic take on the world of witches.

Release date: October, 2018
IMDB Rating: 5.1

15) Lilly the Witch: The Dragon and the Magic Book

"Lilly the Witch: The Dragon and the Magic Book" is reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz" in its magical and enchanting storytelling. Both movies transport viewers to fantastical worlds filled with witches, magic, and adventure. While "The Wizard of Oz" takes us on a journey through the Land of Oz with Dorothy and her friends, "Lilly the Witch: The Dragon and the Magic Book" introduces us to Little Lilly, who is apprenticed to become a witch. Both films capture the imagination with their vibrant visuals and captivating plots. However, the German film adds a unique touch with its international best-selling book series as the source material. "Lilly the Witch: The Dragon and the Magic Book" offers a delightful and whimsical experience for those who enjoy fantasy films, with a standout performance by Alina Freund and surprising appearances by Pilar Bardem.

Release date: May, 2010
IMDB Rating: 5.1

16) Mary and the Witch's Flower

Mary and the Witch's Flower is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz in several ways. Both movies involve young girls who are transported to magical lands and go on extraordinary adventures. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, where she embarks on a quest to see the Wizard and find her way back home. Similarly, in Mary and the Witch's Flower, Mary discovers a strange flower that grants her magic powers and takes her to a faraway magical land called Endor. Both movies explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of belief.
Despite their similarities, there are also notable differences between the two films. While The Wizard of Oz is a live-action musical, Mary and the Witch's Flower is an animated film. The animation quality in Mary and the Witch's Flower is excellent, with visuals that resemble those of Studio Ghibli films, although it is made by a different Japanese studio.

Release date: July, 2017
IMDB Rating: 6.8

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