Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Wizard of Oz

film

The Wizard of Oz

1939

Young Dorothy finds herself in a magical world where she makes friends with a lion, a scarecrow and a tin man as they make their way along the yellow brick road to talk with the Wizard and ask for the things they miss most in their lives. The Wicked Witch of the West is the only thing that could stop them.

Ages 6+Source checked

Why this age? Generally family-friendly, but the tornado, threatening witch, flying monkeys, peril, and a villain’s death may frighten younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age6+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The film has enduring merchandise and franchise recognition, but the story itself is not strongly built around buying products.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

A witch dies when water is thrown on her, and the opening conflict involves a house landing on a character; deaths are fantastical and non-graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild insults consistent with the period and genre.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No religious practice or themes present.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The tornado, Wicked Witch, threatening forest, flying monkeys, fire, and tense captures can be frightening, especially for young children.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy peril includes pursuit, threats, magical attacks, a house falling, and the witch’s defeat; violence is stylized rather than realistic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Dorothy and her friends repeatedly face frightening obstacles and act bravely despite fear and self-doubt.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Its imaginative world, musical storytelling, unusual companions, visual design, and inventive quest strongly stimulate fantasy and creative play.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited in terms of real-world human identity, focused on fantasy characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental lessons about emotions, friendship, courage, and storytelling, but is primarily fantasy entertainment.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

The central companions cooperate, care for one another, and help each other pursue their hopes and return home.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes friendship, home, self-belief, perseverance, compassion, and discovering that valued qualities may already be within us.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Dorothy and her companions support one another, persist through danger, and show loyalty, though some choices are driven by fear or deception.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Wizard of Oz would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Wizard of Oz, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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