Where to start
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
4 versions · originally a book, 1999
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz explores the transformative power of friendship and self-discovery within a vibrant, dangerous, and magical landscape.
✦ Most fans start here
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The original novel
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Lyman Frank Baum · Book · 1999
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1999) offers the foundational literary experience, allowing readers to explore the intricate details and original vision of L. Frank Baum’s enduring and beloved classic tale.
1939 film
✦ Start hereThe Wizard of Oz
Victor Fleming · Film · 1939
The Wizard of Oz (1939) provides the definitive cinematic interpretation, capturing the magic of the yellow brick road through iconic visuals and performances that remain the gold standard for this story.
2024 film
Wicked
Jon M. Chu · Film · 2024
Wicked (2024) shifts the perspective to Shiz University, offering a nuanced look at the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda before they fulfill their destinies within the established land of Oz.
2025 film
Wicked: For Good
Jon M. Chu · Film · 2025
Wicked: For Good (2025) concludes the narrative arc of the two leads, focusing on the empathy and honesty required to face an angry mob and secure their shared future in Oz.
Common questions
Is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (book, 1999) the same story as the 1939 movie?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (book, 1999) serves as the source material for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. While both follow Dorothy's journey through the magical land of Oz, the book contains original details and narrative elements that differ from the screen adaptation.
How does the movie Wicked (2024) relate to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
The movie Wicked (2024) is a cinematic adaptation that expands upon the world established in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It provides a backstory for the characters living in Oz, offering a new perspective on the events surrounding the original tale.
Should I read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz before watching the Wicked movies?
Reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (book, 1999) provides necessary context for the setting and characters featured in Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025). Understanding the source material helps viewers identify the origins of the iconic figures and locations depicted in the later film adaptations.
What is the release order for the Wicked films following The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
The film adaptations following the narrative established in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz begin with Wicked (2024). This is followed by the second installment, Wicked: For Good (2025), which continues the story within the same cinematic universe.