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The Wizard of Oz poster

The Wizard of Oz

Movie 1939 102 min Adventure, Fantasy, Family Checked by Dan S · 6 Oct 2026
Official Rating G ClearAge 10+

Why our age differs

Official is G. We say 10+ because the witch, flying monkeys, and tornado still frighten many younger kids even in a classic musical

What we flagged

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Violence
Mild
Frightening
Moderate

Our take

The Wizard of Oz is bright and welcoming for much of Dorothy's journey, but the tornado, Wicked Witch, and flying monkeys can still frighten young children. Dorothy remains in danger for a long stretch, even within the musical fantasy. There is no sex or swearing to weigh. We put it at around 10 and up, with a parent nearby for the witch scenes.

Uplifting themes

Friendship, courage, and kindness carry Dorothy farther than magic alone. The film keeps saying home and heart matter. Kids leave with a clear, warm moral Dorothy looks after her friends and keeps going when she is afraid. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion grow kinder and braver together. Adults who help her feel steady and fair Classic songs, early Technicolor, and a simple story about wanting what you already have make a great family talk. It is history of film as well as a fairy tale. Younger viewers can chat about fear versus bravery

Story (may spoil tone)

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.

What we flagged

View all categories

Violence
Mild
Frightening
Moderate

Details

Violence Mild The witch threatens Dorothy and her friends, and flying monkeys carry p…

The witch threatens Dorothy and her friends, and flying monkeys carry people off. An accident with a house and a later water spill end witches in storybook style. Hurt is talked about more than shown in bloody detail

Frightening Moderate The Wicked Witch, her green face, and the flying monkeys still spook ma…

The Wicked Witch, her green face, and the flying monkeys still spook many children. The tornado and the dark castle raise the tension too. Songs and colour soften it, yet the menace sticks for little ones

Child peril / abuse Mild The witch pursues Dorothy, and flying monkeys carry her away. Her frien…

The witch pursues Dorothy, and flying monkeys carry her away. Her friends help rescue her, but she is visibly frightened

Grief / bereavement Mild Dorothy misses home and Aunt Em while she is lost far from Kansas. The…

Dorothy misses home and Aunt Em while she is lost far from Kansas. The ache is gentle and hopeful, not crushing. Loss never becomes the whole story

Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

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Talk after watching

  • Which part felt scary, and which part felt brave or funny?
  • Dorothy learns she already had what she needed. What do you think that means for home and friends?

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