IMDb 5.7 1978 HD

The Wiz

The Wiz

1978
Adventure Fantasy Music
134 min G USA
6.1 / 10
5.7 IMDB

Dorothy Gale, a shy kindergarten teacher, is swept away to the magic land of Oz where she embarks on a quest to return home.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Sidney Lumet / Lynne Twentyman / Burtt Harris / Alan Hopkins
Starring
Diana Ross / Michael Jackson / Nipsey Russell / Ted Ross / Mabel King / Theresa Merritt / Thelma Carpenter / Lena Horne

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

iconic vibrant soulful ambitious dazzling uneven curious memorable energetic visually rich flawed unique

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 24, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A triumphant, soul-stirring journey, The Wiz is a cinematic marvel that redefines the Oz narrative. Diana Ross is simply radiant as Dorothy, her performance a masterclass in conveying emotion through song and presence. The film’s direction is masterful,…

C
Charles Finch
May 24, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

The Wiz presents a fascinating, if somewhat perplexing, cinematic undertaking. Diana Ross carries the film with her undeniable star quality, portraying Dorothy with a blend of vulnerability and resilience. The film’s strength lies in its ambitious visual palette…

B
Beatrice Holloway
May 24, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This iteration of The Wiz is a dazzling, disco-infused spectacle that deserves reappraisal. Diana Ross delivers a nuanced performance as Dorothy, grounding the fantastical elements with her star power. The film truly shines in its musicality and visual…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 24, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

The Wiz attempts a bold, contemporary update of Dorothy’s trip to Oz, but the result is a curiously disjointed affair. Diana Ross, while a formidable presence, feels somewhat out of place as the wide-eyed traveller. The film’s visual…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 24, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Diana Ross leads this vibrant, if somewhat uneven, musical reimagining of the Oz legend. As Dorothy, she brings a mature presence to the role, though the film’s energy often stems from its ensemble. Michael Jackson’s portrayal of the…

FAQs

The Wiz stands out due to its ambitious reimagining of a beloved story with a focus on a contemporary R&B and soul soundtrack. The casting of major music stars alongside experienced performers brought a fresh energy to the musical genre. Its visual design and its attempt to infuse the classic Oz narrative with a different cultural sensibility made it a notable entry in the landscape of musical filmmaking.