The Wiz

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The Wiz

G

In Theaters Sun May 18

2h 13m

Kids & Family

Musical

Adventure

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

47%

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36 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross).

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In Theaters Sun May 18

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Critics Consensus

This workmanlike movie musical lacks the electricity of the stage version (and its cinematic inspiration), but it's bolstered by strong performances by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

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Sidney Lumet

Director

Diana Ross

Dorothy

Michael Jackson

Scarecrow

Richard Pryor

The Wiz

Nipsey Russell

Tinman

Ted Ross

Lion

John Skow

TIME Magazine

So much wit and talent and energy crowd the screen in this lavishly filmed variant of the Oz story that it is depressing to realize that the production never had a chance.

Mar 26, 2019

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Director Sidney Lumet has created what amounts to a love letter to the city of New York, which he equates with Oz.

Mar 26, 2019

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

It's good that the Scarecrow is the first traveling companion she meets; Michael Jackson fills the role with humor and warmth.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 16, 2018

Full Review

KT Mahe

For Your Reference Podcast

The reimagining of The Wiz positions itself as a classic in its own right. Emotion holds through memorable set pieces and legendary performances.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 27, 2024

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…it’s the dirty-glitter staging, not the show that’s the problem, not helped by Lumet shooting all the musical sequences from such an extreme distance that we can rarely see the cast’s faces…

Rated: 3/5

Apr 7, 2024

Full Review

Richard Schertzer

ScreenAnarchy

Whether you love or hate this movie, there is no denying how memorable it truly is and how impactful it has been on the culture of Oz enthusiasts and Black cinema, alike.

Jul 31, 2023

Full Review

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Vanessa

Loved the costumes and choreography! Music is timeless.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

Full Review

Stephen Nachamie

The 4k restoration looks amazing. It sounds amazing. (Great restoration, although the new sound editor added some sound effects not in the original film). The best its ever looked. Used to work at the 2nd ave theatre when it was a live theatre venue, great to revisit. The last time I saw THE WIZ on the big screen was 1978 or early 79 on rundown 42nd Street. Id worn the album out. Bravo all on the restoration.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

Full Review

JOE J

The most underrated and misunderstood and underappreciated movie of all time back in theaters in 4K glory, we are all in heavenly OZ. Can you feel a brand new day. Everybody rejoice.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

Full Review

Kianga

Childhood classic. The movie version of the Play. Will forever live in my mind as a timeless classic. Donna Ross, Michael Jackson, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, etc

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/16/25

Full Review

Tamekia M

THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE FROM MY CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD! I cannot wait to see it on the big screen again!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

Full Review

diva h

film yang sangat sangat menarik dan penuh misteri

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/27/25

Full Review

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Synopsis

When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross).

Director: Sidney Lumet
Producer: Rob Cohen
Screenwriter: Joel Schumacher
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Motown Productions, Universal Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Musical, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 1978, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): May 18, 2025
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Runtime: 2h 13m
Sound Mix: Surround

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