The Wizard of Oz (1939)

US 103m, Colour
Director: Victor Fleming; Cast: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr and Frank Morgan, with Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton

The Wizard of Oz is one of the finest fantasy movies ever made, and considering the relatively early period in which this film was shot, the production values and special effects are astounding. Based on Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the film is one of the most influential in both the history of cinema and in popular culture. It also contains many genuinely heartfelt and wonderfully performed musical numbers which are some of the most memorable in film history. Additionally, the creative art design and fabulous costuming are beautifully executed in extraordinary detail. In short, every aspect of this production is first rate – which is why The Wizard of Oz remains one of the best movies ever made (Klaus Ming February 2010).