The Wizard of Oz is a classic American fantasy film released in 1939, based on L. Frank Baum s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Directed by Victor Fleming, the movie follows Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas, who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. With the help of her newfound friends—the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion—she embarks on a quest to find the Wizard, who she believes can help her return home. Renowned for its pioneering use of Technicolor, memorable songs like Over the Rainbow, and enduring themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, the film has become an enduring part of popular culture and a beloved classic across genrations.