The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1986)
A beloved 1986 Japanese anime adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic Oz novels, following Dorothy's extraordinary journey through a magical world.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Series Information
- Original Title: オズの魔法使い
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1986
- Created by: Hiro Obayashi, Katsu Denka
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Family, Kids, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: TV Tokyo
- Alternative Titles: The Emerald City of Oz (US), OZ国历险记 (CN), De Tovenaar van Oz (NL), Il regno di Oz (IT), Կախարդական քաղաք Օզ (AM), Oz no Mahou Tsukai (JP)
- Production Companies: Meruhensha, Panmedia
- Production Countries: Japan
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Plot
A young girl named Dorothy has gone to live with her grandparents on their small farm. One day when Dorothy is left alone in the house a tornado appears. Dorothy fails to get to the basement in time, and the entire house is picked up and transported to a magical land, falling on and killing a wicked witch. There she is informed by a good witch that she must travel to the Capital of Emerald and meet a great magician who may be able to help her find a way home. Along the way she makes some incredible friends and sees many strange and fantastic things.
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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Hiro Obayashi
- Katsu Denka
Main Cast
- Sumi Shimamoto
- Yoshito Yasuhara
- Takuzō Kamiyama
- Ichiro Nagai
- Masako Nozawa
- Osamu Saka
- Tamio Ohki
- Rihoko Yoshida
- Kazuyo Aoki
- Chie Kitagawa
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - FAQs
Is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz based on a book?
The series draws from L. Frank Baum's beloved Oz book series, beginning with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and continuing through later Oz novels. The anime adapts multiple books from the series, expanding Dorothy's adventures well beyond the single story most Western audiences know.
How many episodes does The Wonderful Wizard of Oz have?
The series ran for 52 episodes across a single season, airing in 1986 on TV Tokyo. Each episode runs approximately 25 minutes, giving the show plenty of room to explore the rich world of Oz and introduce a wide range of characters and adventures.
Who voices Dorothy in the 1986 Oz anime?
Dorothy is voiced by Sumi Shimamoto, a celebrated Japanese voice actress known for her warm and expressive performances. The main cast also includes Yoshito Yasuhara as Scarecrow, Takuzō Kamiyama as Tin Man, and Ichiro Nagai bringing the Cowardly Lion to life.
Where can you watch The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 1986?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1986) is available to purchase on Google Play Movies. For a full overview of viewing options available in your region, JustWatch is a great resource to check current streaming and purchase availability.
Why does the 1986 anime cover so many Oz stories?
With 52 episodes to fill, the production team drew from multiple Oz novels by L. Frank Baum rather than just the first book. This allowed the series to introduce characters like Princess Ozma, Jack Pumpkinhead, and King Gnome, giving fans a much deeper dive into Baum's imaginative world.
What genre is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz anime?
The series blends action, adventure, animation, family entertainment, and fantasy. It was designed for younger audiences but carries enough imaginative storytelling and character depth to appeal to viewers of all ages who enjoy classic fantasy adventure anime.
Who created The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 1986 anime?
The series was created by Hiro Obayashi and Katsu Denka, produced by Meruhensha and Panmedia, and broadcast on TV Tokyo. The music was composed by Takao Naoi, K.S. Yoshimura, and Ray Parker, giving the show a distinctive and memorable sonic identity.
What are some shows similar to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
If you enjoy this series, you might also like Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina, Grimoire of Zero, or The Owl House for their fantasy world-building and adventurous spirit. Unicorn Academy and Peach Boy Riverside are also worth exploring for family-friendly fantasy fun.
More About The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
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